PHARMACOLOGICAL EXERCISE MIMETICS IN THERAPY: DELUSION OR FUTURE?

The increase in the prevalence of a large number of metabolic disorders is attributed to the sedentary lifestyle associated with increased energy intake of food. Scientists warn that our genes are not selected for a sedentary existence and that the complex homeostatic system is being seriously undermined. Regular physical activity induces a number of physiological adaptations both within skeletal muscle and the whole organism, which have positive effects in the prevention and treatment of many metabolic disorders. Recognizing the impact of these beneficial effects of physical activity on health outcomes, and taking into account the trend of inactivity population, researchers have focused on the active substances that mimic or potentiate the effects of exercise without the actual energy consumption, and big pharmaceutical companies see a potentially huge market and profit in this. This paper discusses the real possibility and potential of pharmacological mimetic of exercise in the treatment of metabolic diseases.