#Diet

A ubiquitous sugar substitute found in Thai supermarkets, bakeries, bubble tea shops, and increasingly in “health” products, erythritol, has emerged as a fresh concern for heart health. Recent scientific studies—including a major investigation led by the University of Colorado Boulder—reveal that consuming even a typical serving of erythritol may rapidly trigger changes in blood vessels and platelets that set the stage for heart attack and stroke. With sugar-free and “keto” diets growing in popularity across Thailand, these findings carry weighty implications for millions of Thai consumers who have long considered erythritol as a harmless alternative to sugar.

A landmark international study published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) is turning conventional wisdom about obesity on its head, revealing that a sedentary lifestyle in wealthy nations may not be the main culprit behind soaring obesity rates. Instead, the research finds that diets high in ultra-processed foods are the leading driver of the modern obesity epidemic, with important lessons for the Thai population and global public health campaigns alike (Washington Post).

A groundbreaking international study has shattered a long-held tenet of public health: that simply eating fewer calories and exercising more is the surest route to weight control. Instead, the research points to ultra-processed foods (UPFs) — industrial formulations containing five or more ingredients — as powerful, independent drivers of the global obesity epidemic, casting doubt on the decades-old mantra of ‘calories in, calories out’ as the full story behind weight gain. The findings, published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and widely reported in reputable outlets such as the Washington Post, are sparking urgent debates among health experts and raising vital questions for Thailand’s food culture and public health strategy [Washington Post][PNAS article summary].

A new spotlight on how our meal frequency affects health has ignited debate among nutritionists and the public, following recently published research and expert commentary. The question—does eating more than three meals a day nurture or hinder our well-being?—is especially pertinent in Thailand, where traditional eating habits sometimes differ from Western norms.

Nutrition researchers and physicians have been exploring whether consuming more than three meals a day—sometimes in the form of frequent, small meals or “grazing”—delivers true health benefits or unintentionally undermines metabolic, digestive, or weight outcomes. The issue is complex, and the implications for Thai society—where bustling street food culture often promotes frequent snacking—are profound.

A groundbreaking international study has toppled one of the most persistent beliefs about obesity: the idea that sedentary lifestyles in wealthy countries are chiefly to blame for the global epidemic of excess weight. Instead, new research published this week in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) points squarely at what we eat—particularly the prevalence of ultra-processed foods—as the dominant cause of rising obesity rates around the world (Washington Post).

A major international study is upending deeply held beliefs about obesity, concluding that excess calorie consumption—not a lack of physical activity—is the primary cause of the obesity epidemic in the United States and other developed nations. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) this week, suggest that decades of public health campaigns blaming sedentary behavior for rising obesity rates may be missing the real culprit: modern diets.

A sweeping international study published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) is challenging one of the most entrenched beliefs about obesity: that sedentary lifestyles in wealthy nations are the main culprit behind rising rates of overweight and obesity. Instead, the study points a much sharper spotlight at diet—specifically, the prevalence of ultra-processed foods—as the major driver of the global obesity crisis. As Thailand and other middle-income nations grapple with rising rates of obesity, these findings hold urgent implications for public health policies, education campaigns, and everyday choices at the dining table.

A new wave of scientific investigations suggests that routinely taking daily vitamin supplements may not be as essential as once believed, challenging the long-standing perception that multivitamins are crucial for maintaining overall health. The discussion gained renewed attention following a recent episode of CNN’s ‘Chasing Life’ podcast, which explored the mounting evidence around vitamin supplementation and its actual impact on health outcomes for most people (cnn.com).

Thais, like people everywhere, have been long encouraged to take daily vitamins as part of a “preventive” wellness routine. In Bangkok, pharmacies and convenience stores prominently display multivitamin products, reflecting widespread cultural trust in supplements. Many parents give their children chewable vitamins, while health-conscious office workers add “multi-vits” to their daily routines, especially during the rainy season or pandemic scares. But the latest research is questioning whether this global — and intensely local — supplement habit is either necessary or effective.

Millions of people worldwide, including a growing population in Thailand, struggle with high cholesterol—a condition closely tied to heart disease and stroke. A recent in-depth report by EatingWell, citing the latest expert insights and research, highlights six practical strategies anyone can adopt to improve their cholesterol profile without medication. These evidence-backed lifestyle changes not only reduce heart disease risk but offer accessible, affordable, and culturally adaptable steps that could resonate strongly with Thai readers confronting rising rates of non-communicable diseases (EatingWell).

A new study has revealed that adding chickpeas to your daily diet can significantly lower cholesterol levels—offering a tasty and accessible boost to heart health, with Thai nutrition experts urging locals to embrace this pantry staple. Researchers from the Illinois Institute of Technology found that people at risk of diabetes who ate chickpeas daily for 12 weeks saw their cholesterol levels drop from borderline high to a healthier range, providing hopeful news for those looking to manage cardiovascular risk through diet (Business Insider).

The debate over whether eggs are harmful or beneficial to health has endured for decades, with recent research and expert commentary helping to clarify long-standing misconceptions about their impact, particularly on cholesterol and heart disease. According to a 2025 investigation by Vogue, which drew on nutrition and medical experts like Dr. Emily Leeming, eggs are now recognized as a nutritional powerhouse that can fit sensibly into most diets—yet questions persist, especially for Thai households where eggs are a staple (Vogue).

