“Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son.”

- Dean Wormer, Animal House

That’s about the best advice that I’ve ever heard in a movie. But substitute “indebted” for “drunk” and it seems that far too many of us are going down that path, which really is stupid.

A recent study in Japan shows that there is a strong connection between obesity and debt.  People in debt are more likely to be overweight. Researchers used data from a survey of nearly 3000 people that showed, with the exception of mortgages that those in debt were significantly more obese than the debt-free. The study also showed that those who were debt averse were more likely to be underweight. These trends were similar for both men and women.

The chief researcher, Economics Professor Fumio Ohtake  of Osaka University, believes that the data is proof that a person’s ability to forgo current consumption for a future payoff is the common factor linking the fat and the bankrupt. According to Ohtake, ”Those people who place a higher value on immediate consumption both eat too much and borrow too much. On the other hand people who are very patient are able to save money and also eat less.”

A German study from the summer had similar findings, with the risk of being overweight or obese doubling with increasing indebtedness.

This idea isn’t new; just look at the post regarding the parallels between fitness and finance from the great blog at Five Cent Nickel. It was published back in 2008 and offers up a great take on the subject. Getting right with your midsection and your money require a lot of the same approaches, like recognizing it’s a long-term process and doing what works for you. Putting down the credit card and putting down the Creamsicle are equally hard when it means delaying some gratification.

With the studies factoring in things like age and income, the final analysis is that a lot of people simply lack the discipline needed to stay physically and fiscally fit.

But before you think I’m picking on the poor and pudgy, know that my own tendencies towards overindulgence (in food, drink and spending) have me tipping the scales at 200+ pounds and tipping waiters 20 percent on some hefty dinner bills. I won’t plead the Fifth Amendment and exercise my privilege against self- incrimination, but I’ll take a double helping of that freedom of speech stuff.

Even more troublesome that all that is the fear that we run the risk of “recession obesity” as people swap healthy fresh food for cheap processed fare from the 99 cent value menu. Not only is fast food cheaper, but it’s also more satisfying when you’re feeling down and crave the quick fix of fat and sugar. Recognize that saving money doesn’t mean eating worse, especially with sites like Frugal Recipes and others that help you eat well on the cheap.

So be aware, take care and don’t neglect working out your bottom as you work on your bottom line.

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