A common and very cheap drug, used by millions of people, may mimic some of the benefits of intense physical activity - even in those who don't exercise at all, a new study suggests.
Prescription tablets, now widely available in health systems, can help control weight and protect the heart, even in physically inactive people.
It's about metformin, a drug used by about three million patients with type 2 diabetes and which costs very little per dose. Previous studies have also linked it to a reduced risk of some types of cancer.
How it works?
Scientists believe that metformin may increase levels of a molecule that is produced during exercise. This molecule helps to:
blood sugar regulation
improving cardiovascular health
The study, conducted by the University of Miami and published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, analyzed 29 men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The results showed that metformin increased levels of a molecule called Lac-Phe, which typically increases after intense physical activity.
What is Lac-Phe?
Lac-Phe is a molecule that is:produced during exercise
is associated with decreased appetite
can help with weight loss
It usually increases after intense exercise, but in this study it increased even without physical activity – just from using the drug.
What did the study show?
Metformin did not directly treat prostate cancer
But it increased Lac-Phe levels without exercise.
This may be especially important for patients who cannot exercise due to fatigue or treatment.
According to researchers, this effect may help improve metabolism during difficult treatments.
Why does this matter?
Experts emphasize that caring for cancer patients is not only related to tumor treatment, but also to:
general well-being
metabolism
ability to cope with treatment
Supporting metabolic health can impact how patients feel and respond to therapies, even if it doesn't directly affect tumor growth.
Other possible benefits
Previous studies suggest that metformin may:
reduce the risk of some cancers (such as esophageal)
slow down the growth of cancer cells
lower insulin levels, a hormone that helps malignant cells spread
It is mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes, when diet and exercise are not enough. It is also used to improve fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Although it is not a substitute for physical activity, metformin may offer some similar metabolic benefits. However, more studies are needed to fully understand its potential.
The main message: medications can help, but they do not completely replace an active and healthy lifestyle. /GazetaExpress/
t7 live
