Exercise: A Key to Well-being Beyond the Scales

A light, everyday activity is drawing attention in the health community: short, easy walks after meals or at any convenient time. This simple habit, playfully dubbed “fart walks” by a British physician, is being studied as a practical way to support longevity and wellbeing among older adults. The idea highlights that meaningful health benefits can come from modest movement, not just intense workouts.

What is a fart walk? It’s a short, relaxed walk with no fixed pace, duration, or destination. The name nods to the digestive relief that can accompany gentle movement, but the benefits extend to cardiovascular health, mobility, and mood.

A growing body of evidence and discussion is reframing exercise as more than a tool for weight loss. Research and everyday experience show that physical activity supports mental health, brain function, social connection, and overall well-being—often without measurable changes on the scale.

The conversation now centers on why people move and what keeps them engaged. Many grew up equating activity with losing weight, facing discouragement when results lagged. New voices encourage seeing movement as a source of joy, personal agency, and stress relief—not merely a means to sculpt the body. For some, this means swapping grueling routines for enjoyable options like pet-friendly jogs, weight training, group classes, or simple nature walks. The focus is on personal exploration and a friendlier relationship with one’s body.

A major international review shows that exercise can significantly lessen the side-effects of cancer treatments. The findings, reported this week, come from the largest study of its kind and underscore physical activity as a core part of cancer care. For Thailand, where cancer cases are rising and survivorship care is increasingly prioritized, the update is especially timely.

Cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted drugs save lives but often cause fatigue, reduced physical function, anxiety, and mood changes. Thai and global oncologists have long recognized these challenges, yet effective, validated solutions were scarce. The new review draws on numerous clinical trials and provides strong evidence that structured, supervised exercise during treatment can ease these adverse effects. Research by leading institutions shows improvements in strength, endurance, and mental wellbeing tied to regular movement.