No sneakers needed: The new pill that makes the body react as if it were working out

New reports regarding a new pill that mimics the effects of physical activity are sparking great interest in the question of whether it will be possible in the future to skip gym workouts. Facing expectations for a drug that would replace physical exertion, Professor Eitan Friedman, director of the Institute of Genetics for Early Detection at Assuta, presented a firm position that completely rejects the idea.

As he explained in an interview with the program "HaOlam HaBoker" ("The World This Morning"), a pill cannot replace the many health, mental, and physiological benefits of real physical activity. In response to the question of whether one can suffice with taking the pill instead of working out, Professor Friedman clarified:

"I hope this never happens. A pill cannot replace physical effort."

He detailed the previous experiments conducted on mice, describing the limitations of current research conducted among humans, which is far from providing a full substitute for an active lifestyle.

At the base of the reports are early experiments conducted on mice, but the transition to humans presents a much more complex picture and significant research limitations. While certain chemical substances may affect metabolic markers or assist in weight maintenance, they are unable to replicate the complex physiological system that operates during physical exertion. Professor Friedman clarified the gap between public expectations and scientific reality, noting: "To think that one pill will mimic the process in the body is truly wishful thinking and not scientific truth."

Beyond the metabolic aspect, real physical training carries broad holistic benefits that no drug can replicate. During physical exertion, endorphins are released in the brain that improve mood and mental health, alongside comprehensive physiological strengthening of the heart system, muscles, and bone density.