Focus on a New Kind of Sweetness: Less Sugar, Maximum Health for Long-Term Well-being
The current longevity health trend focuses on a 'healthy lifespan', not just length of life. Thais are facing silent chronic disease risks, especially from sugar consumption. Thais consume an average of 21 teaspoons of sugar daily, well above the WHO's recommended 6 teaspoons, with these excess sugars gradually accumulating health risks.
The Department of Health has launched a policy with private sector partners to introduce a 'Normal Sweet = 50% Sweet' standard, encouraging Thais to reduce sugar consumption and protect long-term health by preventing chronic non-communicable diseases.
Zuellig Pharma, a leading healthcare service provider in Asia, emphasizes that health care should not be limited to appearance, but should focus on understanding one's body and preventing risks before they escalate.
Health data indicates that:
- BMI ≥ 25 is considered overweight
- BMI ≥ 30 is classified as obesity
- Waist circumference ≥ 80 cm for women and ≥ 90 cm for men increases diabetes and heart disease risks
While weight loss innovations like incretin-based therapy are trending, health experts stress these are not primarily cosmetic treatments but medical interventions for obesity and type 2 diabetes patients.
Sustainable health recommendations include:
- Drink 8 glasses of water daily, avoiding sugary drinks
- Eat less, but choose low-sugar and low-fat foods
- Avoid late nights, reduce stress, and stay physically active
Zuellig Pharma revealed 5 health insights:
- Each 5-unit BMI increase raises sudden death risk by 16%
- Chronic high blood sugar causes vascular inflammation
- Lack of sleep stimulates hunger hormones
- Chronic stress leads to fat accumulation