#Publichealth

A new wave of scientific concern is sweeping the globe after researchers found a strong association between consuming ultra-processed foods and a shortened lifespan, according to a recent study highlighted in Prevention magazine. The findings, reported earlier this year, reinforce mounting evidence that diets high in heavily processed foods—such as instant noodles, packaged snacks, sweetened beverages, and ready-to-eat meals—could be taking tangible years off people’s lives, raising urgent public health questions for Thailand and beyond.

A new study challenges the idea that daily workouts are essential for a healthy heart. Researchers found that one or two vigorous sessions per week can yield cardiovascular benefits nearly as strong as those from daily exercise, provided the total weekly activity is similar. This finding offers pragmatic hope for busy Thai readers trying to fit movement into demanding schedules. The results shift attention from strict daily routines to overall weekly exercise volume, signaling a potential shift in how health campaigns approach fitness.

A new set of urgent recommendations from the World Health Organization aims to curb the rise of medicalized female genital mutilation (FGM) and strengthen care for survivors. The guidance, released April 28, 2025, marks a significant step in the global effort to eradicate FGM and protect girls’ health and rights.

FGM involves partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons and carries serious health risks and human-rights violations. As more procedures are reported to be carried out by healthcare professionals—an trend known as medicalization—the WHO calls for stronger legal and policy actions to discourage this practice and to expand survivor support services. Health experts emphasize that no form of FGM is safe or ethical, regardless of the setting or provider.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued urgent new recommendations aimed at stopping the dangerous trend of “medicalized” female genital mutilation (FGM) and ensuring robust support for women and girls who have undergone the practice, according to a recent release. This latest guidance, announced on April 28, 2025, is seen as a pivotal step in the global fight to eradicate FGM, a deeply harmful practice affecting millions worldwide.

FGM, which involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons, poses severe health risks and violates fundamental human rights. In response to mounting evidence that a growing share of FGM procedures are now performed by healthcare professionals—a process known as “medicalization”—the WHO is calling for stricter measures to discourage this troubling shift while intensifying care for survivors.

A playful social media trend has spotlighted post-meal walks as a simple, scientifically supported way to promote healthy ageing. A medical professional recently endorsed the practice for older adults, sparking discussions about how a short evening walk could aid digestion, blood sugar control, and chronic disease prevention. The idea resonates with Thailand’s plan to address an ageing population through accessible, everyday health habits.

Thailand is expected to become a “super-aged” society, with 20% or more of residents aged 65 and over by 2031. Against this backdrop, easy-to-adopt wellness routines like a light after-dinner walk offer a culturally universal and low-cost approach to stay active. The conversation gained momentum after a doctor and an assistant professor at a medical school tweeted in response to a Canadian author who popularized the term “fart walks,” describing how gentle post-meal strolls support graceful ageing.

A new, ancestry-inspired approach to gut-friendly eating is gaining traction worldwide, now recast for Thai audiences. A registered dietitian has proposed an “ancestral” alternative to the Mediterranean plan, emphasizing simple, balanced meals and evidence-based recipes designed to support digestive health. This shift comes as interest in gut health grows and families seek sustainable, culturally relevant options.

Global interest in gut health reflects growing evidence that trillions of gut microbes influence immunity, mood, and disease risk. For Thai households facing rising rates of irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and food intolerances, diet remains a critical tool for wellbeing. Thai nutrition experts highlight that locally available, minimally processed foods can nurture a healthy microbiome without relying on costly imports.

Walking is more than a daily routine in Thailand—from Bangkok’s skywalks to vibrant night markets and temple grounds. New research shows that brisk walking, done regularly, can rival gym workouts for fat loss and overall health. It offers a practical option for Thais who lack gym access or prefer a natural path to wellness.

Data from a large body of research suggests that aiming for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity walking can trim weight, waist size, and fat. A comprehensive meta-analysis in JAMA Network Open for 2024 pooled 116 randomized trials with over 6,800 overweight or obese adults. The findings were clear: adding 30 minutes per week of aerobic activity such as brisk walking reduced weight by about half a kilogram, decreased waist circumference by roughly half a centimeter, and lowered body fat percentage. Benefits climbed with up to 300 minutes weekly, indicating a direct link between walking time and fat loss. According to research from JAMA Network Open, these results underscore the value of moderate walking for weight management.

