#Bodyimage

When a young Toronto photographer committed to daily yoga at the start of the pandemic, it was the first step in a profound personal transformation — not only of her body, but her attitude toward health, fitness, and food. Her five-year journey, recently profiled in Business Insider, reflects experiences increasingly echoed by research and expert opinion: embracing a movement routine that sparks joy can fundamentally reshape mind and body, leading to sustainable, holistic well-being. The story holds timely lessons for readers in Thailand, a country where yoga’s popularity continues to rise and where many seek balance between modern health ideals and traditional values.

A recent study has found that young men who struggle to adapt their thoughts and behaviors related to body image and exercise are significantly more likely to develop unhealthy exercise habits—especially if they have a strong desire to build muscle. The findings, published in Eating Behaviors and reported by PsyPost, highlight a psychological factor that might help explain why some men in Thailand and around the world develop dangerous exercise routines or compulsions.

A growing number of individuals worldwide are seeking ways to increase their protein intake for health or fitness reasons, while simultaneously managing or recovering from eating disorders—a deeply personal struggle that is now gaining attention in research and support communities. The challenges highlighted in a recent feature by Autostraddle, titled ‘I Want To Eat More Protein Without Triggering My ED’, reflect broader issues relevant to Thai readers and health seekers who navigate the balance between nutritional goals and mental well-being.

A new wave of concern is sweeping through families and health professionals as muscle dysmorphia—commonly called “bigorexia”—gains traction among children and teenagers worldwide. Recent research and high-profile warnings from mental health experts signal that this body image disorder, often overlooked and misunderstood, is swiftly becoming a public health issue, including for Thai families who may traditionally associate eating disorders more with thinness than muscularity. The phenomenon forces a reconsideration of how we talk to children about bodies, exercise, and the subtle pressures lurking online.

Popular health trends recently have seen a surge in interest in so-called “cortisol bellies” and “cortisol faces,” fueled by viral social media posts and a spike in online searches for cortisol-related health advice. These buzzwords, while catchy, attempt to simplify the highly complex biological processes behind how our bodies respond to chronic stress—sometimes sparking unnecessary worry among Thai and global audiences.

Cortisol, often dubbed the “stress hormone,” is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a critical role in helping the body respond to stress. When stress levels rise, so does the production of cortisol, which can affect multiple body systems—regulating metabolism, controlling blood sugar, influencing immune responses, and aiding in fat storage. According to a recent report by the National Post, online searches for information on cortisol, its “trigger foods,” and supposed “cortisol detoxes” have climbed dramatically in the past year, reflecting the growing anxiety about how stress hormones may visibly influence appearance and health (MSN).

A recent spotlight on children’s body image, highlighted by The Guardian’s feature “‘Mummy, Charlie called me fat today’: how to talk to kids about body image,” has reignited concern about how body shaming affects youngsters’ self-esteem worldwide—including here in Thailand. As schoolyard taunts become increasingly common and social media deepens pressure on appearance, experts stress that how adults respond can have profound implications for a child’s mental health and future relationship with their body.

Hollywood actor Penn Badgley’s recent disclosure about his struggle with body dysmorphia has resonated widely, igniting crucial conversations about mental health, celebrity culture, and the influence of media on self-image both in the West and here in Thailand. In a heartfelt interview with The Guardian, Badgley—best known for his roles in “Gossip Girl” and “You”—shared, “I know that I hated my body and simply wanted a different one…I was jumping wilfully into, but also being thrust into, this world where the more conventionally beautiful I seemed, the more successful I might be, the more value I might have” (The Guardian). His frank admission has sparked international attention, highlighting the often-hidden torment experienced by people living with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and underscoring the urgent need for public awareness and intervention—especially in visually oriented societies.

A new wave of research highlights a troubling connection between high social media use and the amplification of delusional thinking, raising fresh concerns about the impact of online platforms on mental health. The phenomenon, described as “Delusion Amplification by Social Media,” points to a worrying trend: while digital tools connect millions, they may also embolden certain mental health disorders, like narcissism, paranoia, and body dysmorphia, particularly among vulnerable users (The Conversation, PsyPost).