Scientists say they have found a “switch” in our bodies that increases the desire to exercise more.
Unfortunately, there is less of the activity-stimulating protein they have identified in those of us who are obese.
But they say their discovery could potentially lead to the development of a drug that motivates us to sweat.
Data from mice and humans revealed that when muscles contract repeatedly and intensely, certain mechanisms are set in motion that trigger the production of a protein called IL-15. This protein has a direct effect on the part of the brain that controls movement.
An increase in this protein in the blood sends signals to the brain to increase motor activity, which caused the mice in the study to voluntarily become more active.
The researchers said this result suggests that “it may be possible to develop drugs for people who especially need the benefits that come from exercise, but are reluctant to do so” (file photo)
A team from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the United States found that walking more than 8,200 steps a day protects against diseases such as obesity, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and major depressive disorder (file photo)
In humans, increased levels of IL-15 in the blood were also detected after exercise. Obese patients who exercised had lower levels of this protein, suggesting that they were less motivated to keep moving.
The researchers said the result suggests that “it may be possible to develop drugs for people who are particularly in need of the benefits of exercise but are reluctant to do so.”
They said the next step will be to confirm that IL-15 is indeed a blood marker of exercise desire.
Author Guadalupe Sabio, from the National Centre for Scientific Research, says: ‘We have discovered a muscle-brain pathway that controls the desire to train more when we exercise.
‘It is one of the factors responsible – as there must be several – for the fact that, when we exercise, we feel the urge to train even more.’
The findings were published in the journal Science Advances.
Other research has shown that even simple exercise, such as reaching a daily step goal, can help prevent serious diseases.
A team at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the United States found that taking more than 8,200 steps a day (the equivalent of walking about four miles) protected against diseases such as obesity, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and major depressive disorder.