#HealthTrends

South Korea’s rise as a global centre for cosmetic tourism is making waves throughout Asia and influencing medical travel trends worldwide. Fresh research and reportage reveal the bustling “Plastic Surgery Street” of Apgujeong in Gangnam, Seoul, now attracts more international visitors than ever, transforming the local beauty industry and prompting fresh debates on safety, pricing, and cultural attitudes towards cosmetic enhancement. The implications, both opportunities and risks, are especially pertinent for Thais considering cosmetic treatments abroad, and for the domestic industry responding to global change.

A pioneering study published in July 2025 has found that women tend to experience a sharp decline in anger as they reach and move through midlife, challenging common assumptions about mood instability and emotional health during menopause. This research, featured in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society, provides new insights that could reshape how Thai women understand their own emotional trajectories as they age, and how healthcare providers support them through the menopause transition.

The resurgence of vibration plates in gyms and homes across Thailand and worldwide is sparking curiosity among fitness enthusiasts eager for faster results. Social media influencers present these shaking platforms as an effortless route to shedding weight and building muscle, but fresh research and expert opinion suggest that the truth behind the buzz is far more nuanced (CNET).

Interest in vibration plates, which were once a fringe curiosity, has grown dramatically following endorsements by overseas celebrities and the proliferation of viral workout reels. But are these machines a shortcut to better health, or are they simply the latest fitness fad? For Thai readers navigating a crowded health market, understanding the specifics is vital, both for avoiding disappointment and for pursuing improved well-being.

A wave of evidence-based advice is emerging for those keen to avoid Vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly as plant-based diets become mainstream globally and in Thailand. According to nutrition experts cited in a new article by The Times, the best preventive strategies focus on supplementation, mindful dietary planning, and vigilance for symptoms—key advice echoed by international research and local trends. With B12 deficiency carrying significant health consequences, especially among older adults and those on vegan or vegetarian diets, understanding new prevention tactics is vital for Thai readers navigating a changing food landscape.

Many Thais — especially in the rush of urban life, from Bangkok’s crowded condos to Chiang Mai’s hip cafés — have become fond of a particular modern routine: eating every meal with a screen in view. Whether it’s catching up on a K-drama over lunch, scrolling through TikTok with pad kra pao, or squeezing in a YouTube video between bites of tom yum goong, more and more people are combining food and digital media. But what does this say about our personalities and well-being? Recent research, highlighted in a feature from VegOut magazine, points to seven distinct personality traits common among people who can’t seem to eat without watching something, offering valuable insight for Thai readers navigating today’s always-connected lifestyle (VegOut).

A sweeping new study of over 3,500 university students has cast procrastination in a new, more troubling light: chronic delays are not just a time management problem, but a significant risk factor for mental and physical health issues. The research, coordinated by a team at Sophiahemmet University in Sweden and published this week in a major medical journal, revealed that habitual procrastinators were more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, sleep disturbances, upper body pain, and even financial difficulties, compared to their more punctual peers. These findings underscore the complex ways that psychological habits can reverberate through every aspect of health, echoing concerns that apply as much to Thai society as anywhere else in the world.

Reports from the United States reveal a significant increase in digestive health problems, with up to 66% of Americans estimated to now live with some form of gut issue. This trend is prompting growing concern among health authorities and experts. The most common conditions prompting emergency care include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, noninfectious gastroenteritis/colitis, constipation, and gastrointestinal bleeding—a pattern that experts say may signal similar risks for Thais, given shifting lifestyles and comparable risk factors across both nations.

A striking decline in heart attack deaths has been reported globally, marking one of the greatest triumphs in modern medicine. New research shows that over the past fifty years, deaths from heart attacks have fallen by about 90%, largely due to medical advances, improved emergency care, wider use of medications like statins, and public health efforts targeting smoking and cholesterol (Scripps News, Stanford Medicine). However, experts warn that while this progress is worth celebrating, other cardiovascular and chronic disease risks—including heart failure, hypertension-related complications, and dementia linked to vascular health—are rising and pose fresh challenges for health systems, including in Thailand.

