Mariah Carey arrives for the Apollo Theatre's 75th anniversary gala in New York, June 8, 2009.[Agencies]

Mariah Carey has gained 15lbs during the recording of her new album.

The 'Hero' singer is gorging on calorific treats as she works on her next release and is embracing her new, curvier figure.

A source told the New York Post newspaper: "Mariah loves food. Right now she's making an album and eating everything and anything she wants. She has put on about 15lbs, but she loves the curves."

However, the 40-year-old star - who is married to rapper Nick Cannon - will undergo a strict fitness regime when she has to promote the LP.

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The source added: "She'll definitely tone up again when she releases her album, but as of now, she's stuffing her face."

Although she is satisfying her appetite, Mariah recently revealed the stress of recording new material has led to sleepless nights.

The 'Honey' hitmaker is struggling to drop off at night and has taken to watching her husband Nick Cannon doze peacefully while she is wide awake.

She wrote on her Twitter page: "I just finished working out. Whooo! Quite naturally, 'its 5am and I still can't sleep'(sung like 'crybaby' from 'Rainbow' 99)lol Who's up?

"Nick is too cute when he's sleep! I wish he didn't have to work tomorrow so he could help me sleep all day and I could sing all nite (sic)!"