#Publichealth

A new wave of research is shaking up conventional thinking about protein and muscle gain, offering a message of reassurance for Thai fitness enthusiasts, bodybuilders, and athletes alike. Contrary to the widely held belief that certain types of dietary protein – like whey, casein, or plant-based proteins – are inherently superior for bulking up, new findings suggest that the kind of protein eaten may not make a significant difference for muscle growth, as long as total protein intake remains adequate.

A personal account in EatingWell has sparked renewed interest in no-sugar, anti-inflammatory eating plans. The author describes cravings, energy shifts, and a changing relationship with food after a week-long program. Published on April 26, 2025, the piece highlights benefits and challenges of cutting added sugars and prioritizing whole, anti-inflammatory foods—a trend reflected in global research and highly pertinent to health-conscious readers in Thailand.

Chronic inflammation is now a central focus in nutrition science because it’s linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. In Thailand, non-communicable diseases are on the rise due to urban lifestyles, dietary changes, and the popularity of sugary drinks and snacks. Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health emphasizes reducing sugar intake as a public health priority to curb obesity and metabolic disorders. Data from the ministry shows ongoing efforts to promote healthier eating patterns across the country.

New science reinforces what fitness enthusiasts have long known: regular physical activity boosts mood by triggering the brain’s feel-good chemicals. For Thai communities facing rising stress and health challenges, this research offers clear, actionable takeaways that fit everyday life in cities and towns across Thailand.

Emerging evidence shows that aerobic activities such as brisk walking, cycling, and even routine daily chores can raise endorphin levels in the brain. Endorphins act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers, contributing to reduced discomfort and improved well-being. A comprehensive review of aerobic exercise highlights how consistent activity reliably increases these neurochemicals, supporting happier days and better stress resilience.

A respected Mayo Clinic physician outlines three practical steps people can take to lower the risk of head and neck cancers, a group of diseases affecting the mouth, throat, and voice box. The guidance emphasizes prevention at a time when global rates are rising, including in Thailand. Public health experts say adopting these strategies could significantly lessen the cancer burden for individuals and communities.

Head and neck cancers contribute to a substantial share of cancer cases each year. In Thailand, oral cancer remains a particular challenge due to behavioral and environmental factors. The Mayo Clinic guidance aligns with international research that links lifestyle choices to cancer risk, making it highly relevant for readers seeking credible, actionable health information.

Zone 2 training has surged into the fitness spotlight. From elite athletes to weekend joggers, many are touting its health and performance benefits. The approach focuses on moderate, sustainable exercise that supports heart health, metabolism, and even brain function—without the burnout of high-intensity routines. But what exactly is Zone 2, and what does Thai readers need to know?

Zone 2 describes exercising at about 60–70% of maximum heart rate. It’s the pace where you can speak in sentences, though you might pause for breath. The common max-heart-rate formula is 220 minus age. For a 40-year-old, Zone 2 sits roughly between 110 and 130 beats per minute. Unlike intense workouts, Zone 2 can be sustained for long periods, with minimal lactate buildup and quick recovery. Thai athletes and fitness communities have long valued steady, enjoyable activity, and recent celebrity endorsements plus new research have boosted Zone 2 into broader popular culture.

The Zone 2 training trend has surged into the fitness spotlight, with everyone from elite athletes to weekend joggers touting its health and performance benefits. Emphasizing moderate-intensity, sustainable exercise, Zone 2 training promises powerful boosts for your heart, metabolism, and even brain health—without the burnout risk of high-intensity routines. But what exactly is this “Zone 2”? How does the research stack up for Thai readers interested in balanced, lifelong health?

A new wave of research, highlighted by a UK-based National Health Service (NHS) general practitioner on national television, is upending conventional wisdom about the fight against stubborn belly fat. Contrary to the popular belief that only high-intensity workouts can help shift the bulge around the midsection, emerging evidence now supports the power of slow, steady exercise—like leisurely walks—in burning dangerous abdominal fat, particularly for older adults and postmenopausal women (Get Surrey).

A 91-year-old Italian woman has set a world record in the 200-meter dash for her age group, clocking 51.47 seconds. The performance has captured the attention of sports and medical communities and offers fresh insights into what keeps bodies strong in later years. For Thai readers, the story resonates with national goals to improve quality of life for older adults as the population ages rapidly.

The breakthrough is about more than speed. Thai researchers and clinicians note that the runner’s level of cardiorespiratory fitness rivaled that of a highly fit woman in her 50s. Cellular analysis showed mitochondria—the energy factories of cells—maintaining a youthful profile. Experts say this combination helps sustain performance and may slow certain aging processes, highlighting the payoff of lifelong physical activity.

