by Stefania Revelli
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- What happens to diet pills when they grow up? They become fitness pills. Researchers at the Salk Institute in San Diego have discovered two new drugs — AICAR and GW1516 — that mimic the effects of physical exercise (Reuters.com 7.31.08).
- Lab tests successfully fooled mice muscles into burning fat, using energy more effectively and boosting endurance. Human translation: those who remain sedentary will potentially reap the same benefits as those who exercise (NYTimes.com 8.1.08).
- Too good to be true? The drugs are still in testing and presently only available in experimental formats.
- For obvious reasons, researchers are also actively addressing concerns for potential abuse.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- It’s my body and I’ll exercise if I want to — or not. From over-the-counter fix-ups and non-invasive cosmetic surgery to extreme fitness mashups, everybody has a choice. The emphasis is on results, and less on the particulars of how one got there.
- Shortcuts can sometimes be scary. Purists will question, poke and scrutinize everything from safety and ingredients to side effects and performance.
RESOURCES
