#Publichealth

A new clinical trial identifies the 5:2 intermittent fasting plan as the most effective and sustainable option among three popular diets for improving blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Presented at ENDO 2025 in San Francisco, the findings carry meaningful implications for Thailand, where diabetes is rising and dietary trends are closely watched by clinicians and the public.

Thailand faces a growing diabetes burden, with more than seven million people living with the condition as of 2023, many of them overweight or obese. The Thai Ministry of Public Health has long emphasized dietary modification as central to diabetes care, yet selecting an accessible and effective plan remains challenging. A Thai-focused summary of the study highlights the potential value of structured intermittent fasting within a comprehensive management approach.

Recent research is challenging popular beliefs circulating on social media that women require substantially more sleep than men, with emerging scientific evidence showing only a slight, but measurable, average difference in how long women sleep compared to men. The discussion, rooted in a new explainer by a leading sleep psychologist (The Conversation), highlights a complex weave of biological, psychological, and social influences shaping women’s sleep patterns — issues acutely relevant in Thailand, where rapid social change is reshaping the traditional roles of women in family and society.

A ubiquitous sugar substitute found in Thai supermarkets, bakeries, bubble tea shops, and increasingly in “health” products, erythritol, has emerged as a fresh concern for heart health. Recent scientific studies—including a major investigation led by the University of Colorado Boulder—reveal that consuming even a typical serving of erythritol may rapidly trigger changes in blood vessels and platelets that set the stage for heart attack and stroke. With sugar-free and “keto” diets growing in popularity across Thailand, these findings carry weighty implications for millions of Thai consumers who have long considered erythritol as a harmless alternative to sugar.

A large Danish study finds no increased risk of autism, ADHD, or other chronic neurological, autoimmune, or allergic conditions from aluminum in vaccines. Researchers analyzed health records of more than 1.2 million children born between 1997 and 2018, following them for up to eight years and examining fifty conditions. The findings provide solid reassurance to Thai families amid ongoing concerns about vaccines.

Aluminum salts act as adjuvants, helping vaccines provoke a stronger immune response. This practice has been in use for more than nine decades. While rumours circulate online, global science has not supported a causal link between aluminum exposure in vaccines and neurodevelopmental or immune-related disorders.

A major international study shifts the focus from exercise to diet as the main driver of obesity in wealthy nations. The research shows that diets rich in ultra-processed foods are the principal factor behind the modern obesity epidemic. Data across diverse populations indicate similar daily energy expenditure, suggesting that simply increasing activity may not dramatically reduce obesity without dietary changes. For Thai readers, the finding emphasizes the power of what we eat over how much we sweat.

A recent UK review identifies four dietary supplements with the strongest evidence for easing depressive symptoms: St. John’s wort, probiotics, vitamin D, and saffron. The analysis examined hundreds of trials across 64 over-the-counter products, reflecting growing global interest in self-care for mental wellbeing amid persistent stigma around psychiatric treatment. In Thailand, mental health data highlight the demand for affordable, accessible options. The Department of Mental Health estimates that more than 1.5 million residents experience depressive disorders, with many undiagnosed due to stigma or barriers to care. The global supplements market has surged to roughly 152 billion dollars, driven in part by social media promotion of mood-boosting products, though robust evidence for many supplements remains elusive.

A new review from researchers in the United Kingdom has highlighted four dietary supplements—St. John’s wort, probiotics, vitamin D, and saffron—that present the strongest evidence for easing depressive symptoms, according to an analysis published this week in Health.com (health.com). The study, which assessed hundreds of clinical trials covering 64 different over-the-counter supplements, arrives as Thailand and the world see surging interest in self-care for mental wellbeing amid persistent stigma around psychiatric treatment.

A sweeping new review has revealed that gentle exercises such as yoga, tai chi, and even simple walking may hold the key to better sleep, offering millions of people suffering from insomnia a safe and accessible path to restful nights. The findings, published this month in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine and discussed by ABC News, challenge the long-standing reliance on medications and specialized therapy, shining a spotlight on low-impact movement as a powerful tool against one of modern society’s quietest epidemics (ABC News).

A comprehensive review finds that gentle activities such as yoga, tai chi, and casual walking can meaningfully improve sleep for people with insomnia. The study, summarized by reputable outlets, challenges the reliance on pills and intensive therapies. For many, simple movements offer a safe, accessible route to better rest.

