#Publichealth

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 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.

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.

Health authorities have unveiled new guidelines urging new mothers to increase their physical activity and improve their sleep habits, triggering widespread debate over the feasibility of these recommendations for parents of young infants. The advice, which is being “strongly encouraged” by medical experts, is rooted in growing evidence that exercise and quality sleep can support postpartum recovery—but many new parents and advocates are questioning whether such guidance truly reflects the day-to-day realities faced by mothers caring for newborns [The Guardian].

A major new study spanning 101 countries has revealed that adults who consume a diet rich in plant-based proteins tend to live longer, while animal proteins remain crucial during early life. Published in Nature Communications, the international research provides some of the most comprehensive evidence yet linking dietary protein sources to lifespan, with possible lessons for Thailand’s evolving food landscape and health policies Nature Communications.

Across the globe, diets higher in plant protein were associated with significantly improved adult survivorship and overall life expectancy, especially when compared to diets where most protein comes from animal sources. Notably, the opposite effect was found among young children—animal-derived proteins offered unique survival benefits in the first years of life, likely due to bioavailable nutrients critical for development.

A new study from the University of California, San Francisco, has sparked international concern after scientists found a compelling connection between poor sleep quality and accelerated brain shrinkage—a process that may begin much earlier in adulthood than commonly assumed. This research, published in the journal Neurology, suggests that even moderate trouble sleeping could make the brain appear years older, flagging sleep problems as a public health risk with potentially wide-reaching implications for Thailand.

A recent discussion among fitness experts and new research has reignited public interest in the age-old debate: Is running or swimming more effective for building muscle and losing weight? According to a detailed comparison presented in a recent Women’s Health Magazine article, both forms of exercise deliver unique health benefits, but their suitability greatly depends on personal health goals, accessibility, and physical condition—a question that resonates for many readers in Thailand as the country’s fitness culture continues to thrive.

A recent research breakthrough offers new insight into why colorectal cancer cases are climbing among younger adults, a trend that has alarmed public health officials worldwide, including in Thailand. For years, scientists have noted a disturbing shift: while colorectal cancer rates decline among older adults, young people are increasingly being diagnosed, often at later—more dangerous—stages. The implications are significant for Thailand, where cancer remains one of the top causes of death, and awareness of early-onset colorectal cancer is still developing.

A recent expert analysis, published on April 27, 2025, has reignited the debate about whether breakfast is truly the “most important meal of the day,” delivering surprising findings that challenge long-held nutritional conventions. With more Thai adults and youth experimenting with intermittent fasting or skipping breakfast for convenience or health goals, understanding the latest science is increasingly relevant for families, health professionals, and educators across Thailand.

For decades, breakfast has been upheld as the nutritional cornerstone that kickstarts metabolism, supports energy levels, and enhances cognitive performance. However, millions of people around the world—including many Thais—now regularly skip breakfast, whether as part of busy routines or guided by new dietary trends like intermittent fasting. The latest scientific research, combined with insights from leading nutritionists, paints a nuanced picture of the potential metabolic and cognitive outcomes of this habit.

Recent research into the simple act of squatting suggests that this time-honored movement, still common in many Asian cultures and among Thai people, may hold significant benefits for health, mobility, and even longevity, though not without some caveats. The conversation around squatting recently resurfaced in global media, highlighting its cultural roots in Asia and Eastern Europe, and the fact that many people in developed Western countries have lost the ability to comfortably rest in this position due to modern lifestyles dominated by chairs and sedentary workspaces. So, should we all be squatting more, and if so, how can Thais best apply the latest scientific findings to their daily routines?

A newly spotlighted morning habit is gaining attention for its potential to surpass the benefits of classic routines like exercise and meditation, according to recent reporting by Slate. While the world has long hailed physical activity and mindfulness as the staples of a healthy start to the day, fresh research and expert opinion suggest that another, more accessible morning ritual may have even greater positive impacts for mental clarity, emotional wellbeing, and productivity—a trend now catching on among health-conscious Thais.

Thai readers are increasingly seeking ways to manage joint pain without invasive treatments, and recent research is providing promising, practical solutions. A new wave of medical guidance highlights the effectiveness of gentle exercise routines in alleviating sore knees, a common complaint among the Thai population as the country faces an ageing society and sedentary lifestyles. Health authorities, physical therapists, and international experts all point to targeted, low-impact exercises as key to both relief and prevention of knee discomfort.

The US government’s bold decision to phase out a suite of artificial food dyes by 2026 has sparked global conversations about food safety and consumer protection, sending ripples across Thailand’s food industry and raising fresh questions for local parents, shoppers, and health experts. The move—unfolding under the direction of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—targets at least eight petroleum-derived synthetic colorants, with US officials warning that the dyes’ risks sharply outweigh their rainbow-hued appeal in familiar snacks, beverages, and even unexpected pantry staples.

A wave of fresh research is prompting Thai psychiatrists and families to reconsider long-held assumptions about psychosis, as scientists explore the crucial differences between substance-induced and primary psychotic disorders. This emerging body of evidence, highlighted in a recent Medscape report, could help guide better diagnosis, tailored treatment, and more hopeful outcomes for patients across Thailand.

