Common medications that may reflect the benefits of exercise

Scientists believe a common drug, already prescribed to millions of people around the world, could provide the benefits of an exercise session without actually doing the exercise.

A new study from the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has found that the drug metformin likely reflects the biological effects of exercise in people who cannot do strenuous exercise.

A widely used diabetes drug can cause weight-regulating compounds to be released from the body during exercise in sedentary people, a study has found.

There are over 1.5 million people with diabetes in Australia and metformin is one of the most common medications and is often one of the first medications prescribed for type 2 diabetes.

Metformin works in the body by lowering both basal (long-acting) and postprandial (postprandial) plasma glucose and does not stimulate insulin secretion. Within the muscles, it increases insulin sensitivity and improves glucose uptake into the muscles, according to Diabetes Australia.

Metformin is typically prescribed for diabetes when diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to control blood sugar levels, but this study points out that it can also be effective for people suffering from other diseases.

Men with prostate cancer who are unable to exercise due to treatment were able to increase their levels of molecules associated with calorie burning and weight loss by taking metformin.

“From a clinical perspective, it was shocking to see metabolic signals that mirrored what we associate with strenuous exercise,” oncologist Dr. Marijo Bilsic said, via The Sun.

“Such effects could be particularly meaningful for patients whose physical activity is limited by treatment or symptoms.”

Regular exercise is always recommended during cancer treatment, but if this is not possible due to fatigue or illness, metformin may be a drug that enables the release of certain biological signals in the body.

Dr. Bilsich said the study “provides a clearer understanding of how widely used drugs support metabolic health during prostate cancer treatment, an outcome that is important for patients and clinicians alike.”

A molecule called N-lactoylphenylalanine (Lac-Phe). It surges in the body after intense training and coincides with the effects of exercise, such as regulating appetite and burning calories.

In fact, previous research has linked Lac-Phe to weight loss and decreased appetite.

Scientists also observed higher Lac-Phe‑ levels in people taking metformin, even when they were not exercising.

Sylvester’s research focused on prostate cancer patients, who often suffer from weight gain, poor blood sugar control and increased risk of heart disease due to hormone therapy.

Hormone therapy reduces or blocks the production of testosterone. This is because hormones can promote cancer growth.

Researchers took blood samples from 29 people and found that Lac-Phe levels in patients taking metformin were similar to levels seen in people who exercised vigorously.

This phenomenon occurred even if the patients were not exercising at the time of the blood test, and the effect persisted even after starting hormone therapy.

Researchers said Lac-Phe appears to reflect how the body manages weight, calories and blood sugar levels during treatment.

Elevated Lac-Phe levels were also seen in patients taking metformin while undergoing other cancer treatments.

“What is encouraging about this study is that it is a reminder that cancer treatment is not just about targeting the tumor, but also about supporting the whole patient,” said Priyamvada Rai, professor of radiation oncology at the Miller School.

“By better understanding how treatments affect metabolism, we can begin to identify ways to help patients maintain strength, resilience, and quality of life throughout their treatment.”