#Publichealth

A quiet nutritional crisis is taking hold in Thailand and around the world: most people are not meeting the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber. While protein bars dominate social feeds and store shelves, science shows that insufficient fiber affects digestion, chronic disease risk, gut health, and metabolic balance. Recent analyses suggest up to 95% of people fall short of their fiber targets, a concern echoed by major nutrition reviews and studies relevant to Thai populations.

In a world fixated on protein-packed diets, a quiet nutritional crisis has taken root—in Thailand and globally—as new research warns that most people are not consuming nearly enough dietary fiber. While social media influencers and food manufacturers tout protein bars and shakes, scientific evidence now shows that fiber deficiency is a far more widespread and serious issue, with implications for digestion, chronic disease risk, gut health, and even metabolic balance. In fact, up to 95% of people may be missing the mark on their recommended daily intake, according to recent coverage in Vogue and reinforced by large-scale studies relevant to the Thai population.

As more older adults in Thailand and around the world turn to cannabis to address chronic pain, insomnia and mental health struggles, a surge of recent research is revealing that age dramatically increases the health risks posed by this once-taboo plant. With the global push towards cannabis legalization and growing acceptance for therapeutic use, experts are warning that older bodies and minds are particularly vulnerable to the potent effects of modern cannabis products—placing Thailand’s rapidly aging population at risk of unanticipated harm (NY Times, Seattle Times).

The way therapists talk about suicide is changing, both in Western settings and here in Thailand, as new research and practical approaches inform life-saving interventions. For Thai readers, understanding how global and local initiatives blend clinical evidence, compassionate dialogue, and innovative use of digital platforms can be crucial tools in tackling a topic that remains both urgent and stigmatized. Against a backdrop of rising suicide rates in Thailand and a new wave of research on effective therapy worldwide, this report breaks down the latest developments from both leading international sources and local practices, providing context, key facts, and actionable recommendations for Thai individuals, families, and mental health professionals.

Drinking a daily cup of coffee may do more than provide a morning pick-me-up—it could help women stay mentally sharp and physically robust as they age, according to a landmark 30-year study that followed nearly 50,000 women in their midlife years. The research, which stands out for its unprecedented scale and scope, found that women who consumed regular, caffeinated coffee were significantly more likely to age without developing serious diseases, cognitive decline, depression, or physical frailty. This discovery offers fresh hope to coffee lovers in Thailand and beyond, while also urging a more nuanced look at the relationship between genetics and nutrition as Thais seek to promote healthy aging in an era of rapid demographic change.

A new analysis clarifies a crucial point: “mental health stigma” is not one problem but two distinct challenges. Distinguishing between stigma toward psychotic disorders and stigma toward common conditions like depression and anxiety matters for effective campaigns in Thailand’s post-pandemic recovery. Policymakers, healthcare workers, and communities can use these insights to craft more precise, impactful efforts.

Stigma remains a major barrier to care. Recent coverage explains that lumping all mental illnesses together undermines anti-stigma work. In Thailand, as in many countries, public responses often conflate different conditions, leading to misperceptions and reduced access to services. The Department of Mental Health notes rising mental health hospitalizations and suicide rates in the post-pandemic period, underscoring the urgency of targeted strategies.

New global findings challenge the idea that more protein always means better health. Experts warn that consuming protein well above need—especially from animal sources—may carry hidden risks over the long term. While protein supports muscle and metabolism, staying within recommended levels is increasingly advised to avoid potential downsides. In Thailand, rising urban diets now feature more protein-enriched products and meat-heavy dishes as people pursue fitness and wellness.

Research by leading nutrition scientists highlights that excess protein intake, particularly from red meat and dairy, can elevate insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 supports growth and muscle repair in youth, but higher levels in adults have been linked to accelerated aging and higher risks of certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The central message from recent experts is that promoting muscle gain at the expense of cellular repair may raise DNA mutation risks and chronic disease. This has prompted talk of a “diabetes of protein” in some circles.

A growing number of older adults in Thailand and worldwide are turning to cannabis to ease chronic pain, insomnia, and mood issues. New research shows age significantly heightens the health risks of modern cannabis products, prompting serious concern as Thailand’s aging society expands. The trend is fueled by changing laws, shifting attitudes, and aggressive marketing aimed at “wisdom customers,” but health experts warn that older bodies are more vulnerable to the potent effects of today’s cannabis.

