Even though it does not contribute to the OP's question, I would like to add that I always assumed some genetic variance on weight, from anecdotal observations within my extended family.
For example, one sibling and I have inherited a lot of physical traits from my normal-to-slender sized father. We have also maintained normal weight throughout life well into middle- and old age (my dad died age 90+ without ever been overweight).
Other siblings inherited my (overweight-to-obese) mother's predominant physical traits - and have been obese (even morbidly so) all their adult lives.
Observing them, I can see distinctively different eating patterns: my father, sibling 1 and I are less "comfort-eating", we have a tendency for simple, no-fuss foods. My mother's "side" is heavily into elaborate, rich, social meals. We have all been brought up pretty much the same way, still there are those striking differences in our relationship with and preferences of food.
The question stays what is cause and effect, ofc. Still, it's interesting to see how this permeates through generations: Sibling 1 and I have married skinny men (leading to slender offspring). The other side's got together with other "big" folks, and their kids are typically obese as well ...
I have always found this quite fascinating, so I think this fits the most recent discussion here which has been beneficial for me (being a simple dieting case within "normal" weight range). So thanks again.
Still, this does not help the OP. I have no idea how to mitigate "stress-eating", unfortunately.
I just think that if stress is one of the drivers of weight-gain here, a simple "controlled eating suggestion" may not be sufficient, but add guilt to the stress ...
Edit: Just wanted to also point out that often the slim faction doesn't quite get the challenges of the overweight faction b/c for them it is typically no big deal to adjust. So I wanted to share this from the perspective of observing both sides.
