#NonCommunicableDiseases

A new large-scale international study offers encouraging news for busy Thais feeling guilty about skipping weekday exercise: cramming your workouts into one or two days—known as the “weekend warrior” approach—may provide life-extending health benefits similar to exercising throughout the week, as long as you reach 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity weekly. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association and covered by the American Heart Association and SciTechDaily, challenge the common perception that daily exercise is essential for optimal health, and could reshape how Thailand’s office workers, students, and elders prioritize physical activity in their routines. (source, source)

A large international study offers hopeful news for busy Thai adults who struggle to fit daily exercise. When weekly activity reaches 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous movement, concentrating it into one or two days—the “weekend warrior” approach—may deliver similar longevity benefits as spreading workouts across the week. The findings, published by a leading heart health organization, suggest total weekly volume matters more than frequency.

Researchers analyzed data from over 93,000 participants using wrist devices to measure movement accurately. Participants were grouped into three categories: weekend warriors (150 minutes or more on one or two days), active regulars (activity spread through the week), and inactive individuals. Over eight years, both active groups experienced lower risks of death from all causes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer compared with the inactive group. Weekend warriors saw a 32% reduction in all-cause mortality, a 31% reduction for cardiovascular deaths, and a 21% reduction for cancer. Active regulars achieved similar gains, though slightly smaller in some categories. The study underscores that the total amount of activity matters more than how often it is performed.

A new survey reported by The Japan Times shows a worrying drop in regular physical activity among Japanese adults. The trend has health experts and policymakers considering the potential long-term consequences for public well-being. While the study focuses on Japan, it resonates with evolving lifestyles across Thailand, where sedentary behavior and noncommunicable diseases are also on the rise.

The early-2025 survey points to fewer households maintaining daily exercise routines. Contributing factors include demanding work schedules, lingering effects of the COVID-19 era, crowded cities, and greater engagement with digital devices. Thailand faces similar patterns, with rising obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular risks prompting renewed attention from health authorities. Data from a leading national newspaper highlights these parallels.

A recent survey published by The Japan Times has revealed a concerning trend: Japanese people are exercising less than before, sparking discussions amongst health experts and policymakers about the potential long-term impacts on public health. This news puts the spotlight not only on Japan’s changing lifestyle patterns but also raises relevant questions for Thai society, where sedentary habits and non-communicable diseases are likewise on the rise.

According to the report, the survey—conducted in early 2025—highlights a decline in regular physical activity among the Japanese population, with a significant proportion indicating a reduction in daily exercise routines compared to previous years. The data suggests that busy work schedules, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, urban living constraints, and increased engagement with digital media contribute to this drop in physical activity. These findings are particularly significant for Thailand, where similar lifestyle shifts are being observed, and where the burden of lifestyle-related health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease continues to grow (Japan Times).