PATIENTS are being given a pill that mimics a workout to build muscle and burn fat for the first time.
The once-a-day tablet triggers muscle receptors in the same way as lifting weights or riding a bike.
This sets off a chain reaction of muscles absorbing sugar, lowering blood pressure and boosting the metabolism.
Its developers claim it is equal to a 30-minute workout.
After trials on mice and human volunteers, ten overweight men have begun an eight-week trial at Copenhagen University.
If proven to work, the drug — known as ATR-258 — could be used to tackle frailty in old age or genetic wasting diseases such as muscular dystrophy.
Paul Little, of Swedish makers Atrogi, said: “You can more or less say we have developed exercise in a pill.
“It will not get you looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger but data suggests you’re looking at maybe a kilo or two of muscle.
“Our ambition is to create something that helps people live better lives, feel more flexible and mobile and wake up with a bit more energy.”
Early results are expected later this year.
