HEALTH TOPICS 
Q. Why do some people gain weight when they feel
stressed?
A. People who eat in response to stress
are likely to find themselves packing on pounds for the same
reason other people gain weight – because they are eating more
calories than they are burning. However research also suggests
that chronic stress raises the level of chemicals that increase
appetite, especially for food rich in carbohydrates.
Q. Are you more likely to get sick when you are
stressed?
A. Several studies have concluded that
you may be more likely to get a cold when you are under stress.
Although other research has shown that both short- and long-term
stress affects particular immune system cells, it's not yet clear
whether this increases the risk of disease.
Q. Why does my stomach hurt when I'm feeling
stressed?
A. A combination of psychological and
physical factors can trigger gastrointestinal pain and other
symptoms. Gastric acid secretion can increase, which may lead to
heartburn and inflammation of the esophagus. Stress can also
cause abnormal contractions in the small intestine and colon,
which may result in abdominal discomfort.
Q. How does stress affect my
heart?
A. Chronic stress damages your blood
vessels in a number of ways. As blood pressure rises, the walls
of your arteries may become damaged. Research also suggests that
stress hormones may increase your cholesterol levels, which
contributes to the formation of fatty plaques that can block the
arteries.
Q. Is stress always bad?
A. Not at all. Researchers have found
that as stress or anxiety increases, so do performance and
efficiency – at least initially. At a certain point, though,
rising stress becomes detrimental. That's why it's important to
learn how to manage stress. You may not be able to avoid
stressful situations, but you can learn how to change how you
respond to them.