#Health

New research suggests women can reap significant health gains from exercise in less time than men. The large study analyzed more than 400,000 American adults and found that women experience a greater reduction in premature death—especially from cardiovascular causes—with each minute of moderate to vigorous activity. These findings challenge longstanding beliefs about gender and fitness and carry important implications for Thai readers as lifestyle-related diseases rise in Thailand.

According to data from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey conducted between 1997 and 2017, women benefited more per minute of activity than men. Lead author Dr. Martha Gulati, a preventive cardiology expert at the Smidt Heart Institute, described the result as an “incentivizing notion” that women can gain more health from every minute of exercise. This perspective invites women to incorporate regular activity into daily life with confidence.

New research suggests that women can achieve significant health gains from exercise in less time than men, overturning common assumptions about gender and fitness. The large-scale study, recently published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, analyzed more than 400,000 American adults and found that women experience a greater reduction in premature death—especially from cardiovascular causes—with each minute of moderate to vigorous activity compared to men (livescience.com).

The study holds important implications for Thai readers, many of whom are increasingly aware of the links between lifestyle, chronic diseases, and mortality. With non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and stroke remaining the leading causes of death in Thailand, understanding how to maximize the benefit from physical activity is both timely and vital.

A new wave of research is upending long-held assumptions about sugar, revealing that consuming sugar in beverages—such as sodas, fruit juices, and energy drinks—may pose a significantly higher risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic illness compared to eating the same amount of sugar in solid foods. The findings, drawn from a major meta-analysis and recently published studies, highlight the unique dangers of “liquid sugar” and call for renewed scrutiny of sugary drink consumption, especially in countries like Thailand where sweetened drinks are a staple of daily life.

A new regional assessment ranks living standards across Asia, placing Singapore at the forefront while highlighting wide disparities in prosperity, health, and education from East to South Asia. The findings combine indices like the Human Development Index with recent analyses from international organizations, illustrating strong progress in some economies and ongoing challenges in others.

For Thai readers, understanding these comparisons offers practical insights into policy priorities as the country navigates economic volatility, rising living costs, and a shifting job market. The study draws on global benchmarks such as the UN’s Human Development Index, rankings on quality of life, and measures from the OECD and the World Bank. It serves as a call to action for policymakers and citizens alike.

A newly published survey ranking living standards across Asia confirms Singapore’s position as the region’s leader, but underscores wide disparities in prosperity, well-being, and quality of life from East Asia to South Asia. The findings, based on composite indices such as the Human Development Index (HDI) and recent analyses from international organizations, highlight both the impressive progress made by some Asian nations and the pressing challenges still faced by others.

New research challenges the old view that all sugars are alike. It finds that consuming sugar in beverages—sodas, fruit juices, energy drinks—may raise the risk of type 2 diabetes more than eating the same amount of sugar in solid foods. This landmark meta-analysis and related studies highlight the dangers of “liquid sugar” and call for renewed focus on sugary drinks in Thailand, where such beverages are deeply woven into daily life.

The opening moments of any workout can feel daunting, but cutting-edge scientific research now reveals just how profoundly your body and brain begin to transform in the first ten minutes of physical activity. From surging heartbeats to neurochemical shifts that sharpen your mind, these early minutes lay the groundwork for long-term health, sharper thinking, and even a brighter mood—a finding that has significant resonance for Thai readers striving for balanced wellness in daily life.

New research shows that the body and brain begin a rapid transformation within the first ten minutes of physical activity. In those early moments, heart rate rises, circulation shifts, and brain chemistry changes set the stage for long-term health, sharper thinking, and a brighter mood. This is especially relevant for Thai readers balancing忙 schedules and urban stress.

In Thailand’s fast-paced environment, the evidence matters. Many people know exercise is beneficial, yet busy lives can make regular workouts feel out of reach. The takeaway is simple: you don’t need a perfect routine. Just ten minutes of movement—brisk walking, stair climbing, or light jogs—can trigger a cascade of positive responses in the body and mind. Research summarized by National Geographic highlights this quick-start effect.

Across South-east Asia, the month of June is evolving into a vibrant celebration of wellness, with resorts rolling out innovative programmes to mark Global Wellness Day (June 14) and International Yoga Day (June 21). From Thailand’s serene beaches and atmospheric sky bars to Vietnam’s expansive coastal retreats, the region’s hospitality sector is using June to redefine traveller health, highlighting the rise of wellness tourism as a major trend in 2025 (TTG Asia).

