#Obesity

A new study suggests that restricting carbohydrates on two days each week, rather than undertaking strict calorie restriction, may deliver similar metabolic benefits to intermittent fasting. The finding points to a potentially more sustainable approach for Thais and others seeking the health advantages of fasting without demanding dietary changes. Researchers published the study on May 11, 2025, highlighting how simple carb reductions can influence heart and metabolic function.

Intermittent fasting has grown in popularity in Thailand, appealing to urban professionals and health-minded individuals aiming to manage weight and reduce disease risk. Yet many regimens, including the 5:2 plan, can be hard to sustain and may impact nutritional balance. In Thailand, where traditional meals often feature rice and noodles, a two-day-per-week carb-cut strategy could be more realistic while still supporting metabolic health.

A wave of cutting-edge scientific research has triggered global alarm bells over the dangers of sugar, with health experts comparing its addictiveness and health impact to those of nicotine and even cocaine. As new findings highlight the biochemical and psychological hold of sugar on the brain, Thailand is both a consumer and battleground, taking concrete policy steps to help curb this ‘sweet danger’ before it causes a wider epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and mental health disorders.

A wave of recent research shows sugar can trigger addiction-like brain responses and powerful cravings. Health experts compare its impact to substances such as nicotine, underscoring a growing concern about obesity, diabetes, and mental health. Thailand is responding with strategic policies aimed at reducing sugar intake and guiding healthier choices for families.

Sugar has become pervasive in modern diets. In the United States, more than 60% of food and beverage products contain added sugars, a pattern echoed in many Asian markets as processed foods expand. The average North American consumes about 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily, far above guidelines. In Thailand, studies indicate that a large portion of the population regularly consumes sugar-sweetened beverages, contributing to rising health risks.

A recent study suggests that restricting carbohydrates on just two days per week can yield metabolic benefits similar to those of intermittent fasting. The findings point to a more approachable option for improving heart and metabolic health without severe hunger or major dietary upheaval. For Thai readers, this could translate into practical changes that fit busy urban lives and traditional dining patterns.

Intermittent fasting, especially the 5:2 approach, has gained popularity worldwide, including in Thailand, as a tool for weight management and metabolic wellness. Yet many people struggle with hunger, disrupted meals, or concerns about nutrient adequacy. The new research, led by a nutrition expert from the University of Surrey and published in The Conversation, investigates whether carbohydrate restriction on two days a week can produce similar benefits. The study summary is reported by ScienceAlert.

A groundbreaking new study suggests that restricting carbohydrates just two days a week may provide the same metabolic health benefits as the more challenging intermittent fasting diets, offering hope for simpler approaches to improving heart and metabolic health. These findings could open new doors for Thai readers eager to enhance their health but daunted by the demanding routines of traditional fasting regimens.

Intermittent fasting — especially the popular “5:2” version, where people drastically reduce calorie intake on two days each week — has won devotees around the world, including in Thailand, for its reputation as a weight loss tool with additional metabolic perks. However, many Thais and others have struggled to stick with fasting due to hunger pangs, meal disruption, or concerns about nutritional adequacy. The latest research, led by an Associate Professor of Nutrition at the University of Surrey and published on May 11, 2025, in The Conversation, offers a gentler alternative: twice-a-week carbohydrate (not calorie) restriction may deliver similar health benefits without forcing people to go extremely hungry or disrupt their regular eating habits, according to their study outlined on ScienceAlert.

A recent international study suggests that higher blood caffeine levels may help reduce body fat and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. The findings, published in BMJ Medicine, come from researchers at Karolinska Institute in Sweden, the University of Bristol, and Imperial College London. The study points to caffeine as a potential tool in managing obesity and diabetes, two major health challenges in Thailand, through everyday beverages like coffee.

A recent international study has revealed that higher concentrations of caffeine in the blood may help reduce body fat and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, sparking fresh debate about caffeine’s broader health effects for Thais and coffee lovers worldwide. The findings, published in BMJ Medicine and involving researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, University of Bristol, and Imperial College London, point to new possibilities for managing obesity and diabetes—two major public health challenges in Thailand—by leveraging something as simple as a cup of coffee.

A new survey from the Pew Research Center reveals a complex portrait of American eating habits in 2025, highlighting how escalating food prices and evolving lifestyles are making healthy eating more challenging for many. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on the balance between taste, convenience, affordability, and healthiness, revealing key insights that resonate even for readers in Thailand navigating their own nutrition landscapes.

As the cost of food continues upward, 90% of surveyed US adults acknowledge that healthy food has become more expensive in recent years. Nearly seven in ten say these price increases make it more difficult to maintain a healthy diet, with lower-income individuals feeling the pinch most acutely. The survey, conducted among 5,123 adults, captures shifting priorities and the struggle to eat healthy in a world saturated by rising obesity, proliferating food delivery options, and ever-changing dietary advice from social media influencers (pewresearch.org).

