Key points

Food scarcity can disrupt hunger cues and increase vulnerability to eating disorders.

Unpredictable access to food can turn eating into a source of stress, fear, or guilt.

Past or current food insecurity can shape lasting patterns in how people relate to food.

Emotional strain and shame linked to scarcity can intensify risk of disordered eating.

The rising cost of living continues to strain many households, and interruptions to food assistance programs during the temporary government shutdown added new stress for those already trying to stay afloat. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2023, about 13.5 percent of U.S. households, including 7.2 million children, experienced food insecurity. This is an increase over the previous year's figures, highlighting h

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