Do you know any impulse buyers? You know, those folks who just can't pass up purchasing something that strikes their fancy. Maybe you fit this category. I do. Sometimes. Well, if you buy on impulse, then you might eat on impulse too because both practices are securely rooted in the brain.

"The prefrontal cortex, just behind the forehead, helps control impulsivity," says Patrick Haggard, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University College London. "People who act more spontaneously often have less activity in this area."

There may not be anything you can do about the impulses that drive your behavior but becoming aware of this tendency can help you control the impulses that might get you into trouble.

Want tips for cutting back on impulse buying? Click here. How about impulse eating? Click here.