#Publichealth

Regular physical activity remains essential for physical health, mental resilience, and spiritual balance. In Thailand and beyond, even light movement can fit into busy lives and yield meaningful benefits. Small, sustainable steps add up to stronger bodies and clearer minds.

Many Thai families and professionals ask whether they have time to exercise. The answer is yes when movement is practical and integrated into daily routines. A robust body supports sharper thinking, steadier mood, and better stress management—benefits that show up at work, in school, and at home.

A recent article in The Economist has reignited debate over the effectiveness of probiotics, the so-called “good bacteria” marketed for everything from gut health to immune support. Behind attractive packaging and billion-baht marketing campaigns, probiotics promise to balance the thousands of microbial species living inside our intestines and promote overall wellness (The Economist). But does the latest research support these claims, and what does the science mean for Thai consumers who increasingly embrace probiotic supplements and drinks?

A Turkish study reports a potential, short-term change in the cornea following Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination. Researchers observed small increases in corneal thickness and a decline in endothelial cell density after vaccination, but the changes were temporary and did not visibly affect vision in study participants.

The study tracked 64 adults who received the Pfizer vaccine, with imaging before the first dose and about two months after the second dose. The corneal endothelium kept the eye clear and showed an average thickness rise from 528 to 542 micrometers, about 2 percent, while endothelial cell density fell from roughly 2,597 to 2,378 cells per square millimeter, an 8 percent drop. Cells also showed more size variation and fewer hexagonal shapes, indicating cellular stress.

A new clinical study suggests the popular 5:2 intermittent fasting approach—eat normally five days a week and limit calories on two non-consecutive days—may be the most adaptable and effective option for weight loss and blood glucose improvement in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Presented at the Endocrine Society’s ENDO 2025 conference in San Francisco, the research compared three dietary strategies and found that while all provide benefits, the intermittent approach offers unique advantages for those managing diabetes and weight.

A fresh synthesis of neuroscience and public health suggests a common parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, might subtly influence personality, impulsivity, and aggression. The work summarized by neuroscience outlets draws on psychiatrists and neurobiologists, highlighting how infection can alter brain chemistry and immune activity. The finding carries meaningful implications for individuals and Thai society.

Historically, parasites were seen as physical threats only. New evidence points to a subtler influence: these organisms may shape how people think and feel, including dopamine balance that governs reward and risk-taking. Research indicates a large share of older adults worldwide may be infected with Toxoplasma gondii, underscoring public health relevance. In Thailand, where cats are common, farming thrives, and dietary habits involve exposure to potential sources of infection, the issue is especially pertinent.

A new wave of “mall walking” groups is reshaping how people approach exercise, making it a more enjoyable part of daily life while delivering scientifically-backed health and weight loss benefits. The trend, recently highlighted by a colourful, 1980s-themed group at Lloyd Center Mall in Portland, is motivating diverse participants to get moving—many for the first time in years—by transforming fitness into an accessible, social, and even nostalgic activity (today.com).

Mall walking is far from a new concept, but its resurgence signals a broader shift toward low-barrier, community-driven exercise. For many in Thailand, where urban heat, air pollution, and sudden rainstorms often dampen outdoor activity, the mall environment offers a safe, climate-controlled alternative that mirrors the bustling social scene of local shopping centers. At a time when obesity and related health issues are climbing in Thailand—according to the Ministry of Public Health, one-third of Thai adults are overweight or obese—the mall walking phenomenon offers a model both accessible and adaptable to Thai lifestyles (NPR).

Mall walking is becoming a popular, social way to stay active. A playful, 1980s-themed group at a Portland mall highlights how exercise can feel like a community celebration rather than a chore. Research shows that social, structured walking programs can increase daily steps and boost wellbeing.

In Thailand, malls have long served as havens from heat, rain, and pollution. Climate-controlled spaces offer a reliable option for regular activity, especially for urban residents. With rising concerns about overweight and obesity, mall walking presents an accessible model that fits Thai lifestyles while aligning with public health goals reported by Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health.

A large international study maps how the brain switches from dream to day, revealing a precise sequence that shapes morning alertness. Using high-density EEG across more than 1,000 awakenings, researchers from neuroscience institutes in Europe show how waking begins in the frontal cortex and moves backward toward visual and sensory regions. For Thai readers, the finding offers a clearer picture of why some mornings feel energetic while others are foggy.

