#Health

A new wave of scientific findings is changing how Thai readers think about weight loss. Regular physical activity remains essential for heart health and overall well-being, but evidence suggests exercise alone has a limited effect on BMI compared with dietary changes. This evolving view supports a balanced, evidence-based approach to health in Thailand.

Maintaining a healthy BMI is a public health priority in Thailand to prevent heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. However, the belief that more exercise automatically leads to significant weight loss is being challenged by modern research. A comprehensive review of randomized trials shows that adding exercise to a routine produced, on average, about two kilograms more weight loss than not exercising. This contrasts with expectations of much larger reductions.

In Thailand’s rising temperatures, affordable, natural hydration matters. New research shows common fruits can replenish key electrolytes—minerals vital for nerves, muscles, heart, and brain function—especially during hot days and workouts.

Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium help maintain fluid balance, enable nerve signals, support muscle contraction, and stabilize blood pressure. When Thais sweat, these minerals are lost. Replenishing them promptly supports athletes, outdoor workers, and children alike.

A practical lineup of electrolyte-rich fruits is widely available in Thai markets: bananas, watermelon, prunes, cherries, oranges, strawberries, mangoes, avocados, and pineapples. Each fruit offers a unique mineral mix, making natural replenishment an accessible choice.

In a world increasingly dominated by tracking devices, wellness routines, and strict dietary regimens, the pursuit of being “perfectly healthy” is coming under the microscope. A growing body of research and expert opinion now suggests that the quest for perfect health might, paradoxically, be undermining well-being. A recent article published on MindBodyGreen, featuring insights from a health entrepreneur, sheds light on the hidden costs of health perfectionism and encourages a shift towards a more balanced, humane approach to well-being (MindBodyGreen).

A global study identifies six core traits consistently linked to being seen as cool, regardless of culture. Extraversion, hedonism, power, adventurousness, openness, and autonomy emerge as universal indicators of coolness. The findings challenge the idea that style alone defines cool and suggest personality plays a central role in social perception—an insight highly relevant to Thai youth where image and social standing carry weight.

Researchers emphasize that understanding what makes someone cool goes beyond trends. The implications extend to friendships, group formation, and how audiences interpret influencers in media and society. In Thailand, where social judgments influence youth culture, branding, and education, these universal traits may shape how personalities are developed and presented.

A growing number of Thai families are exploring plant-based eating, driven by health, ethics, and environmental concerns. New international research highlights both potential advantages and nutritional risks of vegan diets for children. Careful planning and ongoing monitoring are essential to support healthy growth.

Vegan and plant-based eating is spreading globally, though prevalence varies by country. In Thailand, traditional Je vegetarian practices during the Vegetarian Festival remain culturally important, while lifelong veganism remains uncommon. With rising environmental awareness and health focus, more households are considering plant-based nutrition for both adults and children.

A new wave of scientific studies is challenging long-standing assumptions about veganism in childhood, revealing both its potential benefits and crucial nutritional risks. As more Thai families consider plant-based diets for health, ethical, or environmental reasons, health experts urge informed, careful planning—especially for growing children—based on emerging international research (BBC Future).

The world is seeing a steady rise in plant-based eating. While global data remain limited, veganism is making incremental gains: in the US, about 1% of the population follows a vegan diet, while UK estimates are closer to 3%, or two million people. In Thailand, the tradition of “je” vegetarianism has deep cultural roots, particularly during the annual Vegetarian Festival, although strict lifetime veganism remains rare. However, with growing awareness of environmental and animal welfare concerns, as well as the health impacts of diet, an increasing number of Thai parents are exploring plant-based nutrition for themselves and their children.

Recent global research has unveiled the surprising power of grandparenting to shape the health, identity, and resilience of the next generation—a finding that carries fresh resonance across Thai society as families navigate urbanization, shifting demographics, and evolving intergenerational roles. In a new era marked by aging populations and increasing longevity, the influence of grandparents is being rediscovered not only as a source of emotional nourishment, but as a foundation for cognitive and social development in grandchildren, bridging family culture, and preserving critical intergenerational wisdom.

New global research highlights how grandparenting shapes the health, identity, and resilience of the next generation. This insight resonates in Thailand as cities grow, families change, and intergenerational roles evolve. With aging populations and longer lifespans, grandparents are being rediscovered not only as emotional anchors but as contributors to cognitive and social development, while helping preserve family culture and wisdom.

