Abstract

Objective: Migraine affects approximately 20% of the general population. This study evaluated the effects of anthropometric measurements on migraine. We aimed to investigate the relationship between migraine and various anthropometric indices as superior indicators of regional body fat distribution.

Methods: This study included 190 participants. Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and neck circumference (NC) were measured. These measurements were used to calculate body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and a body shape index (ABSI). The relationships between these anthropometric parameters and the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) scale were evaluated.

Results: BMI, WHR, and HC were significantly associated with migraine status (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.040, respectively). Among migraine patients, attack frequency correlated significantly with BMI, WHtR, WC, NC, and HC, whereas ABSI showed no significant association with attack frequency or severity (p = 0.746).

Conclusion: BMI, WHR, and HC are significantly associated with migraine. No correlation was observed between ABSI and migraine attack frequency or severity. Furthermore, a significant relationship was identified between MIDAS scores, HC, and WHtR.

Keywords: migraine , a body shape index, Migraine Disability Assessment, waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index

Copyright and license

How to cite

1.
Akbaş Güneş N, Akünal C, Özdemir Ç. The relationship between anthropometric measurements and the frequency and severity of attacks in migraine patients in western Türkiye. Northwestern Med J. 2026;6(3):218-24. https://doi.org/10.54307/NWMJ.2026.237