Researchers are creating a drug to replicate exercise

[DCUK NewsBot]

Researchers have announced they are working on creating a drug which they hope will capture the benefits of exercise in pill form. The team from Saint Louis University want to build on previous work in a bid to create a tablet which will help ease the burden of type 2 diabetes. Co-researcher Dr Thomas Burris, chair of pharmacology and physiology at the university, has previously developed a drug which targets the protein called REV-ERB, which appears to mimic exercise. Being active on a regular basis has been proven many times to help control type 2 diabetes and can contribute to weight loss when combined with a healthy diet. Dr Burris said: "If you exercise, it's effectively a treatment for diabetes and obesity as you increase the metabolic rate of muscle. You develop a more efficient muscle. That's what you get from exercise. You develop more endurance and that is good for your metabolic function. "Our drug compounds are doing similar things. They make muscles look like they're exercising, turning on the genes that get activated during exercise, even if no exercise is happening." Although it is unlikely a drug will ever be able to fully replicate the benefits of exercise, Dr Burris’ work could copy the way activity affects muscle metabolism. The study will continue to look at nuclear receptors, which sense different levels of hormones and help to control gene expression. There are many other drugs that work in a similar way, including the cancer treatment tamoxifen, contraception, a heart failure drug and thyroid replacement therapy. Dr Burris said: "In many cases of illness, signaling is off. We can correct signals by dialing the hormone messages up or down, mimicking hormones or blocking them. "Nuclear receptors are typically very good drug targets. However, because they control gene transcription, they are tricky. Though we want to discover how to turn a receptor up or down, it's important to find a ligand that won't do too much, which could cause side effects." The team have been given $2.4 million from the US Department of Defense and $1.74 million from the National Institutes of Health. The treatment is theoretical at the moment and research trials will need to show whether the drug has promise. The best way to control type 2 diabetes is through a healthy, natural diet. For guidance towards healthy eating for type 2 diabetes, join our Low Carb Program which has helped thousands of people to lose weight, improve their HbA1c and reduce their dependence on diabetes medication.

Continue reading...

 

[GrantGam]

This is one of the most pathetic things I've ever read. It sums up Westernised modern man to an absolute tee, so, so sad...

 

[Nicksu]

I know that as a species us humans are intrinsically lazy, but really! Get off your rear and get moving! There is more to exercise than just movement.

 

[Robinredbreast]

I love to exercise, walking is my favourite and that 'exercise pill' would be a bitter one to swallow...................

 

[Nicksu]

I'm the same - I like to walk - I meet some interesting people on my daily walks. What's the point of an exercise pill - okay - good for those who find it difficult to exercise but for those who can?! Really ! (rant over!)

 

[Mr_Pot]

I need to get some of these pills for my dog!

 

[noblehead]

I love to exercise, walking is my favourite and that 'exercise pill' would be a bitter one to swallow...................

Walking is my favourite too @Robinredbreast

For those people who are in a less fortunate position than ourselves the pill (if it ever sees the light of day) may be of some benefit.

 

[Robinredbreast]

Walking is my favourite too @Robinredbreast

For those people who are in a less fortunate position than ourselves the pill (if it ever sees the light of day) may be of some benefit.

Yes, not everyone can do exercise, but a pill could be an excuse for some I think.
edited

 

[noblehead]

Yes, not everyone can do exercise, but a pill could be a feeble excuse for many I think.

Yes your right.

 

[zand]

I reckon a pill would have helped me in my depressed years. Back then I was too exhausted to exercise and when I forced myself to walk any distance at all then I became ill. Walking wasn't energising like it should be, it just drained me even more. If I could have kept my muscles working then I may not have become so insulin resistant and therefore I wouldn't have become so fat. Some might think this was laziness, but I pushed myself all the time to do the simplest of jobs.

 

[GrantGam]

For those people who are in a less fortunate position than ourselves the pill (if it ever sees the light of day) may be of some benefit.

Great point @noblehead. I've read a lot of threads on here from wheelchair users and those with limited mobility who are looking for ways and means to exercise. We often take for granted things like walking, cycling and swimming. There's only so much dieting that someone who is unable to do the simplest of aforementioned activities can do to maintain an ideal weight - fitness is another problem entirely.

In that circumstance, it's more than understandable.

 

[Chook]

I would take it! I have widespread arthritis which makes walking incredibly difficult and psoriasis which rules out swimming.