A recently published study has uncovered a troubling association between so-called “honor cultures” and higher rates of depression and suicidal ideation, raising important questions for societies across Asia and the world, including Thailand. The research, first reported by PsyPost, reveals that environments where family reputation, social standing, and personal honor are emphasized may also be environments where mental health challenges are more acute and more stigmatized.

This study matters for Thai readers, as many elements of Thai society—from family life to community expectations—are influenced by honor-based values, though their form and impact can vary. Understanding how these cultural factors may increase vulnerability to depression or even suicidal thoughts is crucial given ongoing national efforts to address mental health and improve prevention services.

A groundbreaking long-term study has turned conventional wisdom on its head, revealing that modest rises in blood sugar—not age or testosterone—are a primary driver of sexual decline in men. Presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting, these findings highlight that even non-diabetic glucose levels can slow sperm, impair erections, and reduce libido, with important implications for men’s health across Thailand and the world (SciTechDaily).

For years, discussions about aging men’s declining sexual and reproductive health have focused on hormone levels and the inevitable march of time. But this newly published research, led by a respected German endocrinologist, argues that subtle metabolic changes—particularly slight increases in blood sugar—play a more pivotal role than previously recognized. “Although age and testosterone levels have long been considered an impetus for men’s declining sexual health, our research indicates that these changes more closely correlate with modest increases in blood sugar and other metabolic changes,” said a University Hospital in Muenster professor involved in the study. This suggests that lifestyle management and blood sugar monitoring may hold the key to preserving sexual health as men age.

As Thailand, like much of the world, continues to grapple with sedentary lifestyles exacerbated by modern work routines and urban living, the necessity of daily exercise is once again in sharp focus. The latest wave of global research confirms longstanding advice from health professionals and community leaders alike: regular physical activity is integral not only for physical health, but also cognitive, emotional, and even spiritual wellbeing.

In a reflection echoed in a recent article in Catholic Stand, the question “Do I really have time for exercise?” remains a universal one, especially among those whose days revolve around high-responsibility roles – from religious leaders to busy professionals and Thai families juggling work, school, and community obligations. Yet, as both anecdotal reports and science now make clear, forgoing physical activity can exact a silent but costly toll.

A surge in high-protein diets, popular among fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious Thais, may be unwittingly putting kidneys at risk, according to new research highlighted in a recent article by the Times of India. As protein’s reputation grows as a dietary superstar—promoting muscle gain and aiding weight management—experts warn that simple mistakes in how and what kind of protein is consumed may quietly fuel the rising tide of chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially among those already at risk.

A new clinical study suggests that the popular “5:2” intermittent fasting diet—where individuals eat normally for five days and consume very low calories on two non-consecutive days each week—could be the most flexible and effective approach for weight loss and blood glucose improvement in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The research, recently presented at the Endocrine Society’s ENDO 2025 conference in San Francisco, compared three well-known dietary strategies and found that all offer benefits, but the intermittent approach may provide unique advantages for those struggling to manage diabetes and weight.

A newly published medical study has identified a potential connection between the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and changes in the cornea—the transparent front part of the eye—raising questions about possible implications for certain individuals at risk of vision problems. While researchers have emphasized that the detected changes appear to be temporary and have not led to loss of vision in the study group, these findings raise important considerations, especially for people with pre-existing ocular conditions.

A new dietary recommendation from nutrition experts is challenging the well-established “five-a-day” fruit and vegetable rule, advocating instead for a remarkably diverse plant-centric approach. Recent research and expert opinion report that regularly consuming 30 different plants per week—far surpassing the classic advice of five daily servings—may substantially improve gut health and overall wellbeing. This shift, supported by findings from major studies such as the American Gut Project, is sparking conversation in Thailand and across the globe regarding how dietary diversity can transform modern eating habits and public health.

Probiotics are popular for gut health and immunity, but how strong is the science behind them? In Thailand, interest is rising as social media buzz, fermented foods, and an expanding probiotic market intersect with everyday diets. A 2025 Asia-Pacific trend report notes growing use of probiotic products in Thai households, from yogurt drinks to plant-based beverages and fortified cereals.

Experts warn that benefits are not universal. The impact of probiotics depends on the specific strain, dose, and a person’s health status. A comprehensive 2025 review shows that some probiotics may assist certain cancer treatments, immune function, and gastrointestinal health in specific contexts, but results vary. Claims about broad benefits, such as preventing eczema or common colds, are not consistently supported.

