Exercise Pill Provides Benefits of Physical Activity Without Exertion

The benefits of exercise are simply incredible. Regular physical activity can help control weight, prevent or improve diagnosed health issues, and boost mood. The list of benefits associated with regular exercise also include better sleep habits, sex life and more energy.

Yet for some, getting off the couch and to the gym may not be so easy. Some may lack the necessary motivation to stay in shape and skip out on physical activities all together. In fact, a large percentage of Americans don't get any more physical activity than going to and from work.

However, scientists at both Washington University and Saint Louis University believe they may be able to a produce a pill that provides all the benefits of exercise.

Studies found that a compound affected levels of a protein called REV-ERB in muscles, which has been shown to boost metabolism, normalize cholesterol levels and affect how much we sleep.

Research performed at the Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter, Florida, found a deficiency on a molecular level of REV-ERB, which resulted in the deactivation of key signaling pathways, thus increasing respiratory capacity and improving skeletal muscle function.

Researchers found by studying obese mice who were injected with the compound, that they were able to lose weight, even on high-fat diets, according to the New York Times.

The mice injected with the mixture began using more oxygen throughout the day and expending about 5 percent more energy than untreated mice, despite that they were more active than the other animals.

Though researchers are still uncertain if this pill could work in humans, increasing levels of REV-ERB in healthy individuals is possible.

More information regarding the study can be found in Nature Medicine.