Migraines Prevalent Among Overweight Children and Deployed Soldiers

Migraines, a neurological condition that causes severe headaches and other symptoms, are more common among overweight children and deployed soldiers. According to two medical studies, these groups are more susceptible to debilitating headaches due to factors like poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyles, stress, and exposure to chemicals and fumes. The studies highlight the growing health concerns of obesity and migraines, particularly among children and military personnel.

Key Takeaways:

• A study of 2,600 soldiers in Iraq found that 1 in 3 experienced migraines or near-migraines, compared to 1 in 20 soldiers in previous studies.
• Soldiers deployed to Iraq are almost twice as likely to have migraines as civilians in the United States.
• The prevalence of migraines among men in the study was 95 percent, whereas migraines are 400 percent more common in women in the general population.
• Overweight children are almost 50 percent more likely to be disabled by headaches than their thinner peers.
• Children suffering from headaches are 36 percent more likely to be overweight.
• Migraines persistently affect soldiers upon their return to the United States for up to three months.
• Underweight children also tend to have more frequent and "disabling" headaches, but these results are less significant due to the rarity of low weight in American children.
• Behavioral adjustments such as healthy eating and exercising may contribute to improvement in children's headaches and long-term socioeconomic outcomes.
• The link between adult obesity and heightened risk of daily chronic headaches has already been shown in other medical investigations.

Statistics:

• 1 in 3 soldiers (2,600) experienced migraines or near-migraines in the Iraq study.
• Soldiers deployed to Iraq are almost twice as likely to have migraines as civilians in the United States (1:3 vs. 1:20)
• 95 percent of respondents in the Iraq study were men, and migraines are 400 percent more common in women in the general population.
• Overweight children are almost 50 percent more likely to be disabled by headaches than their thinner peers.
• Children suffering from headaches are 36 percent more likely to be overweight.
• Migraines persistently affect soldiers for up to three months after returning to the United States.

Sources:

• Washington, June 22 (UPI) -- By Michael McLaughlin
• UPI News Report by Steve Gunderson
• American Headache Society's report presented via teleconference.