#Nutrition

A landmark international study published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) is turning conventional wisdom about obesity on its head, revealing that a sedentary lifestyle in wealthy nations may not be the main culprit behind soaring obesity rates. Instead, the research finds that diets high in ultra-processed foods are the leading driver of the modern obesity epidemic, with important lessons for the Thai population and global public health campaigns alike (Washington Post).

Recent evidence is prompting a thoughtful reexamination of how often we eat, especially for Thai readers where food culture is central to daily life. The core question remains: does eating more than three meals daily help or hinder health? In Thailand, with its vibrant street-food scene and communal meals, the topic hits close to home.

Experts caution that no single answer fits everyone. Some research suggests small, frequent meals can curb appetite, prevent overeating, and sustain energy—benefits that may aid people with reflux or other digestive concerns. Yet there is a cautionary note: increasing meal frequency without mindful choices can backfire. Calorie-dense snacks and sugary treats can contribute to weight gain and disrupt natural hunger cues, potentially stressing the digestive system.

A growing body of international research is challenging common beliefs about protein. For many Thai readers, this means rethinking how much protein is needed, when to eat it, and which sources matter most for muscle health, aging, and overall well-being.

New analyses draw on expert interviews and nutrition findings to identify six common protein mistakes. As Thailand encounters more Western eating patterns, the takeaway is clear: protein needs are more individualized than many assume, and daily habits should adapt accordingly.

Supplements remain popular in Thailand as quick wellness boosts—from brighter skin to better workouts. New research and warnings from international health authorities show that misuse, even if unintended, can quietly harm the liver and kidneys, with effects that may take years to appear. As supplement use rises among urban residents, fitness enthusiasts, and seniors, readers deserve clear guidance on the hidden risks behind glossy marketing.

In a fast-paced society, many view pills as shortcuts to well-being. Herbal products such as comfrey, kava, and high-dose green tea extracts are marketed as natural solutions. Yet scientific reviews increasingly link some herbal supplements to liver injury. Data from independent studies indicate green tea extracts can contribute to liver damage even in seemingly healthy individuals, underscoring the need for caution.

A familiar sugar substitute found across Thai supermarkets, bakeries, and bubble tea shops is drawing renewed scrutiny. Erythritol, popular in sugar-free and “health” products, may trigger immediate changes in blood vessels and platelets that increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. With many Thais turning to sugar-free and keto options, these findings carry significant implications for millions who view erythritol as harmless.

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol produced by fermenting corn or wheat starch. It is marketed as a natural, low-calorie option suitable for people with diabetes or those following low-carb regimens. Regulators in the United States and Southeast Asia have approved its use, helping it become widespread in beverages, snacks, toothpaste, and personal care items. Unlike some sugar alcohols, it typically causes little digestive upset, which adds to its popularity.

A major international study questions the traditional “calories in, calories out” model for weight loss. It finds ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, may drive obesity independent of total calorie intake. The findings, published in a leading scientific journal, prompt urgent discussions among health professionals and raise important questions for Thailand’s public health strategy and evolving food culture.

The study shows that not all calories are equal. In a controlled trial, participants ate diets matched for calories, fiber, macronutrients, sugar, and sodium. One diet was rich in UPFs; the other emphasized minimally processed, whole foods. Those on the UPF-rich plan consumed more calories, felt fuller less often, and gained more weight despite similar activity. The message is clear: diet quality matters as much as quantity.

A groundbreaking international study has shattered a long-held tenet of public health: that simply eating fewer calories and exercising more is the surest route to weight control. Instead, the research points to ultra-processed foods (UPFs) — industrial formulations containing five or more ingredients — as powerful, independent drivers of the global obesity epidemic, casting doubt on the decades-old mantra of ‘calories in, calories out’ as the full story behind weight gain. The findings, published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and widely reported in reputable outlets such as the Washington Post, are sparking urgent debates among health experts and raising vital questions for Thailand’s food culture and public health strategy [Washington Post][PNAS article summary].

A new spotlight on how our meal frequency affects health has ignited debate among nutritionists and the public, following recently published research and expert commentary. The question—does eating more than three meals a day nurture or hinder our well-being?—is especially pertinent in Thailand, where traditional eating habits sometimes differ from Western norms.