June has become a regional celebration of health, with Southeast Asian resorts launching programs for Global Wellness Day and International Yoga Day. From Thailand’s tranquil beaches and skyline bars to Vietnam’s expansive coastlines, hoteliers are redefining travel around mind and body wellness. Data from regional hospitality insights show wellness tourism rising as a key trend in 2025.

For Thai readers, this movement resonates beyond tourism. Thailand is increasingly recognized as a wellness destination, supported by research indicating rapid market growth and substantial revenue. The latest figures position Thailand among the world’s leaders in wellness expansion, underscoring how health-focused travel enhances both personal well-being and the country’s economy.

A growing body of research is challenging the controversial reputation of omega-6 fatty acids, suggesting that a diet rich in linoleic acid — the main omega-6 found in nuts and vegetable oils — may substantially lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. These findings signal important implications for Thai health, where heart disease and diabetes are among the leading causes of illness and death.

Cardiometabolic health, or the collective well-being of the heart, blood vessels, and metabolic systems, is a crucial marker of long-term health outcomes. In Thailand, the dual threats of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes profoundly impact communities, families, and the nation’s economy. Traditional Thai diets, once centred on fresh produce, fish, rice, and moderate use of oils, are rapidly converging with global food trends — bringing concerns over the increased consumption of processed foods and changing fat profiles. Against this backdrop, understanding the impact of dietary fats on health is especially relevant for Thai readers seeking guidance in a sea of conflicting nutrition advice.

New research suggests that linoleic acid, the main omega-6 fatty acid found in nuts and vegetable oils, could be linked to lower risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This challenges the idea that omega-6 fats are harmful and has clear implications for Thailand, where heart disease and diabetes are major health concerns.

Healthy cardiometabolic health — the well-being of the heart, blood vessels, and metabolism — matters for long-term outcomes. In Thailand, cardiovascular disease and diabetes place a heavy burden on families and the economy. Traditional Thai eating patterns emphasize fresh produce, fish, rice, and moderate oil use, but global dietary trends are pushing more processed foods and different fat profiles into everyday meals. Understanding fats’ impact is highly relevant for Thai readers navigating conflicting nutrition advice.

New research challenges the idea that cooling down after exercise is essential for every workout. For many, it may be optional, while still offering advantages for specific groups and routines. This nuanced view resonates with Thai fitness enthusiasts who juggle busy schedules and personal preferences.

In Thailand, trainers from Bangkok gyms to community spaces have long recommended a 5- to 10-minute wind-down after exercise. Yet modern schedules push people to cut routines shorter. The question now is whether a cool-down is always necessary.

A new wave of research is challenging the long-held belief that cooling down after exercise is essential for every workout—offering relief to busy exercisers without dismissing the benefits for those who simply enjoy the ritual. According to recent analysis and the latest expert opinions, the cool-down phase might not be as crucial for muscle recovery or injury prevention as once thought, but it still holds value for specific groups and situations, including Thai fitness enthusiasts adjusting their own routines.

A growing body of evidence shows a powerful two-way link between exercise and sleep. In Thailand, where inadequate activity and sleep deprivation are rising, experts say understanding this relationship could help people break unhealthy cycles, improve mood, and boost long-term health.

Recent international research summarized by major outlets indicates that regular exercise helps people fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply, and support the body’s nightly repair work. At the same time, solid sleep is essential for consistent, effective workouts, creating a positive feedback loop for overall health. Data from Thai health surveys echo this, with many adults not meeting seven hours of sleep per night and sedentary behavior remaining a public health concern. Public health specialists emphasize the need to address both exercise and sleep together to maximize benefits for Thai communities.

A growing body of research is illuminating the profound synergy between exercise and sleep, revealing that moving your body doesn’t just tone your muscles—it could also be the missing ingredient for your deepest, healthiest rest. Thai health professionals are now paying close attention to this dynamic, given rising rates of both inadequate physical activity and chronic sleep deprivation across the country. Understanding this critical relationship could help the Thai public break unhealthy cycles, improve mental well-being, and foster long-term health.

A growing number of organisations worldwide are embracing a four-day work week, but does cutting a day really boost happiness and productivity—or is it just clever marketing? With large-scale research now emerging, the debate is shaping modern work culture, including conversations in Thailand’s rapidly evolving professional landscape.