A recent analysis has given fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals a clearer picture of the average male bicep size, sparking discussions about what these numbers mean for overall health and strength—and how anyone can go beyond them through effective training. The newly collated data, derived from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), provides concrete benchmarks for men’s midarm circumference across age groups. For many Thais invested in personal fitness or those concerned about muscle health in the context of ageing, these findings hold practical significance and present actionable guidance.

A new fitness trend is capturing the attention of women worldwide—including in Thailand: rucking, or walking while wearing a weighted vest. Data indicate that sales of weighted vests have surged by over 50% globally in the past year, reflecting a growing appetite for this low-impact, strength-boosting exercise (Axios). Advocates claim rucking offers a unique blend of strength training and cardiovascular benefits with minimal joint stress, making it particularly appealing for women seeking a practical and effective way to improve their health.

Bangkok—A fresh wave of scientific evidence is challenging traditional fitness wisdom, pointing to a specific workout sequence as the most effective way to burn fat: starting with strength training before moving on to cardio. The findings, published in the latest edition of the Journal of Science and Exercise, could reshape exercise strategies for health enthusiasts and those battling rising obesity rates in Thailand.

The study, conducted with 45 male participants between 18 and 30 years old classified as obese, compared two exercise routines over 12 weeks: one group began workouts with strength training (using free weights for exercises like bench presses and squats), followed by cardio; the other group did the reverse, starting their 60-minute routines with cardio before resistance exercises. Both groups exercised for 60 minutes, three times a week, while a control group maintained their usual sedentary lifestyles. All participants meticulously tracked their diets and daily activity with smartwatches (Best Life Online).

Desperate for relief from pain and promising a chance to turn back the clock, affluent medical tourists are now spending up to $60,000 for unproven stem-cell injections in offshore clinics—a trend that experts warn is driven by hype, hope, and significant regulatory gaps. High-end patients from Silicon Valley and beyond are boarding flights to destinations like the Bahamas, Panama, and Costa Rica, seeking these exclusive therapies that remain illegal or tightly restricted in the United States due to safety concerns and a lack of clinical validation. This new “luxury medical tourism” is quickly becoming a global industry, raising major questions about risk, reward, and responsibility for Thailand, one of the world’s leading medical tourism hubs.

In a recent consensus among registered dietitians, hibiscus tea has claimed the crown as the number one tea for hydration, offering a vibrant, caffeine-free alternative to plain water that packs a punch of antioxidants and electrolytes. As the global demand for healthy, natural beverages surges, this tropical favorite—well-known in Thailand as “nam krachiap” (น้ำกระเจี๊ยบ)—is drawing new scientific scrutiny and cultural appreciation for its wide health benefits and unique place in the local diet. Experts urge Thai readers to embrace this homegrown treasure both for its hydration and its broader wellness potential.

The enduring allure of the hearty English breakfast has received fresh attention from nutrition scientists and health experts, with recent studies suggesting that classic “full plate” breakfasts aren’t as unhealthy as previously portrayed—and may even hold secrets to a longer life when enjoyed thoughtfully. According to newly highlighted research and expert opinions, a modified English breakfast rich in fiber, vegetables, and high-quality proteins could reduce risks of cardiovascular disease and extend life expectancy, upending decades-old dietary dogmas that painted such meals as the enemies of heart health (newssky.com.ua).

A groundbreaking global study has found that performing small acts of kindness and gratitude for just seven days can significantly boost happiness, reduce stress, and even improve sleep. In an era when mental health concerns are rising internationally, the results provide hope that anyone—even those with little time or resources—can take meaningful steps to improve their emotional well-being in just one week. The study’s findings, which have implications for people everywhere including Thailand, highlight the profound impact of simple daily positive actions on mental and physical health (Neuroscience News).

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has long held a place in traditional remedies, but viral social media trends and health claims have propelled this humble condiment to stardom in recent years. With bottled drinks, capsules, and gummies lining supermarket shelves in Thailand, the question remains: does apple cider vinegar truly deliver on its promises, or is it just another fleeting wellness fad? We break down the most recent scientific research and interview insights from nutrition experts, offering a clear, practical guide for Thai readers seeking reliable health information.

