#Publichealth

A quiet health challenge is taking root among Thai youths: bigorexia, or muscle dysmorphia. Health professionals warn that this disorder goes beyond vanity and can threaten both mental and physical wellbeing. As Western beauty ideals and online comparisons flood Thai media, parents and teachers are urged to rethink conversations about bodies, exercise, and social media.

Muscle dysmorphia is a form of body dysmorphic disorder centered on the belief that one is not muscular enough, even when the physique is healthy or fit. Those affected may spend excessive hours training, follow restrictive diets, or turn to risky supplements or steroids. Adolescent boys are increasingly showing patterns of disordered eating and extreme exercise focused on muscularity, signaling a shift in how eating disorders are understood and diagnosed among males.

A new wave of scientific research is revealing that regular aerobic exercise, even at modest levels, does more than tone muscles and trim waistlines—it significantly transforms the trillions of microbes in your gut, leading to wide-ranging health benefits. For Thais, emerging knowledge on how jogging, cycling, or simply moving more can help boost the body’s “second brain” arrives at a time of rising concerns about chronic diseases and a renewed national emphasis on healthier lifestyles Scientific American.

Boiled eggs have long been a breakfast staple in Thailand, and new evidence confirms they can be a nutritious, low-fat option. Modern assessments highlight that boiled eggs provide essential nutrients without added oil, making them a practical choice for busy Thai mornings and street-food meals.

For Thais who enjoy hard-boiled eggs with jok (rice porridge), spicy salads, or as a quick snack, understanding their benefits and potential caveats matters. Eggs feature prominently in Thai cuisine—from street stalls to home kitchens. As health awareness grows and questions about cholesterol and protein persist, what do current nutrition insights say?

A renowned cardiologist and expert in longevity, now aged 70, has revealed that adding strength training to his routine transformed his health, making him fitter than ever—even compared to decades earlier. Sharing insights with TODAY.com, the cardiologist, an authority in cardiovascular medicine and aging research, admits that a lifetime focused purely on aerobic exercises like running and cycling left a critical gap in his regimen: neglecting resistance training. This realization prompted a fundamental shift. Now, after a year of consistently engaging in at least an hour of strength training three times a week, or shorter sessions more frequently, he credits resistance work with boosting his strength and fitness well beyond what aerobic activity alone ever achieved. “If I’m going to be old, I’d rather be strong and old,” he remarked, encapsulating a philosophy with deep resonance for Thailand’s fast-aging society (today.com).

Boiled eggs have long been a popular breakfast staple in Thailand, and now, new research and expert consensus are shedding light on their true nutritional value. According to recent findings summarized in a USA Today report, boiled eggs are not just convenient—they’re packed with essential nutrients, making them one of the healthiest ways to enjoy eggs without the need for additional oil or fat (USA Today).

For Thai readers who enjoy hard-boiled eggs with jok (rice porridge), in spicy salads, or simply as a quick snack, understanding their benefits and potential dietary caveats is particularly important. Eggs are woven into Thai cuisine, featuring in street eats and home-cooked meals alike. But as more Thais become health-conscious and questions about cholesterol and protein swirl, what do the latest studies and nutritionists have to say?

Waking up before the sun rises might seem like a quirky habit of older relatives, but the science behind this shift in sleep patterns reveals much more than family folklore. New insights from sleep scientists, recently discussed in a HuffPost feature, highlight the intricate relationship between aging, our internal body clock, and environmental cues — shedding light on why so many Thais (and people worldwide) find themselves rising earlier as the candles accumulate on their birthday cakes (HuffPost).

New science shows that regular aerobic activity, even in modest amounts, reshapes the gut’s trillions of microbes. This shift supports immunity, digestion, and metabolism — and it matters for Thais facing rising chronic diseases and a national push toward healthier living.

According to researchers from leading universities, exercise is not just about muscles and weight. It also benefits the gut by increasing the abundance and activity of helpful bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, acetate, and propionate. These compounds feed gut lining cells, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin response — all important for Thailand’s growing diabetes and inflammatory bowel concerns.

A recent wave of scientific research is challenging some of the most cherished assumptions about homemade versus processed foods, revealing that the health benefits of cooking at home may not be as clear-cut as once believed. This new evidence, including a headline-grabbing study reported by Fox News and grounded in contemporary scientific literature, is pushing nutrition experts and the general public alike to reconsider what truly makes a diet healthy – a debate with significant relevance for Thai families navigating the fast-changing landscape of modern food choices (Fox News).

A sweeping wave of recent research is transforming conventional wisdom about strength training: you don’t need to lift heavy weights to build strong, healthy muscles. According to findings summarized in a May 2025 WebMD report and corroborated by leading experts, lifting lighter weights—when performed with dedication and proper technique—can provide gains in muscle size and strength that rival those achieved through lifting heavier loads.