A 91-year-old Italian woman has shattered the world record for her age group in the 200-meter dash, astounding both the sports and medical communities. Her performance—completing the distance in a remarkable 51.47 seconds—has become a beacon of hope and scientific curiosity, prompting researchers to unravel what makes her physiology unique and what her accomplishment may mean for the future of healthy aging, both globally and for Thai society.

This story captures attention not only for its feat of athleticism but also for its implications in the ongoing quest to understand successful aging. In Thailand, where the population is rapidly aging and the government is seeking strategies to enhance quality of life for older adults, the findings from this Italian record-breaker’s case are particularly relevant. As Thai society faces increasing numbers of elderly citizens, her story offers fresh data and inspiration to policy makers, medical professionals, and families focused on longevity and independence.

A new study presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit has reignited concerns over the safety of artificial sweeteners—specifically erythritol, a popular sugar substitute found in countless sugar-free and “diet” products worldwide. Researchers report that erythritol may trigger cellular changes that heighten the risk of stroke and heart attack—an alarming development for consumers and health officials alike as the use of sugar substitutes remains widespread, including in Thailand’s urban and health-conscious communities.

A recent expert analysis, published in late April 2025, revisits the common belief that breakfast is the day’s most important meal. For many Thais juggling busy schedules, intermittent fasting and breakfast skipping have become popular, making the science behind meal timing highly relevant for families, teachers, and health professionals across Thailand.

For decades, breakfast has been lauded as the spark that jump-starts metabolism, sustains energy, and sharpens cognition. Yet as more Thai adults and students experiment with morning fasting, researchers are offering a nuanced view. The newest evidence suggests that outcomes depend on timing, overall diet quality, and individual physiology.

A simple morning habit is attracting attention for potentially surpassing traditional routines like exercise and meditation. New reporting highlights evidence that exposure to natural sunlight just after waking could offer broader benefits for mental clarity, mood, and daily productivity. This trend resonates with health-conscious Thais seeking accessible ways to start the day well.

The analysis notes that while exercise and mindfulness remain valuable, sunlight exposure may play a pivotal role in regulating circadian rhythms, boosting alertness, and supporting hormonal balance. The emphasis is on practical, early-morning light—without requiring special gear or training. According to research cited by experts, spending a short period outdoors in the morning can support better sleep, mood, and cognitive performance. Data from studies in reputable journals illustrate improvements in sleep quality and daytime functioning when people get morning light.

A growing body of research continues to affirm what fitness enthusiasts have long suspected: regular physical activity is one of the most potent defenses against memory loss and cognitive decline. A new wave of studies in 2025 offers fresh, compelling evidence that working out does more than build muscles—it fortifies brain resilience, providing a potential shield against conditions like dementia and memory impairment. For Thai readers seeking practical, research-backed insights on preserving mental sharpness as they age, the latest findings carry both hope and actionable takeaway.

Chile’s aggressive push to curb childhood junk-food consumption is shaping a global conversation on healthier diets for young people. By tightening marketing rules and front-of-pack labeling, Chile reports a notable drop in unhealthy snack purchases among children. Public health officials worldwide see this as a practical blueprint for addressing youth obesity.

The heart of Chile’s approach is simple and visible: large, black stop-sign warnings on foods high in sugar, salt, and fat; a ban on advertising unhealthy products to children; and restrictions on sales in schools. Since these measures began in 2016, families, teachers, and retailers have faced a clearer, more public health-oriented food environment. The World Health Organization has highlighted the urgency of reducing childhood overweight and obesity, noting a global rise that demands stronger action. In Thailand, about one in ten schoolchildren is overweight or obese, a trend mirrored by expanding fast-food availability and aggressive snack marketing.

Chile’s bold efforts to curb childhood junk food consumption have sparked international attention, prompting the question: if Chile can do it, why can’t the UK—or, indeed, Thailand? The South American nation’s sweeping package of regulations, focusing on marketing and labeling, has spurred a dramatic decline in unhealthy snack intake by children. This development has brought fresh hope to public health officials worldwide grappling with rising obesity rates among the youth.

A recent firsthand account published in EatingWell highlighted the transformative effects of following a strict no-added-sugar, anti-inflammatory meal plan for just one week. The author, accustomed to daily sweet treats, eliminated all added sugars and focused on whole, nutrient-rich ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and leafy greens. This shift not only subdued her sugar cravings, but also brought surprising benefits: increased energy, fewer food anxieties, and a renewed appreciation for mindful eating.

A growing body of research is overturning traditional advice about dieting, pointing toward higher protein intake—rather than food restriction—as a more effective strategy for healthy fat loss and muscle gain. In particular, a recent spotlight on high-protein diets for women suggests that simply eating more protein could significantly improve body composition, even without altering overall calorie intake or increasing exercise.