A viral “wellness” trend—drinking raw, unpasteurized milk—has swept through online communities, raising alarm among medical experts and public health officials worldwide. As influencers tout raw milk’s supposed health benefits on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, healthcare professionals urgently warn of serious risks associated with consuming unpasteurized dairy. This surge in interest, driven largely by social media wellness influencers, is confronting long-standing public health wisdom and challenging how consumers in Thailand, and elsewhere, assess food safety.

A new wave of research is sounding the alarm for parents, educators, and policymakers as a groundbreaking study published in June details how excessive screen time, coupled with low physical activity, is strongly associated with heightened stress and depressive symptoms among adolescents. This study, highlighted in PsyPost, brings fresh evidence to the ongoing debate over youth digital habits and their mental health in an era where smartphones and social media are nearly ubiquitous, especially in Thailand’s school-age population.

A powerful new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has shone a harsh spotlight on the declining state of women’s health in the United States, raising urgent questions about medical research funding and health inequities that hold major implications for women and girls globally, including in Thailand. Despite the nation’s wealth and medical advancements, American women are living shorter lives than their peers in other high-income countries, facing disproportionate disability in their later years, and enduring alarming rates of maternal deaths and violence—all while research on their health remains chronically underfunded (PRB.org).

A recent NASA-linked study has sparked global discussion by revealing that just 10 minutes of “rebounding”—a form of aerobic exercise using a small trampoline—can offer cardiovascular and muscular benefits on par with half an hour of jogging. This finding, which has gained momentum across social media and mainstream news outlets, is redefining perceptions of efficient exercise and raising hopes for more accessible fitness routines, especially in urban settings where time and space are at a premium.

Anxiety is a universal human experience—whether it’s a jitter before a work presentation, worry over family affairs, or a restless night thinking about the future. But in today’s rapidly changing world, recognizing when anxiety crosses the line from everyday stress to a potentially serious mental health concern has become vital, especially in Thailand where the pace of life and societal expectations continue to climb. A recent feature on mindbodygreen.com brings expert advice on how to recognize what level of anxiety is “normal,” what causes it, why women are more susceptible, and when to seek help—offering recommendations highly relevant for Thai readers facing similar pressures.

Plasma exchange therapy, a medical procedure traditionally used to treat certain blood and immune disorders, is receiving renewed attention as the latest trend among anti-aging enthusiasts. New research published this week has added momentum to a growing debate: Could swapping out the plasma in our blood help slow the natural process of aging? Thai readers interested in wellness and longevity are asking whether this expensive procedure, now offered at clinics worldwide, is worth considering—or just another fleeting trend.

As an increasing number of fitness enthusiasts in Thailand and worldwide re-evaluate their lifestyle habits, new research and expert insights are shedding light on a question long debated in gyms and among runners’ circles: Does alcohol hinder muscle growth and athletic performance? A growing body of evidence reported by major health outlets like Women’s Health points to a nuanced but increasingly clear answer—yes, alcohol can negatively affect muscle recovery and growth, and even moderate drinkers may benefit from rethinking their drinking habits, especially when training for peak performance (womenshealthmag.com).

Across the globe, a quiet epidemic is undermining public health—one that’s less visible than viral outbreaks yet perhaps just as deadly: loneliness, especially among men. Recent research and reports, including one from Psychology Today, highlight an alarming surge in male loneliness alongside a worrying decline in close male friendships, with direct consequences for psychological well-being and even long-term physical health (Psychology Today).

The significance of these findings resonates in Thailand, where traditional gender roles and rapid societal changes are altering the nature of male relationships. As modern work and lifestyle patterns keep people atomized, fewer men are reporting having close confidants or “best friends.” According to Psychology Today, the proportion of men in the United States with no close friends has soared fivefold in recent years—from 3% to 15%. In a society like Thailand’s, where community and family ties have long been pillars of support, this trend challenges cultural expectations and demands urgent attention.