Existing hypotheses suggests a direct relationship between food insecurity and disordered eating, due to the cognitive effects of food restriction and/or the food choices and eating behaviors associated with food insecurity. People with FI often rely on inexpensive, energy-dense, processed foods that are highly palatable, which can itself be a trigger for food cravings and disrupt the hormonal control of appetite regulation. Some people with FI report misjudging the amount of food needed early in the month and experiencing scarcity while waiting for their next benefit period