Recent U.S. research shows a sharp rise in cannabis use among adults 65 and older. From 2021 to 2023, use grew by about 46%, with roughly one in seven seniors reporting cannabis use in the past month. This marks a dramatic shift from two decades ago and highlights new public health considerations as societies age, including Thailand, which is watching international trends closely.

Why this matters for Thai readers lies in Thailand’s evolving stance on medical cannabis. Since legalization steps began in 2018 and continued with decriminalization in 2022, access to cannabis products has increased. As Thailand’s elderly population grows, international experience offers lessons for health care, regulation, and social norms in the kingdom.

The latest findings from US-based research show that marijuana use among seniors has surged to unprecedented levels, sparking both celebration and concern within the medical community. According to multiple 2025 reports and studies, the rate of cannabis use among adults aged 65 and older rose by nearly 46% from 2021 to 2023, with approximately one in every seven seniors now reporting cannabis use in the past month. This dramatic shift, up from just 1 in 100 twenty years ago, reflects not only changing generational attitudes towards cannabis but also signals new public health challenges and opportunities for societies embracing an aging population—Thailand included (Axios, FOX News, WGAU Radio).

A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine highlights a troubling decline in women’s health in the United States. The finding raises urgent questions about research funding and health equity that resonate beyond borders, including in Thailand. Despite wealth and medical capacity, American women are living shorter lives and facing higher disability in later years. The report also notes alarmingly high maternal mortality and violence, alongside chronically underfunded research on women’s health.

A shift in how therapists discuss suicide is underway worldwide, and Thailand is leading with culturally tailored, tech-enabled responses. This revision highlights how international evidence-based therapies mingle with local practices to support families and individuals facing suicidal thoughts. The aim is to provide Thai readers with clear, practical insights grounded in credible institutions and local context.

Suicidal ideation affects millions and strongly predicts suicide attempts, but risk varies with factors such as age, mental health, and life stressors. In Thailand, mortality data show notable increases in suicide-related deaths from 2017 to 2022, with teenagers aged 15-19 recording a high rate of attempts in 2023. These figures matter beyond statistics: families and communities confront the pain and disruption caused by such crises. Global research identifies depression, mood disorders, substance use, trauma, and acute stress as risk factors. Yet many people recover with timely support, underscoring the central role of early intervention and open conversations.

Recent global research is challenging prevailing beliefs about high-protein diets, with experts increasingly cautioning that consuming more protein than needed—especially from animal sources—may do more harm than good for long-term health. While protein is essential for muscle maintenance, metabolism, and disease prevention, the latest studies and dietary guidelines urge consumers to stay within recommended intake levels to avoid hidden pitfalls. This news comes amid shifting food cultures in Thailand, where more urban Thais are turning to protein-enriched products and meat-heavy dishes in the hope of boosting health and fitness.

A powerful new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has shone a harsh spotlight on the declining state of women’s health in the United States, raising urgent questions about medical research funding and health inequities that hold major implications for women and girls globally, including in Thailand. Despite the nation’s wealth and medical advancements, American women are living shorter lives than their peers in other high-income countries, facing disproportionate disability in their later years, and enduring alarming rates of maternal deaths and violence—all while research on their health remains chronically underfunded (PRB.org).

A groundbreaking new analysis has brought careful attention to a critical but often misunderstood topic: the very different types of stigma surrounding mental health, and how failing to distinguish between them can undermine anti-stigma efforts worldwide—including those in Thailand. As mental health takes center stage during Thailand’s post-pandemic recovery, this research holds urgent lessons for policymakers, care providers, and ordinary citizens.

Stigma remains one of the most persistent barriers to effective mental health care. The latest insights, as reported in STAT News, explain that “mental health stigma” is not a single problem, but rather a pair of related but distinct social responses—each with unique consequences. The article draws upon international data and personal testimonies to shed light on how societies, including Thailand, routinely conflate two very different stigmas: one tied to psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, and another linked to common, nonpsychotic disorders like depression and anxiety.

A new study from Boston University suggests beta-glucan fiber supplements may help reduce certain PFAS, the so‑called “forever chemicals,” in the blood. In four weeks, participants taking oat-based beta-glucan before meals showed an average eight percent drop in PFAS levels, especially the long-chain varieties linked to cancer and other health issues. The finding is generating interest for health systems worldwide, including in Thailand, where PFAS exposure is a growing concern.