Walking may seem like an unremarkable part of daily life in Thailand, from commutes on skywalks in the heart of Bangkok to strolls through night markets or temple grounds. But recent research suggests this simple activity, especially brisk walking, delivers powerful fat-burning and health benefits—often rivalling more intense gym workouts and offering a practical solution for millions of Thais who may not have access to fitness facilities or prefer a more natural approach to health.

A landmark study suggests that simply walking more each day can add up to 11 years to life expectancy. The finding, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, emphasizes practical steps for Thais aiming to improve health amid rising chronic diseases linked to sedentary lifestyles.

Researchers analyzed data from activity monitors worn by adults over 40 in the United States. By comparing the most and least active groups, they found that increasing daily walking by about 111 minutes for the least active could extend life by as much as 11 years. Even smaller gains—an extra 83 minutes of walking daily—were associated with meaningful life-extension benefits of about 4.6 years. Data were drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, using objective device measurements rather than self-reported activity.

A groundbreaking new study has found that increasing daily walking activity may extend life expectancy by more than a decade—a revelation that could transform how Thais approach everyday health and longevity. Published recently in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, this research analyzed millions of steps by adults over age 40 and revealed that those with the most active lifestyles could live up to 11 years longer than their least active counterparts. The findings arrive at a moment when Thailand, like much of the world, faces rising rates of chronic diseases associated with sedentary living.

New research reveals that even low-intensity exercises such as stretching and gentle movement can meaningfully delay cognitive decline among older adults—including those at risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The findings, based on the EXERT study, represent the most compelling evidence yet that physical activity of any intensity may help preserve memory and thinking skills, offering vital hope to Thailand’s rapidly aging population and their families (AOL; ScienceDaily; EXERT clinical summary).

A new systematic review highlights physical exercise as a practical pathway to better attention for people with depression. The study, published in Frontiers in Psychology, analyzes how different exercise types affect attentional performance among individuals with depression, drawing on international data to provide an up-to-date picture.

This finding resonates strongly for Thai readers. Depression affects millions in Thailand, with estimates suggesting 1.5 to 2 million Thais experience symptoms from persistent sadness to cognitive difficulties. Attention problems are common yet often under-recognized, making work, studies, and daily life challenging. The review suggests that regular, accessible exercise can help address these cognitive hurdles alongside emotional symptoms.

A new Lancet study highlights how regular physical activity protects brain health as we age, potentially lowering the risk of dementia and other cognitive conditions. The findings are especially relevant for Thailand, where an aging population makes brain health a growing concern for families and the health system.

Thailand’s population is aging rapidly, with projections suggesting more than 20% of residents will be 60 or older by 2025. The study reinforces a long-standing Thai belief in “kaeng raeng”—robust health through movement—showing that exercise does more than keep the body fit. It activates molecular and cellular processes that shield brain tissue from age-related decline.

A new study from Florida State University suggests that regular aerobic exercise may help shield young adults from some long-term health risks linked to heavy drinking. Presented at the American Physiological Society’s 2025 annual conference in Baltimore, the research highlights how physical activity might mitigate damage from youthful nights of excess during the college years.

For Thai readers, alcohol use among young adults is a growing health concern. Alcohol remains legal and widely available, especially during festivals and social gatherings. Thai universities and public health officials are increasingly scrutinizing its toll on individual and community health. The study from Florida State University offers a hopeful angle for health-minded students and graduates, while stressing that exercise is not a blanket safeguard.

A new systematic review puts physical exercise in the spotlight as a powerful tool to enhance attention in individuals battling depression, shedding light on an often-overlooked pathway to improving mental health and everyday functioning. The latest research, published recently in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Psychology, systematically examined the impact of various exercise interventions on attentional performance in patients diagnosed with depression, drawing from global data sources to present an up-to-date picture of the topic (Frontiers in Psychology, 2025).

New research suggests that regular exercise may significantly improve sleep quality among women struggling with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), offering a promising, accessible intervention for a condition that affects millions worldwide. The findings, reported by Medical Xpress, spotlight the potential for physical activity to offer relief where standard treatments may fall short, especially for Thai women navigating trauma-induced sleep disturbances amid limited mental health resources.

PTSD is a serious psychiatric disorder triggered by exposure to traumatic events and is marked by distressing symptoms such as flashbacks, anxiety, and chronic sleep issues. Within Thailand, rates of PTSD have surged in recent years due to factors like domestic violence, road accidents, and exposure to crisis situations including the southern insurgency or natural disasters. Sleep problems are especially prevalent and can exacerbate other mental health and physical ailments, making this new research particularly relevant to Thai healthcare professionals and sufferers alike.

