#Health

A simple walking technique developed in Japan nearly two decades ago is taking the global fitness scene by storm, touted as an accessible way to lower blood pressure, strengthen leg muscles, and improve heart health—no gym required. Known as “Japanese Walking” or Interval Walking Training (IWT), the method alternates three minutes of brisk walking with three minutes of slower recovery walking, repeated five times for a total of 30 minutes. Scientific studies now back its claims, showing marked benefits, especially among older adults, sparking a viral trend that is reaching Thailand and much of Southeast Asia.

Bangkok – “I hate Mondays” has long been a running joke in offices, schools, and coffee shops across Thailand and around the world. But new evidence suggests this sentiment is far more than a punchline: Mondays may actually harm our health in ways that persist long after the workweek begins, escalating the risk for major medical problems and chronic stress. That’s the startling message from groundbreaking research led by the University of Hong Kong and published this week in the Journal of Affective Disorders, which found that people who feel anxious on Mondays experience the highest spikes in stress hormones – with effects that can linger for months.

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.

A groundbreaking new study suggests a powerful interaction between low sexual activity, abdominal fat, and depressive symptoms could sharply raise the risk of early death—a finding with practical implications for health screening and preventive care worldwide, including Thailand. Published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, the study traced nearly 5,000 adults in the United States over 15 years. Researchers found that adults who reported sexual activity fewer than 12 times per year and who also had extra abdominal fat or scored high for depression faced significantly higher mortality. Most concerning, when both risk factors—wide waistlines and depressed mood—were present alongside low sexual activity, the chance of dying was almost quadrupled compared to those with neither risk factor (PsyPost).

A groundbreaking study published in July 2025 is shedding light on a longstanding human behavior: the reluctance to publicly dismiss or excuse the wrongdoings of others, even when no one is directly harmed. The research, which has been reported by MedicalXpress, delves into why individuals hesitate to downplay moral transgressions in public settings, offering important insights into the complexities of social dynamics, moral judgment, and community cohesion.

This new study’s focus is significant for contemporary Thai society, where public expressions of morality and group harmony are longstanding values. Thai readers are likely to recognize the tension between wanting to maintain face (rak sa na) in social situations and the cultural emphasis on sanuk (enjoyment) and sabai (comfort), which sometimes encourage turning a blind eye to small misdeeds. The study’s findings raise questions about the pressures faced by individuals who witness ethical slip-ups—such as cheating, lying, or minor thefts—but choose not to excuse such behaviour publicly.

A new wave of attention is focusing on finasteride, a prescription drug widely used by men worldwide to combat male-pattern baldness, after recent reports and research have highlighted a potential but underrecognized side effect: reduced fertility. For many men, the prospect of restoring hair growth via a daily tablet brings a significant boost of self-esteem. Yet for a minority, this medical fix may temporarily complicate their efforts to start a family, notably by lowering sperm counts—sometimes drastically.

A sweeping global study has revealed that transitioning from an inactive to an active lifestyle in adulthood can cut one’s risk of death from various health issues by up to 22%, offering new hope and clear motivation for Thais of any age to embrace regular exercise. The research, published in the prestigious British Journal of Sports Medicine, analyzed data from 85 separate studies involving hundreds to millions of participants—a comprehensive effort to unpick the exact impact of adult physical activity on mortality.

A groundbreaking study has shed new light on the profound challenges faced by autistic adults as they navigate the often-overwhelming maze of non-verbal social cues, calling attention to a daily reality that remains poorly understood by much of society. The research, published in PLOS ONE and conducted by a neurodiverse team from the University of Portsmouth and international collaborators, found that decoding facial expressions, gestures, tone of voice, and eye contact can feel like “just too much going on” for many adults on the autism spectrum, leading to misunderstandings, social anxiety, and a reduced quality of life (medicalxpress.com).

