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Obesity in the Pediatric HeadachePopulation:
A Multi-Center Study
Hershey, AD, et al.
Posted: January 2007  
Abstract Presented at:
48th Annual Scientific Meeting
American Headache Society
Los Angeles, CA June 22-25, 2006

Objectives:   To assess the association between pediatric obesity and headache.

Background:   The prevalence of obesity in the United States is increasing in both adults and children. Adult studies have shown a correlation between obesity and headache. Studies to assess the association of pediatric obesity and headache are needed.

Methods:   440 consecutive patients at 7 centers were evaluated. The patients’ height, weight, gender, age BMI percentile were calculated.

Conclusions:   Obesity occurs at a higher rate in children presenting to tertiary pediatric headache center compared with the general population. This elevated BMI is significantly correlated with disability, suggesting a combined contribution to disability. Further studies are needed to assess the impact on frequency and disability in response to weight control.