Washington (dbTechno) - Scientists are getting closer and closer to developing a new exercise pill. The idea behind the pill is to give your body the benefits of exercise, without actually having to work out as hard. It is currently being touted to help people with weight loss, but could also be used by athletes, as a substitute to steroids.
The new study on these two new pills has been published in the journal Cell, and was carried out by U.S. researchers.
There are two possible pills, both with the ability to help build muscle, increase stamina, and help with weight loss.
The two drugs, AICAR and GW1516 were tested on young adult mice. Half of the mice exercised while taking the drug, while the other half did just exercise.
What they found was that the young adult mice who took the drug were able to run farther and faster than those who did not.
The mice were able to run 77% longer, and 44% farther after just four weeks on the drug compared to the other mice.
The drugs work by having an impact on the gene which actually helps build muscle in the body.
Lead researcher Professor Ronald Evans from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Salk Institute in California, has already forseen possible misuse by athletes.
Because of this, a test has already been developed to allow the drug to be detected in urine and blood samples.