For anyone who has struggled through an exhausting workout or high-stakes athletic event, the sensation that time stretches out—every minute crawling by—will be a familiar one. Now, new research published in the journal Brain and Behavior is shedding light on why our brains seem to play tricks on us during physically demanding activities. The study, led by a sports scientist from Canterbury Christ Church University in collaboration with researchers at the University of Groningen and Vrije University of Amsterdam, reveals that intense exercise distorts our sense of time, making external clocks run slow while our own bodies move at full speed (Earth.com).

As people in Thailand and around the world grow older, maintaining balance becomes a crucial aspect of long-term health and independence. Recent insights from a certified trainer, as highlighted in a new feature on Fit&Well, emphasize practical exercises that can dramatically improve stability and reduce the risk of falls for those in their 50s and beyond. Backed by authoritative research from the British Journal of Sports Medicine, these recommendations offer both scientific grounding and easy-to-follow routines that can support healthier aging for Thai families.

A new wave of research is reigniting enthusiasm for power walking, revealing that this brisk, purposeful style of walking can burn significantly more calories than a leisurely stroll and trigger real health benefits in as little as 10 minutes. As everyday Thais search for effective, low-cost ways to improve their health and maintain a healthy weight, experts say power walking could be the answer—a simple yet potent activity delivering results for both mind and body much faster than many assume.

A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology finds that aligning exercise routines with personality traits may hold the key to making workouts more enjoyable—and sticking with them. The research, led by a team from University College London, throws light on why some people dread their workouts while others find them invigorating, and suggests that recognizing one’s personality type can help overcome barriers to physical activity.

This research is significant for Thai readers as the country, like much of the world, faces growing concerns over sedentary lifestyles and related health risks. With nearly one third of the global adult population failing to achieve the World Health Organization’s recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week, understanding new motivational strategies is crucial for Thailand’s ongoing efforts to combat non-communicable diseases and promote holistic well-being (WHO physical activity statistics).

As social media influencers continue to spark viral nutrition fads under the banner of “glow-up” – a term capturing the idea of rapid self-improvement – leading dietitians are sounding alarms about potentially harmful dietary trends gaining traction both globally and in Thailand. Based on the latest analysis by Western and Thai-registered dietitians, several popular habits promoted online, from extreme fasting to restrictive eating, are not only unsupported by scientific evidence but could also undermine physical and mental health, especially among young people. Understanding which “glow-up” trends to avoid is now a matter of public awareness as Thailand faces rising rates of diet-related illnesses and mental health challenges.

A groundbreaking study has found that just 30 days of daily mindfulness meditation can significantly boost attentional control in people of all ages, making it a promising tool for maintaining brain health as we grow older. Published by researchers at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, this research stands out as it uses precise eye-tracking technology to objectively demonstrate these cognitive benefits—offering insight beyond what self-report questionnaires reveal.

Interest in the cognitive benefits of mindfulness has been rising globally, including among Thai educators, healthcare professionals, and the general public. This study carries particular resonance in Thailand, where meditation traditions rooted in Buddhism intersect with growing concerns about cognitive health in an aging population. As Thais increasingly look to both traditional and contemporary wellness strategies, this scientific validation of mindfulness as a tool for attentional fitness may encourage broader adoption in schools, offices, and even elderly care settings.

Elite athletes around the world are quietly transforming the landscape of sports nutrition, embracing plant-based proteins that go far beyond the familiar tofu and tempeh. New research and practical experience show that hemp seeds, spirulina, amaranth, nutritional yeast, and pumpkin seeds are taking centre stage in the recovery and endurance routines of Olympic champions, ultramarathoners, and professional fighters—offering benefits that rival or even surpass traditional animal protein sources. These six under-the-radar foods are not only accessible but have been hiding in plain sight on local supermarket shelves, signaling a new chapter in sports performance nutrition that resonates globally and right here in Thailand, where health-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives to meat-heavy diets.

In a fascinating turn for relationship sciences, new research has shed light on the specific facial features women notice first when evaluating a man’s attractiveness. Contrary to the prevailing idea that broad general impressions or stereotypically “obvious” features dominate initial attraction, evidence now points overwhelmingly to three key facial characteristics: the lips, jawline, and cheekbones. This revelation comes from a 2009 study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology and has been widely discussed in contemporary media, including recent analysis by YourTango and ScienceDaily (YourTango; ScienceDaily).