New research indicates regular physical activity can notably improve sleep quality for women facing PTSD-related sleep problems. The findings suggest exercise as an accessible, non-drug option to complement existing treatments. This matters for Thai communities where mental health resources can be limited and trauma-related sleep disturbances are common.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious condition triggered by traumatic events and is often accompanied by anxiety, flashbacks, and persistent sleep disruption. In Thailand, PTSD concerns have risen due to factors such as domestic violence, traffic accidents, and crises including natural disasters. Sleep problems amplify other health risks, underscoring the relevance of accessible interventions for Thai patients and clinicians.

A new wave of research out of Florida State University suggests that regular aerobic exercise could offer a protective buffer against some of the long-term health risks caused by heavy drinking habits in young adulthood—a finding that may resonate with university students and recent graduates across Thailand and globally. Presented at the American Physiological Society’s 2025 annual conference in Baltimore, this pioneering work shines a nuanced light on the role that physical activity may play in mitigating some of the damage from youthful nights of excess, especially during the formative years often marked by college parties and celebrations.

A historic breakthrough confirms a 67-year-old hypothesis about vitamin B1, or thiamine, revealing new details about how this essential nutrient operates in the body. The finding not only resolves a long-standing scientific debate but also opens possibilities for eco-friendly chemical production with potential benefits for health, industry, and the environment.

The discovery traces back to 1958, when a Columbia University chemist proposed that thiamine’s metabolic actions might involve a reactive structure called a carbene. Carbenes are usually unstable in water-based environments, making such a mechanism seem unlikely for biological processes. The idea faced skepticism for decades until a UC Riverside-led team demonstrated otherwise by stabilizing a carbene in water. This achievement paved the way for observing the molecule’s composition with high-resolution imaging, marking the first verified instance of a stable carbene in aqueous conditions.

Silent but steady, hidden stress is increasingly recognized by global health experts as a widespread factor that can shorten lives—even for those who seem to cope well. Coverage from major health outlets highlights subtle signs such as fatigue, unexplained aches, emotional numbness, forgetfulness, and persistent cravings for unhealthy foods. These may signal chronic stress that fuels serious health issues, from heart disease to early cognitive decline. For Thai readers, recognizing these warning signs is crucial in a fast-paced society undergoing rapid change.

Silent but persistent, hidden stress is increasingly recognized by global health experts as a widespread, insidious factor that can cut lives short—even among those who may seem to function well on the surface. Recent coverage in The Times of India highlights how subtle symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained aches, emotional numbness, forgetfulness, and persistent junk food cravings may signal chronic stress, which in turn fuels a cascade of serious health issues, from cardiovascular disease to early cognitive decline. For Thai readers, understanding these warning signs could be critical in preventing long-term health consequences in a rapidly changing, high-pressure society.

New research demonstrates that even low-intensity activities like stretching and gentle movement can meaningfully slow cognitive decline among older adults, including those at risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The EXERT study provides some of the strongest evidence to date that movement at any intensity supports memory and thinking skills. This matters for Thailand’s rapidly aging population and the families who care for them.

Thailand’s 60-plus demographic is expected to reach 28% by 2033, underscoring the growing burden of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. MCI affects a significant share of adults over 50 worldwide and is a subtle, early phase of cognitive decline. In Thailand, rising dementia cases—many evolving from unnoticed MCI— strain families, caregivers, and the health system. These realities call for proactive public health strategies and community-level support.

A growing number of busy Thais, seeking fast and nutritious breakfasts, are wondering if liquid eggs found on supermarket shelves are as healthy as their shell-bound counterparts. Fresh insights from registered dietitians, as detailed in a recent feature by Today.com, clarify the nutritional similarities, health benefits, and trade-offs of choosing between liquid pasteurized eggs and traditional eggs — an important consideration as egg prices and convenience influence shopping decisions in Thailand and globally (Today.com).

Busy Thai households want quick, nutritious mornings. Are liquid, pasteurized eggs as healthy as traditional shell eggs? A recent overview by health professionals clarifies the nutrition, benefits, and trade-offs of liquid eggs versus real eggs, a timely topic as prices and convenience shape Thai grocery choices.

In Thai cuisine, eggs are essential—from kai jeow omelets to khai luak soft-boiled eggs and countless stir-fries. Supermarkets and convenience stores in Bangkok now stock liquid pasteurized eggs beside imported products, offering a time-saving option for office workers and families racing the clock. But does swapping shell eggs for liquid eggs affect nutrition or flavor?