#BMI

A growing body of scientific evidence shows that exercise alone may do far less for weight loss than once believed. Recent studies, as discussed in Psychology Today, confirm that while physical activity confers significant health benefits, its direct effect on body mass index (BMI) is minimal—especially compared to dietary changes. For many Thais striving to lose weight, this revelation upends traditional advice and encourages a fresh, evidence-based approach to managing obesity and related health concerns.

A new wave of scientific studies has challenged the widespread belief that regular exercise is the primary driver for weight loss, particularly with respect to reducing Body Mass Index (BMI). According to recent research summarized by Psychology Today, while exercise brings numerous health benefits, its direct impact on BMI is far less substantial than most people—and many fitness advertisements—would suggest psychologytoday.com.

For many Thais and others worldwide striving to manage weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle, the findings are significant. They counter the commonly held view that hours spent in the gym or jogging local parks will necessarily translate into notable weight loss. This misconception has often guided public health campaigns and individual choices, sometimes at the expense of more effective methods.

A groundbreaking study published on June 26, 2025 in the Annals of Family Medicine has revealed that body fat percentage (BF%) is a significantly better predictor of both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality than the widely used body mass index (BMI), particularly in adults aged 20 to 49. This major shift in understanding could have profound implications for how Thai clinicians and public health officials assess obesity and related health risks across the country.

A new global analysis suggests alternate-day fasting may offer slightly greater benefits for weight and cholesterol management than intermittent fasting, according to evidence from nearly 100 clinical trials. As interest in dietary strategies grows in Thailand, especially amidst rising rates of metabolic syndrome and obesity, this research highlights fresh possibilities—and caveats—for Thai readers considering alternative nutritional approaches.

With 2.5 billion adults worldwide classed as overweight and more than 890 million living with obesity according to the World Health Organization (who.int), weight management is an increasingly urgent public health issue. Thailand is not exempt, with national surveys showing the prevalence of overweight and obesity rising steadily in recent years (healthdata.org). These trends are tightly linked to escalating rates of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, deeply affecting Thai families and healthcare systems alike.