Tuesday, July 10, 2007

You'll Never Have to Exercise Again

Well, at least that's what the headlines will soon lead you to believe. . .

Salk Institute scientists recently created an "exercise pill," activating a gene that results in cellular fat burning. Mice who were given the formula failed to gain weight, via chemical activation of PPAR-d, a fat-burning gene, even when fed a high fat diet.

Of course, our interest in mice only extends to how research might apply to us; researchers are suggesting these findings might warrant new ways of addressing human metabolic concerns.

So, exercise no more? Even if the pill is to be proven safe and effective with humans, the only demonstrated benefit (at least with mice) is increased cellular fat burning. That leaves a whole host of physiological and psychological benefits of exercise untouched.

Back to the treadmill it is. . .

7 comments:

PTC said...

Hey, what happened to the black??

Hmm, I want that pill, but you're right, there is NO replacement for exercise. Even if I wasn't trying to lose weight, I'd still exercise (maybe not as obsessively) because it feels good and it's a part of who I am. The pill would help though. :)

Sarah said...

yeah, I'll never give up my endorphins.

I would probably take that pill though. There are some days where I'd do anything!

Anonymous said...

Why the treadmill? Why not go out for a walk, go dancing, garden, hike, ride a bike.....
Why "exercise" when you can "move" and "have fun"?

Kate Harding said...

I would go out of my mind if I didn't exercise. I get jittery and irritable when I don't.

And I'm still fat. Go figure.

Kate Harding said...

Just occurred to me that I should clarify that last line was sarcasm, and I have no problem being fat. I forget that I'm not on my own blog sometimes. :)

Beth said...

I can't wait till they have that pill out on the market! Unfortunately, I doubt it will have the same psychological benefits you get from the work out endorphins.

Anonymous said...

"You'll Never Have to Diet Again" would be the better title then, no?