The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, launched the “PharmaFit Plus” project in fiscal year 2025 with the aim of raising awareness about overweight and obesity, while promoting the health of faculty members and students through appropriate dietary adjustments and regular exercise. Organized in celebration of the Faculty’s 111th anniversary, the project reflects its role as a model health-promoting institution

   Preliminary health surveys revealed that a significant proportion of staff and students were overweight or obese, with associated risk behaviors such as consuming high-calorie foods, irregular exercise, and prolonged sedentary work or study. These findings underscored the need for a program based on behavioral science and motivation strategies to encourage sustainable lifestyle changes

   Key project activities included physical health assessments, nutrition and exercise counseling, regular monitoring of weight and health over a four-month period, provision of on-campus exercise facilities, and a weight-loss competition to stimulate motivation. Additional initiatives such as LINE support groups, sharing healthy meal plans, and group fitness classes helped sustain engagement and community spirit

   The outcomes were highly encouraging: more than 70% of participants reduced their weight or body fat significantly, over 86% showed improved health knowledge, and more than 90% expressed their commitment to maintaining healthy behaviors after the program ended. These results not only demonstrated short-term success but also pointed to long-term benefits in the prevention of (non-communicable diseases: NCDs)

   Beyond personal health improvements, the project also strengthened organizational relationships and created a positive environment. Faculty members and students engaged in shared activities, exchanged inspiration, and supported each other, leading to strong (social support networks) and a culture of wellness within the Faculty

   PharmaFit Plus is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by reducing NCD risks; SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing training and lifelong learning in nutrition and exercise; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration among faculty, staff, and students

   With its clear and measurable results, the PharmaFit Plus project serves both as a mechanism to address chronic health challenges and as a model for building a strong organizational health culture. It has the potential to be scaled up across other faculties and units of the University, advancing Chulalongkorn toward becoming a community of happiness, health, and sustainable well-being