Stress can significantly influence eating patterns and food choices. It often leads to emotional eating, where individuals turn to high-calorie, comfort foods for relief. This can result from the body's fight or flight response, triggering the release of hormones like cortisol that increase appetite. Conversely, some individuals may lose their appetite and skip meals during stressful times. Ultimately, chronic stress can disrupt normal eating habits, leading to unintended weight change and adverse health effects.