This is big news for Thais, many of whom are intimidated or limited by traditional gym culture, heavy equipment, or physical barriers. The refreshing update destigmatizes strength training, opening the door for broader participation and offering new hope for all ages and ability levels seeking the health benefits of resistance exercise.

A wave of recent research is reshaping how we think about building strength. The takeaway is clear: you don’t have to lift heavy weights to grow strong and healthy muscles. In findings summarized by a May 2025 health article and supported by leading experts, lighter weights—used with proper technique and consistency—can deliver muscle size and strength gains comparable to heavier loads.

This shift matters for Thai readers who may feel discouraged by gym culture or equipment demands. The update broadens access to resistance training, helping people of all ages and abilities improve health through practical, low-barrier routines.

Across the globe, a quiet epidemic is undermining public health—one that’s less visible than viral outbreaks yet perhaps just as deadly: loneliness, especially among men. Recent research and reports, including one from Psychology Today, highlight an alarming surge in male loneliness alongside a worrying decline in close male friendships, with direct consequences for psychological well-being and even long-term physical health (Psychology Today).

The significance of these findings resonates in Thailand, where traditional gender roles and rapid societal changes are altering the nature of male relationships. As modern work and lifestyle patterns keep people atomized, fewer men are reporting having close confidants or “best friends.” According to Psychology Today, the proportion of men in the United States with no close friends has soared fivefold in recent years—from 3% to 15%. In a society like Thailand’s, where community and family ties have long been pillars of support, this trend challenges cultural expectations and demands urgent attention.

A growing body of research shows that the ideal approach to meal timing may not be the same for everyone—especially when it comes to optimizing energy and performance. A recent article published by Outside Online and supported by leading sports nutrition experts suggests that whether it’s better to eat small, frequent meals or stick to three substantial ones largely depends on the individual’s activity level and goals (Outside Online).

For those striving to maximise athletic performance, eating habits can be just as important as the nutrients themselves. Nutrition experts reporting for Outside Online point out that food fuels athletic performance by supplying energy, aiding in recovery, and supporting the body’s critical functions during and after training. The three macronutrients—carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—all play essential roles, but timing and frequency of meals can affect how well the body absorbs and uses these nutrients.

Fresh insights from leading clinical experts underscore a new era in how menopause and women’s sexual health are discussed, experienced, and managed, with significant relevance for Thai society as the population ages. Mayo Clinic’s recent coverage during Women’s Health Week highlights both the evolving science and practical strategies that support midlife women in thriving through this key life stage—not simply surviving it (mcpress.mayoclinic.org).

For millions of Thai women, menopause typically occurs between ages 45 and 55—a period often described in Thai as “วัยทอง” (the golden age). However, rapid hormone fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause can cause an array of symptoms. International research and clinical experience, such as that shared by an internal medicine consultant at Mayo Clinic, reveal that around 80% of women experience vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, alongside weight gain, bone density loss, cognitive “brain fog,” sexual discomfort, and reduced libido. The expert emphasizes, “Aging collides with menopause. You have to do more, eat less to stay the same, but then weight comes around the tummy that’s more related to estrogen than aging.”

Loneliness among men is emerging as a quiet public health issue with real consequences. Recent observations and research highlight a rise in male loneliness and a decline in close male friendships, affecting psychological well-being and long-term health. In the Thai context, rapid social change, urban living, and evolving gender norms are reshaping how men form and sustain friendships.

The issue matters because social isolation is more than a feeling—it is a health risk. Analyses show loneliness can raise the risk of early death by up to 26%, comparable to smoking or obesity. For men, stigma around vulnerability and a culture of self-reliance often hinder forming strong emotional ties, intensifying the erosion of essential social support networks. Data from reputable research indicates men are less likely to reach out to friends as they age, widening the gap in meaningful connections.

A wave of recent science is challenging the idea that home cooking is always healthier than processed foods. New analyses suggest health benefits from cooking at home may depend more on ingredients, portions, and overall diet than on the mere act of cooking. This shift in thinking matters for Thai families balancing tradition with convenient options in a fast-changing food environment.

For years, Thai households have prized home-cooked meals as a cornerstone of health and family tradition. Yet emerging evidence indicates the line between homemade and processed foods in terms of health impact is more nuanced than once believed. The takeaway is not “avoid processed foods” but “choose ingredients and portions wisely.”

A new wave of research is challenging the idea that living without many friends automatically equals loneliness. In a world obsessed with constant “connection,” a study in the Canadian Review of Sociology shows a more nuanced reality: some people with few or no close friends are content, even thriving in solitude. This perspective, highlighted by Psychology Today and discussed across media and academia, invites Thai readers to rethink personal and cultural beliefs about friendship and fulfillment.