A recent Pew Research Center survey paints a clear picture of how rising food prices and evolving lifestyles influence healthy eating in 2025. The findings show that taste, convenience, affordability, and health are all weighing into daily choices. For Thai readers, the study offers valuable parallels as Thailand faces similar nutrition challenges and ongoing public health campaigns.

As food prices rise, 90% of adults surveyed in the United States acknowledge that healthy food has become more expensive. About 70% say price increases make it harder to maintain a healthy diet, with lower-income individuals feeling the squeeze most. The study included 5,123 adults and highlights how affordability, access, and knowledge shape dietary health amid rising obesity, abundant delivery options, and shifting dietary guidance from social media influencers. The research is reported through national institutions and public health experts.

Aspartame, the popular calorie-free artificial sweetener featured in thousands of food and drink products across Thailand and the globe, is under renewed scrutiny after recent research highlighted its potential health risks despite decades of widespread use. While aspartame has long been promoted as a guilt-free alternative to sugar—especially for those managing weight or diabetes—nutrition experts caution that its effects may not be entirely benign, prompting Thai consumers to reconsider their dietary choices in light of emerging evidence.

Aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener in thousands of foods and drinks, is once again under scrutiny. While it has long been promoted as a sugar substitute that helps with weight control and blood sugar management, new analyses are raising questions about its long-term safety. Thai consumers are increasingly weighing the benefits against emerging concerns as part of a broader move toward healthier choices.

Leading researchers have summarized recent findings in an expert review by The Conversation. Aspartame, developed in 1965, is more than 180–200 times sweeter than sugar and contributes virtually no calories, making it attractive for those seeking to cut calories and manage diabetes. In Thailand, as in many countries, diet beverages and sugar-free products have become common, reflecting both public health guidelines and market trends. The World Health Organization and Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health have long recommended limiting added sugars, guiding the shift toward non-nutritive sweeteners and other low-calorie options.

A groundbreaking study by researchers at Japan’s Fujita Health University has uncovered an unexpected role for brain-derived estrogen in directly regulating appetite and body weight, upending traditional beliefs about how hormones shape our eating habits. Their findings, recently published in The FEBS Journal, not only broaden our scientific understanding but could also open new avenues for treating obesity and overeating—issues of increasing significance in Thailand and around the world (PsyPost).

A new study from researchers at Fujita Health University in Japan reveals that estrogen produced in the brain may directly regulate appetite and body weight, challenging long-held beliefs about hormonal control of eating. Published in The FEBS Journal, the findings offer fresh directions for obesity research and potential future therapies relevant to Thai health priorities.

Traditionally, estrogen has been associated with reproductive health. Yet recent work shows the brain itself can synthesize estrogen, especially in the hypothalamus, via the enzyme aromatase. This neuroestrogen may influence behavior and physiological processes beyond reproduction. Until now, its direct impact on appetite remained uncertain, prompting interest from endocrinologists and neuroscientists worldwide.

A practical question for beginners: is longer walking or shorter, slower jogging the smarter path to weight loss? Experts say both have benefits, but the best choice depends on health, goals, and the ability to stick with a routine. In Thailand, climate, culture, and urban design shape how people approach daily exercise, making an accessible option essential for sustained health improvement.

Movement remains a key tool against rising non-communicable diseases in Thailand, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The World Health Organization advises adults to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. For many Thais, gyms aren’t always accessible, so walking or jogging present practical, low-cost ways to stay active.

A groundbreaking clinical trial has revealed that semaglutide, a drug already in use for managing diabetes and obesity, is poised to transform treatment for a widespread and potentially deadly liver condition known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This discovery is seen as a potential game-changer in the medical field, offering hope to millions of patients in Thailand and worldwide who currently face limited therapeutic options for this silent, progressive disease.

NASH is a severe type of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) characterized by liver inflammation, fat buildup, and tissue damage not caused by alcohol. If untreated, NASH can progress to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even lead to liver failure requiring transplantation. In Thailand, the prevalence of NAFLD, which often precedes NASH, is climbing in parallel with rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes, mirroring a global pattern seen in recent years (biomedcentral.com, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). The latest study, as reported by ScienceAlert, demonstrates that semaglutide can lead to marked improvements in liver health and may soon provide a much-needed treatment option for millions.

A wave of new research is challenging the long-held supremacy of traditional cardio workouts for weight loss, pointing instead to the power of metabolic conditioning, or “metcon,” as a more efficient and effective method. Recent studies show that metabolic conditioning, which blends high-intensity intervals with strength-based movements and minimal rest, can lead to greater fat loss, improved cardiovascular health, and preserved muscle mass compared to classic steady-state cardio routines such as jogging or cycling (Women’s Health; Inspire Fitness; Signos).