For many Thai women, and indeed women globally, the prevailing wisdom of “eating less” for weight loss has dominated health messaging for decades. However, this restrictive approach can lead to unhealthy cycles of under-eating, poor nutrition, and difficulty sustaining weight changes. As highlighted in a recent mindbodygreen article, nutrition experts warn that the popular advice to cut back on food overlooks a critical element: protein intake. According to exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist referenced in the article, inadequate protein may be a key reason why some people struggle to lose fat and build muscle.

A new study presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit raises fresh questions about the safety of erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free and “diet” products. Researchers report that erythritol may trigger cellular changes that increase the risk of stroke and heart attack, a finding that matters to Thai readers amid widespread use of sugar substitutes in beverages, snacks, and personal care products.

In Thailand, awareness of sugar’s link to obesity and diabetes has driven demand for sugar-free options. Erythritol has been promoted for its low calorie count and minimal impact on blood sugar, making it a common choice for people managing diabetes or reducing sugar intake. The latest findings challenge the assumption that erythritol is risk-free, highlighting the public health relevance for Thai consumers and health authorities alike.

A landmark review in The Lancet reinforces a simple truth: regular exercise helps protect the aging brain. The study outlines several ways physical activity supports cognitive function, potentially lowering dementia risk and promoting sharper thinking across the lifespan. For Thailand’s aging population, these insights come with timely practical implications, highlighting fitness as an affordable, scalable pathway to brain health.

In Thailand, more than 15% of people are over 60, placing dementia and related conditions high on the national health agenda. While genetics matter, lifestyle choices like consistent exercise remain among the most accessible strategies to build cognitive resilience. The new review explains how activity stimulates brain cell growth, strengthens neural connections, and raises brain-derived neurotrophic factors that support learning and memory. Exercise also benefits heart health, reduces chronic inflammation, and helps regulate blood sugar and blood pressure—factors closely tied to cognitive performance and dementia risk. Together, these mechanisms can delay or lessen memory decline in ageing populations.

A growing body of scientific research is shedding new light on the powerful ways that regular exercise can protect the brain as people age, supporting sharper thinking and potentially lowering the risk of dementia. The latest review, published in The Lancet, details multiple neuroprotective mechanisms by which physical activity benefits the ageing brain, amplifying longstanding calls for Thais—and people worldwide—to prioritise fitness for lifelong cognitive health The Lancet.

This news carries significant implications for Thailand’s rapidly ageing society. With more than 15% of the population now over 60, the Kingdom faces surging rates of dementia and related disorders, making brain health a national priority. While genetics and other factors do play a role, the new review points out that lifestyle interventions like exercise remain among the most accessible and cost-effective measures to promote cognitive resilience in later years.

An increasing chorus of nutrition experts is warning about critical shortfalls in four essential nutrients—fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium—among both Western and Asian populations. Despite growing public awareness of healthy eating, research shows that most adults are failing to meet daily recommendations for these key nutrients, a gap that experts link to heightened risk for chronic diseases, poor metabolic health, and diminished quality of life. Emerging data suggest this is not merely a Western phenomenon: while the United States faces striking deficiencies, Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries are also contending with shifting dietary patterns that threaten nutritional balance.

Generation Z is increasingly embracing workouts as a core part of daily life, turning gym sessions into social experiences rather than nights out at pubs. As healthy habits rise, questions emerge about whether happiness truly follows or if some social pleasures of traditional venues are fading.

For Thai youth, the shift carries significant implications. In the UK and beyond, gym memberships among 16- to 24-year-olds have surged, with millions now exercising in facilities that double as social hubs. The trend signals a broader rethinking of youth culture—where friendship, stress management, and mental well-being intertwine with physical activity. In Thailand’s urban centers, wellness content on social media accelerates this change, with group workouts and wellness cafés becoming common meeting spots.

A new wave of research is painting Generation Z as possibly “the healthiest generation ever,” with young people opting for social exercise sessions at the gym rather than nights spent nursing pints at the pub. But as Gen Zers commit to their physical well-being, questions are rising about whether these lifestyle changes truly translate to greater happiness, or if some social benefits of traditional venues are being lost in the rush for optimal health.

A fresh wave of health research is reshaping how we think about belly fat. A UK NHS general practitioner discussed on national television that slow, steady movement—such as leisurely walks—can effectively reduce visceral fat, particularly for older adults and postmenopausal women. This challenges the belief that only intense workouts burn stubborn belly fat.

For Thai audiences, the message is practical and empowering. With rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, accessible activities that fit daily life are essential. In Thai cities, many people face stress and sedentary patterns, especially older women who are most at risk for abdominal fat accumulation.