Millions of Americans saw the story all over the news- in the future, all you may need to lose weight is to pop a pill while you're sitting on the couch. I hate to disappoint you, Binky, but that's probably not going to happen. And here's why: In the studies, so far done only in mice, there is still a component of activity involved. The drugs did increase endurance, as much as 75% for a two drug combination. But you still have to get off the couch.
One of the drugs, Aicar, increased endurance by 44% and helps the body burn more calories and reduce body fat. That sounds exciting but these figures are based on a one month study. They haven't tracked long term usage yet and mice don't tend to report side effects, either. Since these drugs, like nearly all drugs, will be foreign substances to the body, there will be side effects.
One benefit you won't be able to get from this 'exercise pill' is that of stress reduction from physical activity. Probably won't get increased flexibility from stretching the body and you'll never get an exercise 'high' from popping a pill.
Of course, if these products get to market, millions of dollars will be made. And thousands of people may lose weight, but they'll never know the feeling that comes from pushing your body to endure, of the joy that comes from physical exercise itself. I have a feeling it's still going to take some human effort, too.
Still, I'm going to follow this drug, follow it through being adopted by a bif pharmaceutical company. I'm going to invest in some of that stock and I'm going to reap some of those big shareholder profits they talk about from this sort of thing. I'm just not ever going to take their pill. Call me old-fashioned, but I'll take my exercise the hard way.
