A large study of more than 22,200 people showed some surprising new insights into risk factors for migraine. The new study, which is slated to be presented at The American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting in April of this year, highlighted the following:
In people aged 20 to 55, people with bigger waistlines were more likely to experience migraine headaches
37% of women who had excess abdominal weight reported migraines, as opposed to 29% of women without excess belly fat
In men in the same age group, 20% of those with bigger bellies reported suffering from migraines, compared to 16% with trim waistlines
After the age of 55, women actually showed a decline in migraines, even in those with larger waistlines
What does the study mean for migraine sufferers? It would seem that losing excess fat in the abdominal area may be beneficial in both men and women who suffer from migraine headaches, especially for women in the studied age group.
A migraine can cause disabling symptoms and may come on with little or no warning. Some are preceded by auras, or sensory warning signs (vision changes, tingling in the face or extremities, light sensitivity). They may last for hours or days, and can cause considerable upheaval in the sufferer’s life. This new study offers new insight and hope for a method to decrease the risk of this painful and debilitating neurological phenomenon.
Related Links:
Video: Preventing Migraines from illumistream
Migraine from the Mayo Clinic
Headaches and Migraine Center from Web MD
