Last Updated on November 17, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta
Migraine and obesity have a connection. Obesity causes migraine and the risk of migraine increases with weight gain. People with migraine and healthy body weights are at a lower risk of headaches than people with migraine who are overweight. The American Migraine Foundation website informs obesity five times increases the chance of developing chronic migraine.
Obesity does not cause migraine. Rather, it’s a risk factor. This means being obese makes it more likely to develop migraine.
In the answer below, we have explained the impact of weight on the frequency of migraine attacks and other common questions.
Does weight gain cause migraine?
It is possible. Weight can cause migraine because obesity is a changeable risk factor for headaches. The available scientific evidence shows that obesity keeps the body in an abnormal state. In this state, the body produces pain-generating hormones. Similar pain-generating hormones are released during a migraine attack. This explains a reason why obese people might suffer from regular migraine attacks.
Can losing weight help with migraine?
Possible. Losing weight can reduce the risk of migraine. A study published in 2013 shows that overweight people can reduce the severity and frequency of migraines by shedding a few calories. In cases where overweight people suffer from mild migraine attacks, maintaining a healthy weight can completely remove the chance of getting frequent headaches. This means maintaining a healthy weight through lifestyle changes can reduce migraine symptoms.
Can a healthy diet reduce migraine?
To a certain extent. There is no specific ‘migraine diet’ that can cure the condition or reduce regular attacks. However, a good diet can help overweight people shed extra calories. Research published in 2020 shows ketogenic, high-folate, low-fat, modified Atkins, and high omega-3/low omega-6 diets can help people maintain a healthy weight and reduces the chance of regular migraine attacks.
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