New research challenges decades of cardio-led weight-loss guidance, highlighting metabolic conditioning, or metcon, as a more efficient approach. Studies show metcon, which blends high-intensity intervals with strength movements and minimal rest, can yield greater fat loss, better cardiovascular health, and preserved muscle mass compared with steady-state cardio such as jogging or cycling.

For many Thais seeking to shed kilos, this shift could mean faster, more durable results. While steady running, swimming, or cycling has long been the default prescription, scientists and accredited exercise professionals now argue that metabolic conditioning offers amplified benefits for fat loss, metabolic health, muscle development, and blood sugar control.

A recent international clinical trial demonstrates that semaglutide, a drug already used for diabetes and obesity, could become a breakthrough treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). For Thai patients and health systems facing rising liver disease, this development offers real hope and prompts urgent discussion about access and implementation.

NASH is the inflammatory, scar-forming form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. If not managed, it can advance to cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure requiring transplantation. In Thailand, obesity and type 2 diabetes are driving increasing NAFLD and NASH rates, reflecting a global trend. Research indicates that the condition is expanding alongside lifestyle changes, and public health experts are watching carefully for effective therapies. Recent coverage notes that semaglutide may improve liver health significantly and potentially provide a new, practical treatment option for millions worldwide.

The debate around the most effective exercise for weight loss—walking for a longer duration or jogging for a shorter time—is especially relevant for people beginning their fitness journey. Recent research and expert opinions highlight unique advantages for both activities, but choosing “the best” depends on individual health status, goals, and the ability to maintain an exercise habit over time. For Thailand, where exercise habits are intertwined with climatic, societal, and even urban design considerations, understanding these differences is key for effective weight management and health promotion.

A new debate making waves among fitness enthusiasts is whether 45 minutes of brisk walking can rival 15 minutes of slow jogging when it comes to losing weight. Recent research and expert analysis suggest that both forms of exercise can be effective, but the best choice may ultimately depend on personal health goals, fitness levels, and lifestyle.

As Thailand’s population faces mounting challenges from sedentary lifestyles, rising rates of obesity, and related metabolic disorders, understanding the pros and cons of different exercise routines is not just a matter of fad-following—it’s crucial public health knowledge. Walking and jogging are both popular among Thais of all ages due to their accessibility: urban parks, temple grounds, and riverside walkways bustle with morning and evening exercisers. Knowing which activity yields better results for weight loss helps Thais make informed choices for their health.

A growing body of research and expert opinion is highlighting a silent yet serious consequence of excessive abdominal fat in men: a dramatic impact on hormonal balance, sexual health, and fertility. As obesity rates continue to rise—across the world and notably in Asian countries including Thailand—doctors are warning that belly fat is much more than a cosmetic concern. Landmark findings discussed by leading endocrinologists reveal that fat surrounding the waistline acts as an endocrine organ, disrupting testosterone levels and overall male vitality (The News).

A growing body of research highlights a clear link between excess belly fat and disruptions in male hormones, sexual health, and fertility. As obesity rises globally and in Asia—including Thailand—doctors warn that abdominal adiposity is more than a cosmetic issue. Endocrinologists emphasize that fat around the waist acts like an endocrine organ, potentially lowering testosterone and affecting overall vitality.

This matters for Thailand, where national surveys show rising overweight and obesity among men, especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Cultural norms have long equated weight gain with prosperity, but recent evidence reframes belly fat as a health risk with real consequences for men’s bodies and families.

A lively fitness debate asks whether 45 minutes of brisk walking can rival 15 minutes of slow jogging for shedding pounds. New analyses suggest both approaches work, but the best choice depends on personal health goals, current fitness, and daily life. For many Thai readers, practical, sustainable routines matter as much as calorie counts.

Thailand faces rising sedentary habits and obesity-related health issues. Understanding the trade-offs of walking and jogging helps people choose routines that fit real life. In Thai communities, parks, temple grounds, and riverside promenades are popular places to stay active, making both walking and jogging accessible for many ages.

Popular health trends recently have seen a surge in interest in so-called “cortisol bellies” and “cortisol faces,” fueled by viral social media posts and a spike in online searches for cortisol-related health advice. These buzzwords, while catchy, attempt to simplify the highly complex biological processes behind how our bodies respond to chronic stress—sometimes sparking unnecessary worry among Thai and global audiences.

Cortisol, often dubbed the “stress hormone,” is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a critical role in helping the body respond to stress. When stress levels rise, so does the production of cortisol, which can affect multiple body systems—regulating metabolism, controlling blood sugar, influencing immune responses, and aiding in fat storage. According to a recent report by the National Post, online searches for information on cortisol, its “trigger foods,” and supposed “cortisol detoxes” have climbed dramatically in the past year, reflecting the growing anxiety about how stress hormones may visibly influence appearance and health (MSN).