Breathing may seem automatic during a workout, but new research is revealing just how much the way you breathe can impact your exercise performance, especially for those striving to make the most of time spent in the gym, on the track, or in an aerobics class. A recent article in The New York Times explores emerging evidence and expert tips on optimal breathing for fitness, dispelling common myths and offering practical techniques that can benefit everyone from casual gym-goers to serious athletes (nytimes.com).

As Thailand braces for another sweltering summer, a growing international trend has caught the attention of both beauty enthusiasts and health experts: applying deodorant not just to armpits, but to various body areas prone to sweat and odor. A recent discussion in Slate, reflecting personal experiences with using spray deodorant on clothes and across the body, prompts the question—should Thais embrace this expanding application, and is it safe?

The growing popularity of “whole-body deodorants” is more than a passing fad. Major brands such as Dove and Lume have rolled out products specifically marketed for use on more sensitive or “non-traditional” areas—feet, the back, under the breasts, and even the groin—claiming satisfaction and safety for users seeking comprehensive odor control (CNN, Rolling Stone). This shift follows changing consumer hygiene habits in the global north, with the United States seeing a spike in sales of such products since 2024 (Forbes).

As Thailand continues to embrace health-conscious eating, a buzz has emerged around one question: which berry truly packs the greatest nutritional punch? From the tangy strawberry fields of Samoeng to imported blueberries lining Bangkok’s supermarket shelves, berries have become a local staple and a symbol of premium nutrition. A recent wave of research and international dietitian commentary suggests that while all common berries—blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries—offer unique health supershots, choosing the “healthiest” is not as simple as picking a single berry from the basket. With varying concentrations of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, each berry brings its own strengths. So, what does the latest research say, and how does it matter for Thai consumers seeking optimal wellbeing through diet?

Recent research has highlighted some of the most perplexing mysteries of human anatomy that evolutionary science still grapples to explain, sparking animated discussions among biologists worldwide. While Darwin’s theory eloquently describes the gradual adaptation of organisms, certain quirky features of the human body—such as our unique chin or the puzzlingly intermediate size of male reproductive organs—still defy straightforward evolutionary rationales. A new article by a University College London professor, published by the BBC, summarizes current thinking and lingering questions, offering Thai readers a fascinating window into the ongoing detective work of evolutionary biology (BBC Future).

In a world where relationships are under increasing strain, new research is spotlighting six small but powerfully effective daily habits linked to happier, longer-lasting marriages—findings that resonate with couples across Thailand as much as anywhere else. Compiled from the latest peer-reviewed studies, these rituals promise to help couples enjoy not only marital stability but also greater day-to-day happiness, all without expensive retreats or couples therapy marathons. The science suggests that, like any good recipe for longevity, it’s the daily consistency and intent that make the difference.

A new psychological study has found that everyday sounds of illness, such as coughing and sniffling, may disturb learning more than we realize—by subtly distracting students and impairing their academic performance. The research, published in Evolutionary Psychological Science and reported by PsyPost, reveals that exposure to common pathogen-related sounds during a learning task results in statistically significant declines in test scores, raising questions about classroom environments and the human mind’s sensitivity to signs of disease (psypost.org).

A groundbreaking new study reveals that individuals with higher intelligence are not only better at academic tests but are also significantly more accurate at predicting their own futures, offering critical insights for personal and societal decision-making. This finding, based on nearly two decades of data from over 3,900 older adults in England, is stirring debate about how Thai people and policymakers might approach health, financial planning, and education in a world of increasing uncertainty ZME Science.

Social media has exploded with claims that adding a pinch of salt or electrolyte powder to your water boosts hydration, but are these new habits really necessary—or even safe—for most people? Recent research and expert consensus suggest that while electrolytes play a vital role in our bodies, most healthy individuals in Thailand and globally can get what they need through the foods they eat, without resorting to expensive supplements or trendy drinks.