Effect of abdominal obesity on migraine features in Indian population

Abstract

Background: Migraine is a common headache disorder affecting large population globally. Some studies found an association between abdominal obesity (AO) and characteristics of migraine headache, whereas others found no such association. Aims and Objectives: Therefore, this study aims to find out the effect of AO on various clinical characteristics of migraine in Indian population. Materials and Methods: Male and female migraineurs, between 20 and 50 years, were recruited for the study after obtaining informed consent. Details of migraine history (age of onset of headache in years, frequency of headache per month, and duration of pain in hours) and severity according to migraine disability assessment score were noted. Waist circumference (WC) and waist–hip ratio (WHR) were measured for each patient. AO was determined from WC cutoff for the Asian population. Comparison of clinical features of migraine in groups with and without AO was done using independent sample t-test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 50 patients, 21 males and 29 females (age mean [standard deviation] 28.7 [6.8] and mean 30.4 [6.4], respectively) were selected. Differences in WC and WHR were statistically significant between males and females. There was statistically significant difference in severity of migraine in male patients and, severity and frequency of migraine among female patients with and without AO. Conclusion: Individuals with abdominal obesity have increased frequency and severity of Migraine, compared to those without abdominal obesity. Weight loss may have a potential role in controlling migraine frequency and severity.