Stress can have a serious impact on how much you weigh. Sometimes it can lead to weight loss. Other times, it can lead to serious weight gain. 1 A stressful event, like the loss of a loved one, a divorce, or a financial crisis may lead to weight change. Chronic stress may also lead to weight change over time. Why Weight Change Happens Stressful experiences may lead to a change in habits. Someone going through a tough time may lose their appetite and skip meals. Chronic stress may lead to an increase in appetite—and an increase in cravings for unhealthy food. Slowly, over the course of several months or even a year, the weight gain may accumulate. Weight change may also result due to hormonal changes triggered by stress. The body's response to stress has been linked to changes in metabolism, insulin, and fat storage. The Link Between Stress and Cortisol Stress triggers a fight or flight response in your body. This resp...