WEDNESDAY, Sept. 11 (HealthDay News) -- The odds of episodic migraine (EM) are increased in obese individuals, compared to normal-weight individuals, according to a study published online Sept. 11 in Neurology.
B. Lee Peterlin, D.O., from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and colleagues analyzed data from 3,862 adults (both black and white race) participating in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. The International Classification of Headache Disorders was used as the basis for EM diagnosis. Classification of body mass index included underweight (<18.5 kg/m²), normal (18.5 to 24.9 kg/m²), overweight (25 to 29.9 kg/m²), or obese (≥30 kg/m²).
The researchers found that 188 participants had EM. The odds of EM were 81 percent greater in individuals who were obese compared with those of normal weight, with a significant trend of increasing odds of EM with increasing obesity status (from normal weight to overweight to obese). The odds of EM were significantly greater in obese individuals who were younger than 50 years of age (odds ratio [OR], 1.86); white (OR, 2.06); or female (OR, 1.95), compared to the odds of EM in normal-weight individuals.
"The odds of EM are increased in those with obesity, with the strongest relationships among those younger than 50 years, white individuals, and women," the authors write.
One author disclosed financial ties to GlaxoSmithKline and Luitpold Pharmaceuticals.
Abstract
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