Insomnia affects about 15% of American adults monthly, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Thailand, urban life, screen time, and busy schedules contribute to similar sleep disruptions. While cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and medication have long been standard approaches, evidence supporting exercise as a sleep aid has grown in recent years.

A landmark international study published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) is turning conventional wisdom about obesity on its head, revealing that a sedentary lifestyle in wealthy nations may not be the main culprit behind soaring obesity rates. Instead, the research finds that diets high in ultra-processed foods are the leading driver of the modern obesity epidemic, with important lessons for the Thai population and global public health campaigns alike (Washington Post).

A sweeping new study out of Denmark has concluded that exposure to aluminum in early childhood vaccines does not increase the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other chronic neurological, autoimmune, or allergic conditions. This research, covering more than 1.2 million children, comes at a crucial time of persistent vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, offering robust scientific reassurances that routine childhood immunisations are safe and not a source of neurological or immune harm.

A regional milestone in 2024 shows South Asia achieving the highest-ever immunization coverage for children. The joint findings from the World Health Organization and UNICEF signal a turning point for the region and offer practical lessons for Thailand as it strengthens protections against vaccine-preventable diseases.

The achievement reflects a broad partnership among governments, frontline health workers, donors, and communities. Early indicators from Thailand’s health authorities echo a shared drive across South Asia—covering Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—that lifted vaccine uptake. A UNICEF regional director calls this a proud moment, noting that more children are protected today thanks to dedicated health workers, strong leadership, and family trust.

A newly published meta-analysis has confirmed that easy-to-implement lifestyle changes can substantially lower the risk of chronic diseases, even in people who carry high genetic risks. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association and highlighted in a recent AOL Health report, provide vital evidence that improving basic health habits is effective not just for preventing heart disease, but safeguarding nearly every bodily system.

This news is particularly significant for Thai readers as the burden of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension continues to rise in Thailand. Traditionally, there has been a belief that genetics are the primary driver of many diseases. The new research, which analyzed data from 483 studies, shows that lifestyle changes can overcome even genetic predispositions, underscoring the power of personal action.

A comprehensive meta-analysis shows real-world lifestyle changes can substantially lower chronic disease risk, even for people with high genetic predisposition. Analyzing hundreds of studies, the research finds benefits extend to multiple organs, not just the heart, underscoring practical steps families can take in Thailand.

In Thailand, rising rates of heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension make these findings especially relevant. Many Thai communities have long believed genetics alone determine disease. The new evidence highlights how personal choices matter, reinforcing the need for accessible, locally actionable steps.

South Asia has achieved a remarkable public health milestone in 2024, reaching its highest-ever immunization coverage for children, according to newly released data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. The news marks a turning point not only for the region but also offers valuable lessons for countries like Thailand as they strive to strengthen child health and protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

At the heart of this achievement lies a powerful collaboration between governments, frontline health workers, international donors, and the communities themselves. Early results released by WHO Thailand on July 16, 2025, highlight the collective push across South Asia – which includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka – that led to a dramatic increase in vaccine coverage. According to UNICEF’s Regional Director for South Asia, “This is a proud moment for South Asia. More children are protected today than ever before, thanks to tireless frontline health workers, strong government leadership, donors’ and partners’ support and the unwavering trust of families.”

A familiar sugar substitute found across Thai supermarkets, bakeries, and bubble tea shops is drawing renewed scrutiny. Erythritol, popular in sugar-free and “health” products, may trigger immediate changes in blood vessels and platelets that increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. With many Thais turning to sugar-free and keto options, these findings carry significant implications for millions who view erythritol as harmless.

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol produced by fermenting corn or wheat starch. It is marketed as a natural, low-calorie option suitable for people with diabetes or those following low-carb regimens. Regulators in the United States and Southeast Asia have approved its use, helping it become widespread in beverages, snacks, toothpaste, and personal care items. Unlike some sugar alcohols, it typically causes little digestive upset, which adds to its popularity.

A major international study questions the traditional “calories in, calories out” model for weight loss. It finds ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, may drive obesity independent of total calorie intake. The findings, published in a leading scientific journal, prompt urgent discussions among health professionals and raise important questions for Thailand’s public health strategy and evolving food culture.

