Final answer:
Stress promotes water retention, leading to weight gain through the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stress can promote water retention, which can lead to weight gain, due to the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. This system is stimulated by stress and leads to the release of aldosterone, a hormone that promotes sodium reabsorption in the kidneys. Sodium retention then leads to water retention, resulting in weight gain.