EMAIL THREAD

Does Bulk Buying Breed Obesity ?

Has anyone ever noticed that almost everyone that shops at Costco are very overweight?

Thu. Jun 21, 3:12pm

I think excess could certainly lead to obesity but you have to remember that people have always hoarded and stored items (pickling, freezing, canning, etc.) so they'd last over winters or for long periods of time.

I really think it comes down to the choices that people make that really makes a difference (e.g. buying frozen vegetables vs. buying frozen chicken nuggets or pizzas).

Thursday, June 21, 2007, 3:51 PM

I don't shop at Costco for the following reasons.

1. I don't care how much I 'save' when buying food in bulk - I never get out of there for less than $200 and I still spend the same amount at the grocery store (I track every penny in a spreadsheet) Plus I tend to buy things I don't need just because it's "a good deal".

2. Unless I go to the trouble of re-packaging the larger amounts the moment I get home - it's never convenient to do so later. Then when I wish to use the product I have a huge amount it and the temptation to take a larger serving than normal is great when you're running late, starved and tired.

On a philosophical level I think Costco is a temptation for those who fall into the trap of thinking more is better. I would rather pay a bit more for less and not waste or overindulge - it's a whole way of looking at life. So I don't think buying in bulk makes you overweight, but I do think that mentality is one of the reasons some people become overweight.

Thursday, June 21, 2007, 4:12 PM

i am not overweight and i shop at costco all the time! i buy lots of things that aren't food related and do not cause me to overeat that save me money including gasoline.

for example-
toothpaste
deoderant
tp
replacement soniccare toothbrush heads (3 for $30, target sells them 2 for $30)
bodywash
shave gel
replacement shaver heads
paper towels
paper plates
napkins
trash bags
cleaning products

Thursday, June 21, 2007, 4:36 PM

Costco has cheaper prescriptions.

Thursday, June 21, 2007, 4:37 PM

Cat food and litter too.....and I get lots of books there at great prices..... and ink for my printer. I buy frozen fish to keep in my freezer and seltzer water and walnuts...also organic lettuce. Don't buy much else in the food department. Still I do pretty well at the end of the year. It's worth the price of membership.

Thursday, June 21, 2007, 4:53 PM

OP Here

The reason I started this thread is I had to dash into Costco today (their steaks are great). When I go I usually pick-up the meat, and vaeggies / fruit, and maybe some frozen items like shrimp, bulk toiletries, books. Sometimes I get a cart sometimes not, but the one thing that I have noted consistently is that the greater percentage of shoppers are very overweight. I actually think that I am one of the skinniest people there.
What gets me is what people have in their carts, frozen junk food, chips, pop, cookies, candy, brownies, and of course it is bulk.
Its interesting, almost anthropological

Thursday, June 21, 2007, 7:00 PM

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