The Promise and Reality of Exercise Mimetics

Recent headlines have touted the development of drugs that could make going to the gym unnecessary.

Given that I write often about the benefits of exercise for both physical and mental health ... "motion shifts emotion', you are probably wondering why I am interested in this research?
I have a great mate, who is a quadriplegic, and has been for 30 years. These new drugs could assist people unable to exercise due to health conditions or injuries, and potentially treat metabolic disorders and obesity-related issues.

A quick look at the latest research.

The Rise of Exercise Mimetics.
Exercise mimetics are drugs designed to replicate the biological effects of physical activity without actual exertion. The concept isn't new, but recent developments have reignited interest in this field.

LaKe: The Latest Breakthrough?
Researchers at Denmark's Aarhus University recently announced a drug called LaKe, claiming it "brings the body into a metabolic state corresponding to running 10km at high speed on an empty stomach."

LaKe is still in the rat-study stage of development, so it’s not certain that the results will transfer over to humans. Plus the long-term effects and potential side effects of these drugs are not yet known.

What LaKe seems to do is to first prompt a quick surge of lactate in the body – mimicking the sort of effect you’d typically see after a bout of high-intensity exercise – and then a more gradual increase of a chemical called beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). BHB is a ketone, or a chemical synthesised in the liver from fatty acids to provide the body with energy when it doesn’t have enough glucose – which is where the notion of “running on an empty stomach” comes from.

Back to what we can each do ... if you are able to, please MOVE as much as you can during the day. I laughed out loud this morning at 5am at the airport, when I saw people queuing for an escalator when there was a flight of stairs RIGHT NEXT TO the escalator. REALLY ?? Move wherever and whenever you can!

PS The headline picture was taken yesterday...my mates and I were out running and loving the Jacaranda views of Jozi !

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#ExerciseMimetics #FitnessInnovation #HealthTechnology #MentalResilience #BounceForward.