Research Spotlight: Weight Loss Medications and Migraine
By: Brooklyn A. Bradley, BS; Medically edited by Dr. Deena Kuruvilla, MD
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At the Brain Health Institute, we are committed to staying at the forefront of research that bridges metabolic and neurological health. A newly published pilot study suggests that liraglutide, a medication originally developed for weight management, may also reduce the frequency of migraine attacks in people with obesity [2].
This discovery represents a potentially important shift in how we understand and treat migraine, particularly among patients who also struggle with metabolic health. Our own Dr. Kuruvilla, Medical Director of the Brain Health Institute, was featured in a recent Health article discussing the implications of this research [3].
In the small, randomized controlled trial, researchers examined the effect of daily liraglutide injections on patients with obesity who also experienced frequent migraine attacks. Participants were monitored over several months for changes in migraine frequency and intensity. At the end of the study, the mean (SD) monthly days with headache decreased from 19.8 (6.7) to 10.7 (7.7) days post-treatment. There was no significant change in BMI. The participants also recorded substantial boosts in quality of life via a tool called the Migraine Disability Assessment Test. While the sample size was limited, this pilot study supports a growing body of evidence that suggests migraine is not just a neurological disorder but also a systemic condition influenced by metabolism, inflammation, and hormone regulation.
Migraine affects more than 1 billion people globally and is one of the leading causes of disability among individuals under 50 [4]. Patients may experience not only the burden of recurrent migraine attacks but also coexisting conditions like obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome—all of which may exacerbate the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Understanding that a medication like liraglutide could potentially treat both weight-related issues and migraine frequency opens up new, integrated treatment options for patients living with these overlapping challenges.
For patients who experience both migraine and obesity, this research opens up new and hopeful possibilities. However, it’s important to keep in mind that liraglutide is not currently FDA-approved for migraine prevention. Its use for this purpose is considered “off-label” and should only be pursued under the guidance of a healthcare professional. In addition, this study was relatively small, and more large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and clarify best practices for prescribing. GLP-1 receptor agonists can have side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in rare cases, pancreatitis or gallbladder issues [5].
To schedule an appointment or learn more about migraine and metabolic health, contact the Brain Health Institute today.
References:
- Photo by Haberdoedas Photography: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-semaglutide-injection-pen-on-surface-32532049/
- Braca S, Russo CV, Stornaiuolo A, et al (2025) Effectiveness and tolerability of liraglutide as add‐on treatment in patients with obesity and high‐frequency or chronic migraine: A prospective pilot study. Headache head.14991. https://doi.org/10.1111/head.14991
- Popular Weight Loss Drugs May Help Treat Migraines Too, Study Finds. In: Health. https://www.health.com/liraglutide-glp1-weight-loss-medication-migraine-study-11767637. Accessed 11 Jul 2025
- Migraine Statistics and Facts. In: Migraine.com. https://migraine.com/migraine-statistics. Accessed 11 Jul 2025c
- Filippatos TD, Panagiotopoulou TV, Elisaf MS (2014) Adverse Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. Rev Diabet Stud 11:202–230. https://doi.org/10.1900/RDS.2014.11.202