Women who are financially reckless are more likely to lead unhealthy lives, according to University College London (UCL) researchers.

The new study, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, linked financial imprudence to other impulsive habits.

In particular, the study suggested that impulsive spenders were splashing cash on comfort food.

Dr Stian Reimers, of the Centre for Economic Learning and Social Evolution at UCL, said: "Our research shows that people with an impulsive money-today attitude are more likely to smoke and more likely to be overweight, which may reflect a preference for [the] immediate pleasure of nicotine and food over long-term good health."

The 40,000 participants asked if they would rather have £45 in three days or £70 to spend over three months, nearly half chose the £45, suggesting an unhealthy lifestyle.

In 2007, 24 per cent of adults were classified as obese in the UK, according to statistics from the NHS Information Centre, with the Department of Health suggesting that obesity can be tackled by regular exercise, perhaps in women's fitness wear.

"Treatment for obesity should first be based on lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity and improved diet and nutrition," explained a spokesperson for the department. ADNFCR-2569-ID-19344498-ADNFCR

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