Stress hormones, particularly cortisol, can significantly impact weight gain by promoting fat storage and muscle breakdown. When under chronic stress, the body increases cortisol production, leading to heightened appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods. Elevated cortisol levels can also interfere with metabolism, making it harder for the body to lose weight. Furthermore, stress may lead individuals to engage in emotional eating as a coping mechanism, compounding weight gain issues. Managing stress through healthy outlets like exercise, mindfulness, or therapy can help mitigate these effects and support weight management.