Cortisol is one of the body’s main stress hormones, sending messages around the body without us being aware. Continuously secreting high amounts of Cortisol induces physiological changes. Two of these changes relate to hunger and cravings. Excess cortisol = Hunger + Cravings for sweets and fatty foods

When a combination of excess calories meets the hormonal influence of cortisol and insulin, stomach fat is stored. It is a much a hormonal cause as it is a caloric one