Obesity Can Lead to Chronic Headaches

A recent study by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York has shown that obese people are much more likely to experience chronic headaches. In fact, they are 30% more likely to experience chronic headaches than people that are considered normal weight. In addition, the frequency and intensity of the headaches are more severe and tend to increase as weight increases.



Headaches and other medical problems have led many obese people to explore the options of gastric bypass and lap band surgery. Gastric bypass is the method that most people are familiar with and that has been popularized in the media both for its results and for its adverse side effects. Although this may be an option for those that are morbidly obese, it is less than idea for those who are only considered over weight or slightly obese. Instead, many are considering Laparoscopic surgery or lap band surgery. It is less invasive and requires less time in surgery. Also, recovery time is much shorter and side effects, if any, are less severe than those experienced with a gastric bypass.

As more studies are conducted, it is becoming quite evident that obesity is a major risk factor for a variety of medical conditions including migraine headaches, heart disease, and even some types of cancer. If you are obese and suffer from chronic headaches, talk with your physician and explore the options that are available to you. If exercise and a change of diet are insufficient then your only option may be surgery.