Chronic stress causes changes in the feedback loop between the adrenals and the brain and the pituitary, which leads to elevated cortisol and epinephrine levels with detrimental effects on the body. Excessive cortisol levels can lead to negative feedback, and the brain and pituitary shut down CRH and ACTH, which would stimulate more cortisol otherwise.
Chronic stress can cause changes in the feedback loop between the adrenals, brain and pituitary, leading to elevated levels of cortisol and epinephrine, which can have many harmful effects. However, there are ways to adjust these hormone levels, even when stressed, to minimize their negative impact.
Chronic stress can lead to an increase in hunger, specifically craving comfort foods that are high in sugar and fat. Short-term stress, on the other hand, can actually block hunger.