Nutrition researchers and physicians have been exploring whether consuming more than three meals a day—sometimes in the form of frequent, small meals or “grazing”—delivers true health benefits or unintentionally undermines metabolic, digestive, or weight outcomes. The issue is complex, and the implications for Thai society—where bustling street food culture often promotes frequent snacking—are profound.

A major international study rethinks obesity by showing that excess calorie intake, not a lack of physical activity, primarily drives obesity in developed nations, including the United States. Published insights from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences challenge decades of public health messaging that blamed sedentary lifestyles. The research points to the modern food environment as the real culprit behind the obesity epidemic.

Obesity remains a global health priority, including in Thailand, where the World Health Organization highlights risks such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The study’s message shifts focus from inactivity to diet quality, suggesting what people eat matters more than how much they move.

A major international study reshapes how we understand obesity. The research shows that diet—especially ultra-processed foods—is the dominant factor in rising obesity rates worldwide, challenging the idea that sedentary lifestyles alone drive the trend. The findings highlight food quality and composition as key contributors across diverse populations, including urban Thai communities.

Data were gathered from more than 4,000 adults across 34 countries, using precise metabolic measurements to assess daily energy expenditure. After adjusting for body size, researchers found little difference in total daily calories burned between people in rich, industrialized nations and those leading physically demanding traditional lifestyles. In short, active workers in some settings burn roughly the same number of calories as office workers in wealthier countries when body mass is considered.

New global research shifts the focus from physical activity as the main driver of obesity to diet quality, highlighting the growing role of ultra-processed foods. For Thailand and other developing economies facing rising obesity, the findings advocate policy reform, nutrition education, and mindful everyday eating in homes and schools.

The study compares energy use in more than 4,000 adults across 34 settings, from hunter-gatherer communities in Africa to corporate environments in Europe. Using the doubly labeled water method, researchers measured daily energy expenditure linked to basic biology and activity. After accounting for body size, the results show similar calorie burn in industrialized societies and subsistence communities, challenging the idea that wealthier nations are inherently more sedentary.

A groundbreaking international study has toppled one of the most persistent beliefs about obesity: the idea that sedentary lifestyles in wealthy countries are chiefly to blame for the global epidemic of excess weight. Instead, new research published this week in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) points squarely at what we eat—particularly the prevalence of ultra-processed foods—as the dominant cause of rising obesity rates around the world (Washington Post).

Daily use of pre-workout supplements—commonplace among fitness-minded Thais and athletes—may not be as risk-free or effective as many believe, according to recent research and expert guidance. While these supplements are marketed for energy, strength, and performance, relying on them daily can cause diminishing returns, potential health risks, and a dependency that shifts the very nature of exercise motivation, new studies and international experts caution (Verywell Health).

Thailand’s booming fitness culture is mirrored in Bangkok’s bustling gyms and the popularity of national sporting events, making the latest international research highly relevant locally. Many Thais use pre-workouts as powder, drinks, or pills to enhance workouts—sometimes without fully considering the risks or regulations. As global sports nutrition finds its place in the Thai urban landscape, understanding the safety and effectiveness of supplement routines has never been more important.

A major international study is upending deeply held beliefs about obesity, concluding that excess calorie consumption—not a lack of physical activity—is the primary cause of the obesity epidemic in the United States and other developed nations. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) this week, suggest that decades of public health campaigns blaming sedentary behavior for rising obesity rates may be missing the real culprit: modern diets.

A sweeping international study published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) is challenging one of the most entrenched beliefs about obesity: that sedentary lifestyles in wealthy nations are the main culprit behind rising rates of overweight and obesity. Instead, the study points a much sharper spotlight at diet—specifically, the prevalence of ultra-processed foods—as the major driver of the global obesity crisis. As Thailand and other middle-income nations grapple with rising rates of obesity, these findings hold urgent implications for public health policies, education campaigns, and everyday choices at the dining table.

A growing number of Thai gym-goers rely on pre-workout products to boost energy and performance. New research and expert guidance suggest daily use may not be as safe or effective as many think, and it can affect motivation and training quality over time.

