The article explores the complex relationship between chronic stress, glucocorticoids (GCs), and obesity, particularly the consumption of "comfort food." GCs have both acute and chronic effects on the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Acutely, they inhibit adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) secretion, but chronically, they act excitatory on the brain, increasing the expression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) mRNA in the amygdala, enhancing the salience of pleasurable activities, and promoting abdominal fat deposition. These mechanisms can lead to increased body weight and abdominal obesity, especially in chronically stressed individuals. The authors propose that people consume comfort food to reduce the activity of the chronic stress-response network, which is associated with anxiety. This model, supported by studies in rats, may explain the epidemic of obesity in society. The article also discusses the implications for human health, suggesting that eating comfort food can provide temporary relief from stress but may have long-term health consequences.The article explores the complex relationship between chronic stress, glucocorticoids (GCs), and obesity, particularly the consumption of "comfort food." GCs have both acute and chronic effects on the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Acutely, they inhibit adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) secretion, but chronically, they act excitatory on the brain, increasing the expression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) mRNA in the amygdala, enhancing the salience of pleasurable activities, and promoting abdominal fat deposition. These mechanisms can lead to increased body weight and abdominal obesity, especially in chronically stressed individuals. The authors propose that people consume comfort food to reduce the activity of the chronic stress-response network, which is associated with anxiety. This model, supported by studies in rats, may explain the epidemic of obesity in society. The article also discusses the implications for human health, suggesting that eating comfort food can provide temporary relief from stress but may have long-term health consequences.