How is Headache Linked to People's Weight? Published January 25th, 2021 - 09:03 GMT (Shutterstock/ File Photo) As worldwide obesity rates continue to soar, new research shows that growing numbers of people are developing a potentially blinding type of weight-linked headache that was once considered rare. Though the study was conducted in Wales, one U.S. expert said the same surge in these headaches is likely happening in this country and elsewhere. He cautioned, however, that just because someone is obese and has headaches doesn't mean he or she have this rare headache, known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, or IIH. "Obese individuals are at greater risk for more frequent migraine, too," noted Dr. Brian Grosberg, director of the Hartford HealthCare Headache Center in Connecticut.