Exercise Pill

I heard about a new drug that they call the "Exercise Pill" which might be out soon. How does it work? Will it be able to replace exercise as a means to being fit?

If it sounds too good to be true, then it is. The drug in question is still under research and years away from being available for sale and use by humans. The current testing phase involves rats not humans. The next step, according to the researchers, is to determine if it is safe to test on humans. If that determination is made and the human test subjects are successful then it has to be cleared by the FDA. If everything for the drug company goes perfectly then you are still going to wait anywhere from 3 to 5 years before it is on the market.

Aicar is the name of the drug being investigated by the researchers. It is designed to mimic the effects of exercise on the body. The test data released showed that mice given Aicar were capable of running 68% longer than those who were not given the drug. Keep in mind that these were couch potato mice and neither group exercised prior to the PT test. The only difference was that one group received the drug and one did not. The other data released indicated the Aicar mice were also capable of running 70% further that the sedentary mice that did not get the drug.

One reason for the research is to benefit those with diabetes since the Aicar seems to cause the body to utilize excess sugar in the bloodstream. It also causes other hormonal secretions that occur when you exercise. There was no indication whether it also could mimic the "runner's high" which some feel after exercising. Aicar does not build muscular strength so it would not be beneficial for those who are bedridden to prevent muscular atrophy or weakness.

As the drug is being tested though, you can be assured that it is being looked at with interest by the IOC considering it's potential as a performance enhancer for those sports that involve endurance. Until it is available, those who are in need of exercise and could benefit medically to improve their health conditions should take the initiative to get fit. Diabetics, those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression or individuals overweight and on the edge of deeper health problems all benefit from exercise. Training hard for three hours a week makes the other 165 hours left a lot easier.

God bless and keep training.
Daryl

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Posted by Daryl Laws on August 12, 2008

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