Thailand’s vibrant fitness scene—from Bangkok studios to regional competitions—makes these findings highly relevant. Many Thais use powders, drinks, or pills before training, but awareness of risks and regulatory details remains uneven. As sports nutrition becomes more common in urban life, understanding how to use these products safely is increasingly important.

A new study suggests that eating two eggs a week may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s-related dementia, offering a simple dietary option for Thailand’s aging society. Researchers from prominent U.S. institutions found that individuals who consumed eggs at least once a week were about 40% less likely to develop dementia linked to Alzheimer’s than those who rarely or never included eggs. The findings, published in mid-2025, point to choline, a nutrient abundant in eggs, as a potential brain-protective factor.

A new study suggests that eating just two eggs a week—roughly four ounces—may significantly lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, offering fresh hope in the battle against Thailand’s rapidly ageing population and rising rates of dementia. Researchers from prominent U.S. institutions found that individuals who consumed eggs at least once a week were 40% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s-related dementia compared to those who rarely or never included eggs in their diet. The findings, published in July 2025, center on choline, an essential nutrient abundant in eggs, which appears to play a protective role for the brain.

A groundbreaking new study tracking over 540,000 adults for nearly 30 years has ignited alarm across the global health community, revealing a significant link between diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and an increased risk of early death. Published in July 2025 and widely cited by international health experts, the research found that participants consuming the most ultra-processed foods had about a 10% higher risk of dying early, compared to those with the lowest consumption levels. With ultra-processed foods now a staple in many Thai diets, these findings carry urgent implications for national health and daily food choices.

As sunlight in Thailand blazes year-round, questions often arise about how much exposure is necessary to support healthy vitamin D levels. New research and updated guidelines released in 2024–2025 reveal that the answer is more nuanced than previously thought, with recommendations balancing the benefits of vitamin D synthesis against the risks of skin damage. Understanding this balance is crucial for Thai residents, who, despite living in a tropical climate, are not immune to vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D supports bone health, muscle function, and immune response. In Thailand’s sunny climate, it’s tempting to assume everyone easily meets their needs. Yet recent research and updated guidelines from 2024–2025 reveal a more nuanced picture. Thai readers should understand how to balance sun exposure with skin health and practical dietary choices.

The link between Vitamin D and health is well established. Deficiency can contribute to bone disorders in children and adults, increasing the risk of falls and fractures. Some evidence also points to weaker muscles and, in older adults, a higher injury risk. Newer studies suggest connections to mental well-being, underscoring the broad importance of adequate Vitamin D levels. Data from public-health authorities highlight the health consequences of deficiency when sun exposure, diet, or absorption are limited.

Thailand is witnessing a rapid rise in dietary supplements sold in Bangkok pharmacies and online. The growth mirrors a global wellness trend and reflects rising urbanization, digital marketing, and a growing middle class seeking proactive health options. This piece analyzes the market dynamics, health realities, and implications for Thai consumers and policymakers.

Globally, a large share of adults uses supplements daily, contributing to a multibillion-dollar industry with thousands of products. In Thailand, the nutritional supplement sector surpassed US$4.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach about US$5.5 billion by 2030, according to industry analysts. The momentum is driven by convenience, accessibility, and a desire to support preventive health alongside traditional medicine and nutrition.

A large international study followed more than 540,000 adults for nearly three decades and found a link between diets rich in ultra-processed foods and a higher risk of premature death. The research indicates those with the highest intake of ultra-processed foods faced about a 10% greater chance of dying earlier than those who consumed the least. With UPFs common in Thai diets, these findings have immediate relevance for health and daily eating habits.

Dietary supplements have become an omnipresent feature of modern wellness culture, with shelves in drugstores, supermarkets, and online platforms crowded by an ever-expanding array of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbal extracts. While the United States remains a major hub of the supplement industry, this rapid growth is mirrored in Thailand, where the sector has seen unprecedented expansion over the past decade. This news report investigates the forces powering the supplement surge, the health realities behind the claims, and what these trends mean for Thai consumers, health regulators, and policymakers.