The study shows that not all calories are equal. In a controlled trial, participants ate diets matched for calories, fiber, macronutrients, sugar, and sodium. One diet was rich in UPFs; the other emphasized minimally processed, whole foods. Those on the UPF-rich plan consumed more calories, felt fuller less often, and gained more weight despite similar activity. The message is clear: diet quality matters as much as quantity.

A recent medical case highlights the potential risks of high-dose turmeric capsules used for joint pain. A 57-year-old woman developed acute liver injury after taking a supplement labeled for enhanced absorption with black pepper. She experienced abdominal pain, nausea, dark urine, fatigue, and jaundice, leading to hospitalization. Doctors credit stopping the product and intensive care for preventing a life-threatening outcome.

Turmeric remains a familiar ingredient in Thai cuisine and traditional remedies. Yet the surge in imported and online supplements means many products are far more potent than culinary turmeric. Data from Thai health authorities show a gradual rise in adverse effects linked to dietary supplements, with liver toxicity among the key concerns. This underlines the need for clear warnings and stricter dosage controls across the market.

A groundbreaking international study has shattered a long-held tenet of public health: that simply eating fewer calories and exercising more is the surest route to weight control. Instead, the research points to ultra-processed foods (UPFs) — industrial formulations containing five or more ingredients — as powerful, independent drivers of the global obesity epidemic, casting doubt on the decades-old mantra of ‘calories in, calories out’ as the full story behind weight gain. The findings, published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and widely reported in reputable outlets such as the Washington Post, are sparking urgent debates among health experts and raising vital questions for Thailand’s food culture and public health strategy [Washington Post][PNAS article summary].

A new study reported by The Times reveals that parenthood, while generally linked to higher life satisfaction compared to remaining childless, does not guarantee happiness for all—particularly for those who begin parenting at a younger age or have multiple children. This nuanced insight challenges simplistic ideas about family, personal fulfillment, and mental health, raising essential questions for Thai families navigating choices about when, or whether, to start a family.

Across global societies, having children is often seen as a marker of adulthood and personal achievement. In Thailand, traditional values place family at the center of social life, with many expecting individuals to eventually marry and start families. But the latest research underscores that the benefits of parenthood are not the same for everyone, and factors such as the age of first-time parents, number of children, relationship quality, education, and economic security all play a critical role.

A groundbreaking new scientific discovery may pave the way for a “one-for-all” treatment capable of tackling some of the world’s most persistent incurable viral diseases, including HIV, Zika, herpes, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (notebookcheck.net). Announced this week by an international team of researchers, the study details how a new class of compounds can supercharge the body’s natural defenses, enabling cells to resist a wide range of viruses — a potential game changer eagerly followed by the global health community and holding special promise for Thailand, where several of those diseases remain public health concerns.

As fitness trends continue to sweep through gyms and online communities around the world, many Thai fitness enthusiasts are wondering: Does the way you breathe really affect your workout results? A new wave of research, highlighted in a recent feature by The New York Times, offers both scientific clarity and simple advice for those keen to optimize their exercise routines—without getting lost in breathing hype or misinformation (nytimes.com).

In Thailand, where more people are embracing jogging along the Chao Phraya, yoga in Lumpini Park, and HIIT classes in Bangkok’s fitness studios, understanding these breathing insights can help everyday athletes maximize performance and recovery while staying focused on the joys of movement.

A major international study rethinks obesity by showing that excess calorie intake, not a lack of physical activity, primarily drives obesity in developed nations, including the United States. Published insights from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences challenge decades of public health messaging that blamed sedentary lifestyles. The research points to the modern food environment as the real culprit behind the obesity epidemic.

Obesity remains a global health priority, including in Thailand, where the World Health Organization highlights risks such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The study’s message shifts focus from inactivity to diet quality, suggesting what people eat matters more than how much they move.

A major international study reshapes how we understand obesity. The research shows that diet—especially ultra-processed foods—is the dominant factor in rising obesity rates worldwide, challenging the idea that sedentary lifestyles alone drive the trend. The findings highlight food quality and composition as key contributors across diverse populations, including urban Thai communities.

Data were gathered from more than 4,000 adults across 34 countries, using precise metabolic measurements to assess daily energy expenditure. After adjusting for body size, researchers found little difference in total daily calories burned between people in rich, industrialized nations and those leading physically demanding traditional lifestyles. In short, active workers in some settings burn roughly the same number of calories as office workers in wealthier countries when body mass is considered.