Stress contributes to obesity as it alters overall food intake resulting in overeating, says a clinical psychologist.

Loheswary Arumugam, a consultant with KPJ Sentosa KL Specialist Hospital, said chronic life stress influenced the changing of hormones and seemed to be associated with great preference for energy and nutrient-dense foods.

"Stress makes a person crave for food containing high sugar and fat that leads to change in eating style. The fat accumulates around the abdomen, causing obesity.

"To prevent obesity, we have to overcome stress, perhaps by substituting certain foods and drinking more plain water...(and) Following simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing would help," she said in a talk, 'Stress and Obesity' at Wisma Bernama today.

The talk was organised by the Bernama Housewives and Women Staff Association, mainly for its 'Biggest Loser' programme participants.

Arumugam said there were many reasons for stress, including work problems and social strains and the sleep deprivation that they caused.

She said prolonged stress responses could be harmful and might cause diseases such as diabetes, dyslipidemia (an abnormal amount of lipids such as cholestrol in the blood) and hypertension.

She added that learning how to manage stress would help to regain balance and it could be done by adopting a healthy lifestyle, with regular exercise and good eating and sleeping habits - as well as taking a daily break from technology.

Health Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya was reported to have said that obesity was a huge problem in the country, with one out of three Malaysians aged 40 to 59, overweight.

-- BERNAMA