Psychosis, a condition marked by a loss of contact with reality—often via hallucinations or delusions—has long been categorized into those primarily caused by a psychiatric illness, like schizophrenia, and others triggered by substance use, such as methamphetamine (“ya ba”) or cannabis. Understanding whether symptoms are “primary” (intrinsic to psychiatric illness) or “substance-induced” (caused by drug or alcohol use) shapes every aspect of medical care, but until now, the true distinctions have often been blurred, fueling debates among clinicians and researchers worldwide.

A glass of plain water may be the most powerful, accessible, and scientifically backed drink for increasing energy, according to the latest advice from international dietitians. Contrary to the increasingly popular reliance on coffee, energy drinks, or sugary beverages, recent expert reviews emphasize that water should be the go-to drink for those wanting to maintain energy and focus throughout the day. These findings come as a timely reminder for Thai readers, given the nation’s hot climate, active lifestyles, and ongoing public health campaigns about the dangers of excessive sugar and caffeine consumption.

A new study has revealed that among the four grandparents, one in particular may have a more profound effect on the lives of their grandchildren—a finding that offers fresh perspective on Thai family life and intergenerational support. Although the influence of grandparents is well-recognised in Thai culture, the research highlights the unique and measurable ways a specific grandparent can shape children’s well-being and development, reigniting conversations about the evolving dynamics of the modern Thai household.

In a groundbreaking new study unveiled at the 2025 American Physiology Summit, researchers revealed that simply viewing a hot virtual environment via VR can help the body cool off more efficiently during exercise. This innovative approach holds promise for athletes, military personnel, and outdoor workers in Thailand and around the world, suggesting a new direction for safe and effective heat acclimation training without ever leaving the room (Newswise).

Against the backdrop of rising temperatures and increased heat-related illnesses in Thailand, the findings offer timely insights. Bangkok, notorious for its sweltering climate, regularly sees heat advisories, with 2023 setting a new national record for highest temperature at 45.4°C in Tak province (Bangkok Post). Outdoor laborers, soldiers, and endurance athletes face mounting risks as global temperatures climb. The prospect of adapting to heat safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively is increasingly vital for the country’s public health and occupational safety.

A recent opinion piece published on April 26, 2025, has reignited debate over where cyclists belong in urban environments, criticizing what the author describes as cyclist “arrogance” and the frequent friction between cyclists and other road users (“Cyclists, if You Don’t Know Your Place, Pick a Different Form of Exercise” The National Herald). This article, while anecdotal and polemical, mirrors concerns raised in newly published international research, which is increasingly focused on the complex—and sometimes hazardous—interactions between cyclists and pedestrians, particularly in crowded cities. For Thai readers navigating rapidly changing urban landscapes, these insights are of immediate relevance.

A wave of new research underscores a compelling message for public health: cutting out ultra-processed foods may significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer, according to leading medical professionals. Recent coverage in the UK-based GetSurrey highlighted doctors’ warnings that a single change in our diets—drastically reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods—could be one of the most effective ways to lower the likelihood of cancer onset across the population [source].

This news comes at a crucial juncture for Thai readers, as the adoption of Westernized diets heavy in processed foods accelerates in urban communities. Against a backdrop of rising cancer rates both in Thailand and globally, the public health implications of dietary choices have never been more relevant.

A wave of recent scientific findings underscores that not all sleep is created equal—deep sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep are emerging as key guardians of brain health, with profound implications for dementia risk and cognitive aging. The latest research, recently highlighted in a New York Times report, confirms that beyond simply getting enough hours of sleep, the specific quality and stages of sleep matter deeply for long-term mental wellbeing (NY Times, 2025).

A growing body of research highlighted by Harvard Health underscores the importance of a “three-pronged” approach to exercise, emphasizing that optimal health is best achieved not simply through aerobic workouts, but by integrating different training types into a regular routine. This strategy—which combines moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, resistance (strength) training, and stretching or flexibility work—has profound implications for Thai readers seeking sustainable ways to improve fitness, prevent chronic disease, and maintain independent living as they age.

Global efforts to combat childhood malnutrition are facing a dangerous setback as disruptions in US government funding threaten the distribution of Plumpy’Nut, a ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) that has transformed survival rates for severely malnourished children. Experts warn that millions could be left without this critical lifeline, triggering renewed concern across regions already suffering humanitarian emergencies.

For families like those in northeastern Nigeria, the stakes are heartbreakingly clear. After losing her husband to violence and fleeing her village, one mother found her two-year-old son failing to thrive on inadequate rations in a displaced persons camp. It was only after receiving Plumpy’Nut—an energy-dense peanut paste fortified with vitamins and minerals—that her son rapidly recovered from acute malnutrition, illustrating the product’s vital role on the frontlines of humanitarian care (source: NPR).

A growing body of new research is drawing attention to the health consequences of low magnesium levels, with scientists now connecting the mineral’s deficiency to a broader range of health problems than previously understood. Recent studies indicate that even mild magnesium deficiency can contribute to increased risk for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and mood disorders. For Thai readers, these findings underscore the importance of paying closer attention to dietary magnesium—particularly as local diets and lifestyles change with urbanisation and the Westernisation of eating habits.