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There are currently a few studies out that indicate that stress raises the level of cortisol in our systems which then leads to weight gain. These are looked at somewhat skeptically by some researchers as high stress also results in weight loss as well as weight sometimes remaining stationary.
If we use our usually highly developed powers of observation, we can see that individuals handle stress differently. The ones who are vulnerable to self-soothing with food almost invariably overeat. It is known in the vernacular as a no-brainer.

There is a great deal of intense research, study and speculation beyond the cortisol argument. Different body types, different metabolisms, people raised in different backgrounds and other factors, some extremely difficult to measure, all contribute to how a person responds to stress. A person with alcoholism in their family history and perhaps in their physiology very frequently responds to difficulties by attempting to reduce the stress by using or abusing alcohol. Only rarely now days do we see studies advancing the idea that stress causes drunkenness, but even more particularly alcoholism itself.
There is a very strong school of thought that weight gain is caused primarily by compulsive overeating as a long-standing coping device. This would apply not only to coping with stress but to simply functioning. The condition already exists prior to stress factors and it is the default behavior when that person is unable to deal effectively with their feelings.
In addition, as weight gain progresses, it exacerbates low feelings about oneself, reduces agility and mobility and lowers overall health thus increasing even more stress and painful feelings to manage. It can take a great deal of education and support for people to begin using techniques that truly address their emotional pain. Exercise routines, psychotherapy, Overeaters Anonymous, and in some cases anti-depressant medication all provide tools for dealing with one's interior emotional world. A brownie may seem like a quick emotional fix, but true solutions will be effective not only in the short-term but as an enduring lifestyle.

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