Being seriously overweight can nearly double a person's chances of suffering migraines, a study has found.
Obese people were 81 per cent more likely to have episodic migraines than those of normal weight, scientists found.
Episodic migraines affect the vast majority of sufferers, who have the severe headaches for less than 15 days a month. In contrast, those with chronic migraines feel unwell for more than half the days in the month.
The research suggests that weight loss and exercise could help those who suffer from migraines. The findings also indicated the link between the condition and obesity is stronger in those under the age of 50.
"Previous studies have shown a link between people with chronic migraines and obesity, but the research has been conflicting on whether that link existed for those with less frequent attacks," said researcher Dr Barbara Lee Peterlin, of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.
