Exercise Pill Possible? Chemical Compounds That Mimic Health Benefits of Workout Discovered [Study]

Exercise Pill Possible? Chemical Compounds That Mimic Health Benefits of Workout Discovered [Study]
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You might not need to work anymore soon because researchers are looking at ways to put the benefits of exercise in a pill.

Exercise Pill Making Progress

Daily exercise is recommended for good health. However, this has been challenging for many who can't find the time to hit the gym or work out at home due to various responsibilities.

A new study found the chemical compounds that mimic the health benefits of exercise. According to the researchers, a tablet containing these compounds could mimic the effects of exercise on muscle cell growth and metabolism, hence preventing muscle atrophy and weakness in those who are unable to exercise due to medical conditions or who suffer from diseases that induce muscle wasting.

"We all know that exercise is super-beneficial for the body and mind, but not everyone can exercise," study author Bahaa Elgendy, a professor of anesthesiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, said in a video presentation for the ACS. "Many people cannot exercise and that's why having an exercise in a pill could be super-beneficial to mimic or enhance the effects of exercise for people who are aging, for people with certain diseases or who are facing some muscle loss using some other drugs."

Estrogen-related receptors (ERRs) are specialized proteins that are activated by exercise. There are three varieties of ERRs: ERRα, ERRβ, and ERRγ. Elgendy and colleagues have produced a chemical called SLU-PP-332, which they suggest taking as a tablet. This substance has the ability to activate all three forms of ERR, simulating the effects of exercise on these proteins.

The most crucial protein to activate was ERRα since it controls key physiological processes, including the adaptation of muscles to stress during exercise.

Elgendy acknowledged the fact that there are a lot of people like himself who are not fond of working out or are constantly too busy to exercise. He clarified that he wasn't promoting the pill to replace exercise, but it was for those who are too lazy to sweat. Additionally, he was not positive that the pill would be a cure for various illnesses, but it might at least assist some adults, children, and other individuals in improving their quality of life.

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Benefits of Exercise

Engaging in physical activities offers tons of health benefits. That is why, regular exercise is among the most crucial things one can do for themselves.

Exercise lessens anxiety in adults for brief periods of time and enhances thinking or cognition in youngsters aged 6 to 13. Engaging in regular physical exercise can help you maintain your cognitive, learning, and decision-making abilities as you age. It can also improve your quality of sleep and lower your chance of developing anxiety and despair.

In addition, it can help you shed extra pounds and lower your risk of cancer (bladder, breast, colon, kidney, lung, stomach, and more), cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and infectious diseases like COVID-19.

It also helps manage chronic health conditions and disabilities by reducing pain, controlling blood sugar and supporting daily living activities and independence for those with disabilities.