A major new study published this week in the journal Nature Medicine has found compelling evidence that even small quantities of processed meat may increase the risk of major diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, and heart disease. The research also found significant health risks tied to regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and trans fatty acids, sending ripples through health communities worldwide, including here in Thailand. For a nation where processed meats—like sausages, ham, and bacon—are popular in everyday diets and street food culture, these findings have urgent relevance for both policymakers and the general public.

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 new report highlights the under-recognized symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, a common but often neglected health concern that affects millions worldwide, including a growing number of Thais. With many people staying indoors, relying on processed foods, and living busy urban lifestyles, the classic “sunshine vitamin” is in short supply for large segments of the population—sometimes with serious health consequences (Times of India).

Vitamin D is essential not only for bone health but also for crucial roles in immunity, muscle strength, mood regulation, and even skin and dental repair. Yet, according to the latest research and clinical practice, most people fail to connect vague daily symptoms to an underlying deficiency—potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. As lifestyles in Thai cities become more sedentary and sun exposure limited, public health experts warn that vitamin D deficiency may become a growing silent epidemic, especially among office workers, the elderly, and those with limited access to outdoor spaces.

Fresh research has stirred excitement among health enthusiasts and scientists alike, suggesting that your morning coffee may do more than just wake you up — it could also be turning on a biological switch associated with longevity. According to a groundbreaking study published this week, caffeine, the main active ingredient in coffee, has been shown to activate a deeply conserved energy system in human cells that is closely connected to the body’s mechanisms for aging and disease resistance. This finding radically expands our understanding of how a simple daily habit might contribute to better health and longer lifespans (ScienceDaily).

“High-protein” labels are everywhere these days, from milkshakes to pancakes to even popcorn, tempting Thai consumers to believe they need more protein in their diets to be healthy, fit, and strong. But new research and leading nutritionists are urging caution: For the vast majority, especially in countries like Thailand, these boosted-protein products may simply be unnecessary—and little more than a marketing ploy.

Increasingly, food companies are leveraging consumer concerns about muscle loss, fitness, and general wellbeing to sell protein-fortified snacks, drinks, and even breakfast cereals. “Adding protein to foods is very beneficial—for the profits of that food. It is not based on health, it is not backed by science,” said the nutrition lead at Imperial College London and a prominent nutritionist at the health science company ZOE, in an interview with The Boston Globe’s recent report.

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 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.

A landmark study from Scotland’s St. Andrews University has shaken up conventional wisdom on hydration, revealing that water—while efficient—is not the most effective drink to keep our bodies hydrated over time. The findings, which have quickly made headlines across global media, underscore the subtle but important role that drink composition plays in fluid balance. For Thais who routinely endure the country’s sweltering heat and grapple with hydration choices ranging from iced coffees to herbal teas, the takeaway is both intriguing and practical: milk may outperform water when it comes to long-lasting hydration, though the story is more nuanced than it first appears (CNN via 10News).

As the internet continues to overflow with conflicting nutrition advice, a recent review from Consumer Reports is helping Thai readers and global consumers cut through the hype, especially when it comes to controversial health foods. The publication’s examination underscores the importance of evidence-based choices in an era where social media often shapes dietary beliefs—raising pressing questions for families in Thailand who are increasingly exposed to sensational health claims online. (WMUR)

Starting your day with a protein-rich breakfast is gaining robust scientific support, with the latest research and expert opinions pointing to significant benefits for health, energy, and even disease prevention. Registered dietitians and new studies alike are emphasizing the powerful effects that morning protein intake can have on your body and mind, a message that carries particular relevance as Thailand navigates changing dietary patterns and rising rates of lifestyle-related diseases.

A recent feature from The Indian Express has sparked national and international conversation by confronting a story all too familiar to many health-conscious Thais: despite jogging for an hour every day, a 29-year-old woman was unable to shed weight. This real-life scenario, dissected by leading dietitians, upends the widespread belief that exercise alone guarantees weight loss—and it offers crucial lessons for Thailand’s urban professionals and growing fitness community.

As Thailand emerges from the pandemic, interest in healthy lifestyles has soared, with parks, gyms, and community club tracks in places like Lumpini Park, Queen Sirikit Park, and Chiang Mai’s university trails bustling with runners and joggers. Yet, many committed exercisers continue to be frustrated by stagnant weight or diminishing returns. The story of the 29-year-old, who dutifully jogged for an hour daily only to see little or no change on the scale, resonantly reflects the experience of countless Thais who blend regular physical activity with the enticing, calorie-rich cuisines that define our unique food culture.

Protein has long been celebrated as a cornerstone of good health, but new research and expert advice are casting a spotlight on widespread under-recognition of protein deficiency—a concern with serious implications for Thais in every age group. A recent report published by Parade and AOL highlights seven telltale signs of inadequate protein, including muscle loss, puffy face, weak gums and teeth, dry mouth, increased hunger, brittle nails, and trouble concentrating. With social media buzz on protein intake growing, Thai health leaders stress that these warning signs should prompt a careful look at one’s daily diet, as protein is essential not just for athletes, but for overall physical and cognitive wellbeing.