A provocative new wave of research is challenging a long-standing assumption: that living without friends is synonymous with loneliness and emotional distress. In a world shaped by social media, “connection” is celebrated as vital for human happiness, yet a recent study published in the Canadian Review of Sociology reveals a far more nuanced reality—some people with few or no friends are, in fact, content, even thriving in their solitude. This finding, highlighted by Psychology Today and echoed in multiple news reports and scholarly discussions, encourages Thai readers to critically reconsider both personal and cultural beliefs about friendship and fulfillment (Psychology Today; Wiley; CTV News Atlantic).

The latest viral exercise sensation on TikTok—the vibration plate—has fitness enthusiasts buzzing with claims of effortless weight loss, muscle toning, and even health miracles. Yet, beneath the social media hype, what does the actual science say about standing on a vibrating platform for health? A recent personal investigation by a journalist, who tested both affordable and high-end models over a month, reveals a complex mix of cultural trends, technological evolution, and limited but intriguing research—offering valuable lessons for Thai readers navigating the latest fitness fads.

A 70-year-old cardiologist and longevity expert now emphasizes strength training as the missing piece in a lifetime of aerobic exercise. In a recent interview with TODAY, he admitted that focusing mainly on running and cycling made him overlook resistance work. After a year of dedicating at least an hour of strength training three times per week (or shorter sessions more often), he reports greater strength and fitness than in his younger years. “If I’m going to be old, I’d rather be strong and old,” he said, a message that resonates with Thailand’s rapidly aging population.

A growing body of research shows there is no one-size-fits-all approach to meal timing. For Thai readers, the key takeaway is that how often you eat should align with your activity level and goals. A recent overview by Outside Online highlights that small, frequent meals versus three larger ones depend on the type, intensity, and duration of exercise.

Nutrition experts say food fuels performance by supplying energy, aiding recovery, and supporting essential body functions during and after training. The three macronutrients—carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—work together, but their timing and frequency influence how the body absorbs and uses them.

Thailand’s health authorities are moving to restrict cannabis access to medical use only, citing rising smuggling incidents and concerns about unregulated consumption. In the next 40 days, dispensaries will be allowed to sell cannabis only to licensed medical patients and practitioners, including traditional Thai medicine healers. The plan also caps a 30-day supply for both Thai citizens and foreign visitors, reinforcing a medical-first approach to cannabis in the country.

Recent seizures, including a large 73-kilogram haul intercepted at Suvarnabhumi Airport, highlight the urgency of tightening controls. Data from Thailand indicates that cannabis findings have reached international destinations such as the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, and Hong Kong, underscoring global pressure to curb illicit trade and prevent the nation from becoming a trafficking hub.

Thailand is poised to tighten its cannabis regulations with a plan that could require both Thai citizens and visitors to hold a doctor’s certificate to buy cannabis. The proposal, shared at a Bangkok press briefing by the Public Health Minister, signals a significant shift from Thailand’s 2022 decriminalisation. The move comes just three years after the landmark decision that put the country at the forefront of Asia’s cannabis reforms.

Data from government health authorities shows the cannabis market expanded rapidly after decriminalisation, with shops opening across major cities and tourist hubs. While the policy initially spurred agricultural growth and tourism, gaps in regulations sparked concerns about addiction, underage use, and Thailand’s international image as a “weed tourism” destination. Officials emphasise that the new rule aims to curb recreational use and ensure medical access remains the priority.

A popular TikTok trend, the vibration plate or whole-body vibration (WBV) platform, has many users convinced that standing on a vibrating surface can melt fat, tone muscle, and boost health. But what does credible science say about these claims? A month-long personal test of both budget and premium models, along with current research, helps unpack the reality for Thai readers navigating this global fitness craze.

WBV devices are not new. They have resurfaced repeatedly since the Victorian era, with modern variants finding their way into gyms and homes. The trend gained momentum online, with influencers promising that ten minutes on a plate equals an hour of jogging. Budget units can be found for under $100, lowering barriers for curious newcomers. Yet real-world results rarely match the hype.

Fresh insights from clinical experts signal a new era in how menopause and women’s sexual health are discussed, experienced, and managed. This shift has clear relevance for Thai society as the population ages. During Women’s Health Week, leading centers highlighted evolving science and practical strategies that help midlife women thrive, not merely endure this life stage.

For many Thai women, menopause typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, a period they commonly call the golden age. Yet rapid hormonal changes during perimenopause can trigger a range of symptoms. Research from a renowned American clinic shows that about eight in ten women experience vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, along with weight changes, bone density loss, cognitive difficulties, sexual discomfort, and reduced libido. An expert notes that aging and menopause intersect, often requiring adjustments in lifestyle to maintain health, with weight gain frequently shifting to the midsection due to hormonal shifts rather than aging alone.