In a recent overview published by business researchers in Psychology Today, the four-day work week (abbreviated 4DWW) is framed as either a compressed workweek—where employees work four 10-hour days for the same total hours—or a genuine reduction to around 32 hours weekly with no cut in salary or benefits. Growing in popularity post-pandemic, this model taps into worldwide trends toward flexible schedules, aiming to improve both employee well-being and organisational efficiency. According to the American Psychological Association, the percentage of companies in the United States offering a 4DWW jumped from 14% in 2022 to 22% in 2024, echoing global momentum (APA), and a LinkedIn survey found 54% of workers identified the 4DWW as among their most desired benefits (Asana).

A recent study in PLOS One shows that nostalgic pop songs spark a stronger impulse to dance than songs that are simply familiar. The research reveals how music and memory together influence our movement, with potential implications for movement therapies and wellbeing.

According to researchers from a leading university, both nostalgia and familiarity increase enjoyment and the desire to tap or move along. Yet only nostalgia consistently predicts the powerful urge to dance. This finding could inform health interventions that use music to encourage movement, especially for people with movement disorders.

A recent study published in PLOS One reveals that nostalgic pop songs provoke a stronger urge to dance than tracks that are merely familiar, shining new light on how music and memory intertwine to move our bodies. Researchers from the University of Western Ontario found that while both nostalgia and familiarity boost enjoyment and the desire to tap or move along, only nostalgia predicted the powerful urge to dance—a discovery with potential implications for therapies targeting movement disorders and well-being.

A growing global movement toward a four-day work week is prompting Thai professionals to reimagine productivity and balance. But as organisations experiment, questions linger: can one fewer day truly boost happiness and output, or is it marketing hype dressed as innovation? The conversation is especially timely in Thailand’s dynamic business scene, where hybrid work and flexible schedules are taking hold.

Leading voices describe 4DWW in two forms: a compressed week of four 10-hour days or a genuine reduction to about 32 hours weekly with pay and benefits preserved. Post-pandemic demand for flexible schedules aligns with strong evidence that a shorter week can improve wellbeing and efficiency. In the United States, reports show a rise in 4DWW adoption from 14% of companies in 2022 to 22% in 2024, while a majority of workers in a LinkedIn survey highlighted it as a highly desirable benefit. These signals reflect a broader global trend toward balancing work with personal life, which Thai firms are actively watching.

A new study shows that delaying bedtime is more about emotional well-being and personality traits than simply poor time management. The findings offer fresh guidance for Thai readers facing late nights in a bustling urban environment like Bangkok, and a national sleep deficit that affects health, education, and productivity.

In Bangkok and other Thai cities, late-night study, work, and socializing contribute to an ongoing sleep shortage. Data from Thailand’s National Statistical Office indicate that urban residents frequently do not get enough sleep, with potential implications for mental health and academic performance. This research provides a broader lens on why sleep can be elusive in fast-paced Thai life.

A new study reveals that procrastinating bedtime—a common struggle for many young adults—may be shaped more by underlying emotional health and personality traits than by simple poor time management, offering fresh insights for those in Thailand grappling with late nights and insufficient sleep. The research, set to be presented at the SLEEP 2025 annual meeting, highlights higher levels of neuroticism and lower levels of conscientiousness and extraversion among individuals who routinely delay going to bed even without external obligations, findings that suggest new directions for sleep-related interventions and wellness strategies (Neuroscience News).

A quiet nutritional crisis is taking hold in Thailand and around the world: most people are not meeting the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber. While protein bars dominate social feeds and store shelves, science shows that insufficient fiber affects digestion, chronic disease risk, gut health, and metabolic balance. Recent analyses suggest up to 95% of people fall short of their fiber targets, a concern echoed by major nutrition reviews and studies relevant to Thai populations.

In a world fixated on protein-packed diets, a quiet nutritional crisis has taken root—in Thailand and globally—as new research warns that most people are not consuming nearly enough dietary fiber. While social media influencers and food manufacturers tout protein bars and shakes, scientific evidence now shows that fiber deficiency is a far more widespread and serious issue, with implications for digestion, chronic disease risk, gut health, and even metabolic balance. In fact, up to 95% of people may be missing the mark on their recommended daily intake, according to recent coverage in Vogue and reinforced by large-scale studies relevant to the Thai population.