Scientists have created a pill which can recreate some of the benefits of exercise. The pill contains the hormone irisin, a substance which naturally occurs in the body.
Irisin is produced when we exercise and is believed to help develop “good” calorie burning fat. The hormone has also been linked to lower blood sugar levels.
The health benefits of the medicine have been tested in mice and it is expected that trials on humans will begin in the next couple of years. The findings so far are very promising, however do couch potatoes need another pill which excuses them from doing proper exercise? Prima-med France doctors advise exercise should be taken at least three times a week. When you exercise you should aim to get your heart pumping harder than normal for 30-40minutes. It does not matter what kind of physical activity you undertake as long as to get your heart rate up. The benefits of exercise include increased calorie burn and low blood sugar levels, but also include benefits over and above anything the new pill can provide such as increased muscle mass, improved heart and lung function, strengthened bone density and raised endorphins. The bottom-line is patients should not replace a healthy lifestyle with a tablet.