Being obese may be more than just a metaphorical headache – according to a study released this week, obesity may actually increase the risk of getting migraine headaches. The study finds that both men and women with excessive belly fat are more likely to suffer from migraines or other types of severe headaches.

The study examined data from a U.S. Government heath survey of more than 22,000 people and found that people between the ages of 20 and 55 who were considered obese based on their waist circumference were more likely to report suffering from migraines. Nearly 37 percent of obese women in this age group said they had migraines, compared to 29 percent of women who did have excess body fat. About 20 percent of obese men aged 20 to 55 reported migraines, while only 16 percent of non-obese men did.

Complete results of the study will be presented at the upcoming annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Seattle.

Migraines are severe headaches that are sometimes accompanied by visual disturbances, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. They are more common in women, tend to run in families, and are most prevalent between the ages of 20 and 45. Migraines affect an estimated 10 percent of the U.S. population, but the percentage is much higher among young and middle-aged adults.

According to the study authors, their findings suggest that losing weight in the stomach area may help young and middle-aged people with migraines, especially women. The next step in this line of research is to demonstrate that losing weight from around the belly actually reduces migraines in this age group.

While there are already several very compelling health reasons to lose weight if you are obese – reductions in the risk of heart attack, stroke, osteoarthritis, certain forms of cancer, and dementia, to name a few – all of them are "future" risks. Someone who has excruciating migraines may be more motivated to lose weight if he or she knew it might help rid them of the headaches they already have.

For more information on migraines, read the Healia Health Guide on Migraine, or share your experiences in the Healia Health Community for Migraine Headache.

_{Photo: silas216, Flickr, Creative Commons}