Thai culture has long honored elders and supported multi-generational households. Yet recent reviews and analyses show grandparents influence more than caregiving; they shape values, coping skills, and social thriving. In a Thai context, grandparents often transmit patience, gratitude, and perseverance through shared meals, festivals, and daily routines that anchor children amid a fast-changing society.

Magnesium has become a wellness staple online, with influencers and some health professionals promoting it as a fix for insomnia, brain fog, and more. While the mineral supports essential body functions, experts warn that many online claims overstate its benefits, risking unrealistic expectations for Thai readers.

Magnesium is vital for nerves, muscles, the heart, and bones, making it a meaningful part of a balanced diet. However, clinical researchers warn that high-quality evidence for many popular uses is limited. In Thailand, supplement use is rising and often shaped by trends on social platforms and messaging apps.

Magnesium has become a star of wellness social media, with influencers and even some health professionals touting it as a solution for ailments ranging from insomnia to “brain fog.” Yet, while this essential mineral undeniably supports several vital bodily processes, leading experts caution that many online claims significantly overstate what magnesium truly delivers, leaving Thai consumers at risk of unrealistic expectations and possible health drawbacks.

Magnesium plays a biological role critical for nerve, muscle, heart, and bone function, making it an indispensable part of a healthy diet. As a clinical pharmacist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center told HuffPost, “With supplements, in general, there’s not a lot of requirements out there for good hard research…so it’s unclear how to apply it to certain groups of patients” (huffpost.com). This caveat is particularly timely in Thailand, where supplement use is growing and is heavily influenced by trends found on TikTok, Facebook, and LINE groups.

A growing body of research and a wave of expert advice are challenging the idea that faster is always better when it comes to running and improving cardiovascular fitness. Instead, running at an easier, slower pace—known as zone 2 training—may provide greater benefits for both the heart and overall endurance. The experience of a recent experimenter, as detailed in a Fit&Well article, shows that slowing down could be the key to safer, more lasting improvements in fitness, offering fresh insights for Thai runners at every level (Fit&Well).

A groundbreaking psychology study published in the Journal of Research in Personality has uncovered that people around the world—including potentially in Thailand—tend to make strong, consistent judgments about a person’s personality based solely on their tattoos, but these assessments are usually inaccurate. Only tattoos judged to be particularly “wacky” or unusual line up, to a modest degree, with reality: such tattoos are linked with higher openness to new experiences, according to the researchers (PsyPost).

Open-ocean swimming has surged in popularity worldwide, and Thai beach communities are embracing the trend as a dynamic form of exercise and mental wellness. While the sea offers a powerful workout and a deep sense of connection to nature, experts warn that open-water swimming comes with real risks that require preparation and caution.

Globally, ocean swimming is praised for its layered health benefits. A growing body of journalism highlights how sea swimming can reduce stress, boost mood, and improve fitness. Research from reputable institutions notes that the calm, expansive ocean can produce mind-calming effects similar to forest bathing—a practice from Japan focused on immersing the senses in nature. For Thai readers along the Andaman and Gulf coasts, these findings resonate with local traditions that emphasize harmony with the sea as part of daily life and spiritual practice.

As Thailand’s beach season draws crowds to the sea, open-ocean swimming is making waves as one of the world’s most invigorating health trends. Not only does a swim in the blue offer a dynamic workout for body and mind, but new research and expert commentary reveal its benefits extend far beyond ordinary exercise—even as real risks lurk beneath the surface. For Thais, whose nation is surrounded by world-renowned coastlines, the findings shed light on both opportunities and precautions for embracing this growing phenomenon.

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.

The conventional wisdom that all high-fat foods are unhealthy is being challenged by nutritionists, as fresh research and expert guidance highlight the benefits of incorporating certain so-called “bad” fats—including whole eggs, full-fat dairy, butter, and coconut oil—into a balanced diet. These recommendations, based on recent dietitian insights, are changing the way Thai consumers should think about fat, flavor, and nutrition.

For decades, low-fat products dominated supermarket shelves in Thailand and worldwide, driven by public health campaigns and a lingering fear of cholesterol and heart disease. The 1980s and 1990s popularized low-fat snacks and skimmed dairy, often at the expense of taste and satiety. Today, however, scientists and dietitians agree that dietary fat is an essential macronutrient—it supports brain function, hormone production, and the absorption of vital fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). As such, not all fats are to be feared; instead, consumers are encouraged to pay close attention to the type and amount of fat in their meals (EatingWell).