A large study from China suggests that brief, online mindfulness programs can meaningfully reduce depressive symptoms, especially when paired with multiple approaches and professional support. In Thailand, rising rates of distress among younger people and workers navigating a fast-changing economy make this finding particularly relevant for public health and education sectors. Digital mindfulness interventions could offer scalable, accessible tools as part of Thailand’s broader mental health strategy.

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are short courses designed to cultivate present-moment awareness, emotional regulation, and non-judgment toward one’s thoughts. They typically include guided meditation, breathing practices, and body awareness exercises. Digital MBIs delivered through websites or apps are increasingly popular due to easy access, privacy, and scalability. The research team notes that online delivery helps standardize protocols, a key asset for public health programs.

A new experimental study has revealed that brief, digital mindfulness interventions delivered online can lead to meaningful and lasting reductions in depressive symptoms, especially when combined with multiple approaches and professional support. With increasing rates of depression and emotional distress among Thai people—particularly younger populations and those coping with the stresses of the modern economy—this new evidence carries important implications for mental health promotion in Thailand’s digital era. The research, published in the academic journal Mindfulness, emphasises that even short-term, app-based mindfulness programmes can have a durable impact, offering hope for scalable, accessible tools in the fight against depression (PsyPost).

A growing body of research warns that cannabis use among older adults carries increasing health risks, a concern that grows as legalization expands and social attitudes shift. A recent analysis highlights a sharp rise in cannabis consumption among people aged 65 and older, sparking urgent discussions among health professionals about safety, regulation, and how Thailand should respond in its rapidly aging society.

A cautionary incident underscores the issue: a 76-year-old woman seeking insomnia relief consumed several THC-laced edibles in one night, experiencing anxiety and heart palpitations that led to an emergency visit. She recovered and was discharged, but the episode illustrates vulnerabilities many seniors face. As a geriatrician notes, aging brains are more sensitive to psychoactive substances, a reality for Thai seniors with hypertension or arrhythmias, where drug interactions and falls could amplify risks.

A new international study indicates that regular coffee drinking is linked to longer, healthier lives. The research, highlighted in early June 2025, suggests coffee may help reduce the risk of early death, heart disease, and other aging-related conditions. For Thai audiences, this aligns with a thriving café culture and growing interest in preventive health.

Coffee anchors daily routines worldwide, including in Thailand, where cafés are a common social and workplace feature. For years, scientists have debated caffeine’s health impact. Some studies raised concerns, while others pointed to benefits. The latest findings tilt toward a positive association between moderate coffee intake and healthier aging.

A new study is making headlines across the global health community: vitamin D supplementation may actually help slow biological aging, according to recently published findings that could have far-reaching implications for how Thais approach preventive health. The research, published in late September 2024, investigated whether vitamin D—commonly known for its role in bone health and immune function—can safeguard the body from a fundamental mechanism of cellular aging, offering hope to millions looking for ways to live healthier, longer lives (Everyday Health).

A wave of recent scientific research is challenging the common perception that meditation and mindfulness are universally beneficial, ignoring their potential to cause significant harm for some practitioners. While meditation, rooted in centuries-old Buddhist traditions and widely promoted in modern Thailand as a stress-relieving and wellness-enhancing practice, reports now highlight overlooked adverse effects—including anxiety, depression, dissociation, and even psychotic episodes. As mindfulness gains popularity across Thai schools, corporate offices, and healthcare settings, these revelations carry urgent implications for local practitioners, educators, and policymakers.

A ground-breaking international trial has revealed that regular exercise can dramatically increase survival rates among colon cancer patients, with those who participated in a structured program experiencing a 37% reduction in risk of death and significantly lower cancer recurrence rates. This latest research, published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, could fundamentally change global approaches to treating colon cancer—including new implications for clinical practice in Thailand.

In a comprehensive study involving 889 colon cancer patients, researchers assessed the impact of sustained physical activity after chemotherapy. Half of the participants were placed on a supervised exercise regimen, while the other half received standard health advice through informational leaflets. After a five-year follow-up, the results were dramatic: 80% of those in the exercise group remained cancer-free, compared with just 74% in the control group—indicating a 28% reduction in the chance of recurrence or a new cancer developing (BBC News).

A major clinical trial reinforces the global consensus: increasing dietary fiber through plant-based foods can lower cancer risk, with notable benefits for metabolic health and the gut microbiome. Researchers from a leading cancer center presented their work at a prominent nutrition conference, underscoring fiber’s role in disease prevention. For Thailand, where fiber intake remains low, the findings offer a timely reminder of how traditional, plant-forward eating can support long-term health.