Would you take a pill that would give you the same results as working out? Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified two drugs that when paired, work together to turn on the enzyme that encourages the formation of muscles and also alters metabolism. As obesity rates soar to all time highs this research could offer possibilities to many individuals who have weight problems
The research which has been performed only on mice has shown decent results and researchers are excited about the medical possibilities that this drug could present. According to an article in The New York Times, published August 1 2008, "One drug, known as Aicar, increased the mice’s endurance on a treadmill by 44 percent after just four weeks of treatment, and a second drug, GW1516, supercharged the mice to a 75 percent increase in endurance but had to be combined with exercise to have any effect."
If these two drugs, following more research, prove to be safe they could be used in several different arenas. They could help people who are too frail to workout such as diabetics or bedridden patients, or on the other side of the spectrum obese individuals who have a difficult time exercising because of their weight and lack of exercise. In both cases this pill will offer solutions to groups of people who would greatly benefit from exercise.
Taken out of the medical arena, this drug has been the talk among athletes who are looking for that edge they need to be the very best. Dr. Ronald M. Evans, the leader in the project, has devised a test to detect whether the drug has been used. He has made this test available to World Anti-Doping Agency. It has not been disclosed whether they have begun testing athletes for this drug.
While it has yet to be determined whether this drug can be used on humans, Dr. Evans has an impressive history of medical research, and there are many experts who hold a lot of hope for this drug's success. Dr. Evans explains in The New York Times article that, “This is not just a free lunch, it’s pushing your genome toward a more enhanced genetic tone that impacts metabolism and muscle function. So instead of inheriting a great set-point you are using a drug to move your own genetics to a more activated metabolic state.” Hopefully in time this drug will be used to make a difference.
