A recent study shows that the asthma drug Formoterol has the ability to burn fat and prevent muscle loss. Paul Lee, MD, PhD, a research fellow at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney, headed the study, which was funded by the National Health Medical Research Council Australia.  The results of the study could change the way people approach fat loss and muscle retention. See the Garvan Press Release here.

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The Study

Eight men participated in Lee’s study.  At the beginning of the study, the men were given a standard liquid meal that was high in carbohydrates.  After finishing the meal, Lee measured each person’s”

• Energy rate
• Fat oxidation
• Whole body protein metabolism

Then, Lee gave each participant 160 micrograms of Formoterol a day for seven days.  The drug was administered in pill form.

At the end of the seven days, each participant was given the liquid meal once again. Then, Lee measured the energy rate, fat oxidation and whole body protein metabolism for the second time.  He compared the new statistics with the previous ones in order to determine if Formoterol could help with fat loss and muscle retention.

The Findings

Lee and his colleagues discovered that the pill increased energy rates by more than 10% and fat burning by up to 25%.  At the same time, the subjects burned less protein than they did prior to taking the pill.

Additionally, the researchers found that the Formoterol pills do not increase heart rates in patients. This was a very important finding, since the inhaled form of the drug has been linked with rapid heart rates.

Along with these findings, Lee noted that some participants experienced mild insomnia and loss of appetite.  The degree of these side effects is not yet known, since the study was short-term and only included a few participants.  However, Lee does not believe the side effects will be a hindrance for those who want to use the drug to lose weight and retain muscle mass.

What the Numbers Mean

According to Lee, a 155-pound person could burn around 200 more calories a day if he took Formoterol.  While the 200-calorie deficit won’t lead to rapid weight loss, it will help people lose weight over time.

At the same time, the person would receive the muscle retaining benefits of using the drug. That means his muscles wouldn’t shrink or disappear as he aged.  By keeping his muscles, the person will be healthier and more mobile than he would be without the muscles.  This can drastically improve a person’s quality of life as he ages.

The Future

Researchers think this study could eventually lead to the drug being used to promote fat loss and prevent muscle loss.  However, researchers note that future studies will have to be conducted on the subject in order to understand the drug fully.

In the meantime, people are encouraged to eat a proper diet and exercise. Then, if the time comes, they will be able to use the pill to give them that extra boost toward the bodies they want to have.

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