An ultimate focus on a specific protein named myostatin has led to the discovery of a muscle building pill, that could easily reduce gym visits. Suppression of myostatin production could increase healthier muscle mass, which would act as markers in improving kidney and heart health.

The research work was conducted at Augusta University in the US state of Georgia. The lead researcher Dr. Joshua Butcher said, “Ultimately, the goal of our research would be to create a pill that mimics the effect of exercise and protects against obesity; a pill that inhibits myostatin could also have applications for muscle-wasting diseases, such as cancer, muscular dystrophy and AIDS.”

Studies suggested that obese patients secrete high levels of myostatin which results in exercise becoming more strenuous and difficulty in building up muscle.

“Given that exercise is one of the most effective interventions for obesity, this creates a cycle by which a person becomes trapped in obesity,” said Dr. Joshua Butcher.

This research work was conducted successfully in mice and the team will proceed for human trials after receiving approval.

Dr. Joshua Butcher further added, “While much more research is needed, at this point myostatin appears to be a very promising pathway for protection against obesity-derived cardiometabolic dysfunction.”