A shift is underway in Thai nutrition guidance as experts challenge the blanket view that all fats are harmful. Fresh research and professional advice now emphasize that certain fats—when eaten in sensible portions—can support brain function, hormone balance, and nutrient absorption. The takeaway for Thai readers is to focus on the type and amount of fat within diverse, minimally processed meals.

For decades, low-fat products and skimmed dairy dominated shelves in Thailand and beyond. Public health campaigns tied fat to heart disease and cholesterol concerns. Today, nutritionists argue that fat is a vital macronutrient. It helps brain health, supports hormonal production, and aids the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The emphasis is on choosing high-quality fats rather than eliminating fat entirely.

A new wave of research suggests slower, steady running—known as zone 2 training—may be more beneficial for heart health and endurance than relentless speed work. A recent personal experiment highlighted in a Fit&Well piece shows that easing off the pace can lead to safer, lasting fitness gains. For Thai runners, from park circuits to city marathons, this approach offers a practical path to healthier hearts.

The public conversation around running is shifting. Instead of equating faster with better, experts now emphasize easy runs at a comfortable pace as the foundation for cardiovascular improvements. In Thailand, where many people lace up for health and community—often with limited coaching—zone 2 training could provide a straightforward framework to build fitness safely and sustainably.

A recent psychology study reveals that people tend to judge a person’s personality based on tattoos, but those judgments are rarely accurate. The research found that only tattoos deemed “wacky” or unusual carried a modest link to openness to new experiences. In practice, visual cues about tattoos do not reliably reflect traits like agreeableness, extraversion, or conscientiousness.

In Thailand today, decorative and symbolic tattoos are common among urban youth, tourists, and even religious devotees. As body art grows in popularity—mirroring trends seen in many countries, where roughly one in three adults has some form of tattoo—this study highlights how stubborn stereotypes persist even as tattoo culture broadens its meanings.

Vitamin D deficiency is a global health concern that now touches many Thai households. With more urban living, indoor work, and busy schedules, the so-called sunshine vitamin is often in short supply. Public health experts warn that this silent trend could grow if awareness and screening do not keep pace with changing lifestyles. Data from Thailand’s public health system shows urban residents, older adults, and those with limited outdoor access are at higher risk.

In a wave of new research and expert consensus, VO2 max has taken center stage as arguably the most crucial health and fitness metric for people of all ages, overtaking traditional indicators such as BMI or body weight. This push to recognize VO2 max’s importance underscores its powerful ability to predict cardiovascular health, longevity, and even cognitive function, prompting a growing number of doctors and fitness professionals to urge everyone—from elite athletes to ordinary individuals in Thailand—to pay attention to and improve their VO2 max. But with so much attention now on this number, what exactly is VO2 max, why does it matter, and how can Thais take actionable steps to improve it?

VO2 max has emerged as a leading health metric, surpassing traditional measures like BMI in predicting cardiovascular health, longevity, and even cognitive function. Health experts in Thailand are increasingly urging people of all ages—from everyday adults to athletes—to focus on improving VO2 max. But what exactly is VO2 max, why does it matter, and how can Thais take practical steps to raise it?

VO2 max, or maximal oxygen consumption, is the highest rate at which the body can take in, transport, and use oxygen during exercise. It is widely regarded as the best quantitative gauge of cardiorespiratory fitness and overall endurance. In practice, it reflects how well the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and muscles collaborate to fuel activity. While lab testing measures VO2 max during exhaustive workouts, average values can be improved at any age.

A new study by researchers from a renowned UK university shows that higher cognitive ability is tied to more accurate life predictions and better everyday choices. The work, published in a leading psychology journal, suggests intelligence supports better judgment not only in school or at work, but also in daily decisions such as finances and health. For Thai readers, the findings highlight opportunities to strengthen education, public health messaging, and social policy.

A groundbreaking study from the University of Bath’s School of Management has provided fresh insight into why individuals with higher IQs consistently make better decisions, linking superior intelligence to more accurate life predictions and improved outcomes. The research, recently published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, demonstrates that cognitive ability not only affects academic and professional achievement, but also underpins day-to-day decision-making—from financial planning to health choices. For Thai readers, the study’s findings offer critical implications for education, public health communication, and social policy.