#Walking

A new study is putting the simple act of walking in the spotlight, revealing that just five minutes of walking for every 30 minutes of sitting can drastically reduce blood sugar spikes—by up to 58 percent. This accessible “exercise snack” approach not only highlights a low-barrier way for Thais to improve metabolic health, but may also help offset the growing public health concerns around diabetes and sedentary lifestyles common in modern Thai society. The findings, which have gone viral in international health media and have sparked notable discussions on social platforms, carry direct real-world implications for Thailand, where office culture and urban living habits often lead to prolonged sitting throughout the day.

A growing body of evidence confirms that regular walking can boost mood. A new analysis in JAMA Network Open shows that adults who average more than 5,000 steps per day report fewer depression symptoms. The study pools data from 33 separate analyses, including nearly 96,000 participants, underscoring the meaningful mental health benefit of moderate physical activity.

In Thailand, where busy urban living and sedentary routines are common, the findings offer practical relevance. A modest daily change—adding steps—could improve well-being for many people. Thai communities, famed for street markets, temple fairs, and outdoor activities, may find it particularly feasible to reintroduce walking into daily life as life becomes more desk-bound.

Exercise has long been known as a natural mood booster, but a new study sheds light on just how impactful walking can be in the battle against depression. Published in JAMA Network Open, this research reveals that walking more than 5,000 steps per day is linked with a noticeable reduction in depression symptoms among adults. This analysis, which encompasses 33 separate studies involving over 96,000 participants, reinforces the important role that physical activity plays in mental health.