A new international study links honor-focused cultures with higher rates of depression and suicidal thoughts. The research suggests that pressures around reputation and face can amplify stress and deter people from seeking help. For Thai readers, this underscores why culturally informed mental health support matters in Thailand’s communities and schools.

Thai society values respect, hierarchy, and communal harmony. These strengths can also make talking about distress difficult. Understanding how cultural expectations affect mental health is essential as Thailand scales up prevention services and youth-focused interventions.

A new wave of scholarship challenges the idea that the United States once enjoyed a pristine age of health. The debate feeds public discourse and political messaging, including campaigns like “Make America Healthy Again.” Yet a careful review of history shows a more nuanced story where health advances came through persistent effort, not nostalgia.

The lure of a healthier past grows as concerns about chronic disease, ultra-processed foods, and health equity persist. Some argue that earlier dietary habits—before modern food processing—were inherently better. However, historians and nutrition researchers remind us that every era faced its own nutrition challenges. In the early 20th century, medical guidance varied widely. Some doctors endorsed three substantial meat-based meals daily, while early vegetarians and fitness advocates promoted lighter or plant-forward diets. Malnutrition, infectious diseases, and limited access to healthcare remained constant threats.

A growing interest in high-protein diets among fitness enthusiasts in Thailand may unintentionally burden the kidneys. New, accessible guidance suggests that both the amount and source of protein influence chronic kidney disease risk, especially for those with existing risk factors.

Kidney health matters because these organs filter waste from protein metabolism. In Thailand, CKD remains a public health concern with regional differences, and many people are unaware of their kidney status. Hypertension and diabetes—common in the country—compound long-term risk. Routine screening and early detection are crucial, since kidney damage can develop with few or no symptoms.

A new review of over-the-counter mood supplements helps clarify what might help for mild to moderate depression—and where evidence remains limited. The analysis examined 209 studies and was led by researchers from Southern Cross University, offering a clearer view for Thai consumers navigating a busy market of vitamins, herbs, and dietary products.

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, including Thailand. Many people turn to mood boosters such as omega-3 capsules or herbal teas due to stigma around treatment, cost barriers, or hesitation about prescription medicines. In Thailand, rising health awareness and a thriving herbal-supplement scene linked to traditional medicine mirror global trends highlighted by the review.

Every day, Thais and people across the world experience the magical yet mysterious transformation from the depths of sleep to waking consciousness—a process that remarkably shapes our mood, alertness, and even safety. A groundbreaking new study published in Current Biology by the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience and the University of Lausanne has, for the first time, mapped this journey in striking detail. Using over 1,000 awakenings recorded second by second with high-density EEG technology, the international research team has unraveled the choreography of the awakening brain, offering tantalizing clues to why some mornings we feel energetic and others groggy—and new hope for millions struggling with sleep disorders.

A simple change in walking pace could significantly extend independence for Thailand’s aging population. A Chicago study found that seniors who increased their walking cadence during exercise were more likely to improve endurance and resist frailty. The finding offers practical guidance for Thai communities where daily walks are common among older adults.

Frailty is a medical syndrome marked by muscle weakness, fatigue, slow movement, and reduced activity. It raises the risk of falls, disability, hospitalization, and loss of independence. Official data show Thailand’s population is aging rapidly, with more than 18 percent over 60 and about 15 percent of these individuals being frail or pre-frail. This growing burden underscores the need for accessible interventions that fit everyday life.

A groundbreaking new study suggests that simply increasing walking speed by 14 steps per minute could help older adults dramatically improve their physical abilities and maintain independence—a finding with significant implications for Thailand’s rapidly aging population. Researchers in Chicago discovered that seniors who walked just a little faster during exercise were far more likely to boost their walking endurance and stave off the debilitating effects of frailty, a condition that affects one in six Thais over age 60 (source).

The journey from fitness novice to muscle-building success is being redefined by a growing number of older adults, as exemplified by the remarkable story of a 71-year-old woman who turned half her body weight into muscle (Women’s Health UK). Her transformation, which began after a routine body composition scan exposed the need for more than just weight loss, is inspiring fitness communities worldwide, including in Thailand, where the number of ageing citizens continues to rise and concerns over senior health are intensifying.