Study: Higher Credit Card Balances Tied to Unhealthy Eating Habits

A new study from the Journal of Consumer Research has found that as you max out your credit card limit, you are also more likely to see your weight go up as well.

1,000 households were followed over a six month period, and the study followed their credit card activity and the household grocery list. As it turns out, there was a correlation between families who charged their grocery bill to their credit card and families who bought a significant amount of junk food. The study explains, “The pain of paying in cash can curb impulsive urges to purchase…unhealthy food products. Credit card payments, in contrast, are relatively painless and weaken impulse control.”

The results of the study make a lot of sense, especially if you understand how grocery stores are arranged to encourage impulse shopping. When a person comes to the store with a grocery list and a clear notion of what they need to get and how much they can spend, there isn’t room for impulse shopping. If they are planning to charge it to a credit card, however, it changes their attitude. A bag of chips doesn’t seem like a big deal. The sugary snacks are on sale and placed on the end of the aisles. In the check-out line, shoppers will wait their turn while surrounded by candy bars, and even the strongest of wills can break down.

To curb your credit card balance and your waistline, we recommend putting together a grocery budget and grocery list ahead of time, and bring cash or a debit card instead of a credit card to the store. Some stores also offer a candy-free check-out lane if you still aren't sure you can make it out of the store without a Butterfinger. It can be tough, but your physical health and financial health will be better for it.

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