Health
A Diabetes Drug May Mimic Exercise Benefits for Prostate Cancer Patients
A common diabetes medication called metformin may help prostate cancer patients manage their weight by mimicking some effects of strenuous exercise. Researchers found that the drug boosts Lac-Phe, a molecule typically released during intense physical activity to help control appetite.
Study results showed that patients taking metformin reached Lac-Phe levels comparable to those of ultramarathon runners. The compound appears to suppress appetite and may help counter metabolic dysfunction and weight gain linked to standard hormone therapies.
Health Points
- Metformin increases levels of an exercise-linked molecule that may help reduce food intake and manage body weight.
- The medication does not replace the full cardiovascular and muscular benefits of regular physical activity.
- Maintaining a healthy weight during treatment can lower the risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
“In our study, we were very surprised to see that the level of Lac-Phe in our prostate cancer patients was exactly the same as the level of ultramarathoners,” says lead author Marijo Bilusic, MD, PhD.
While the drug cannot replace exercise, it may help patients who are dealing with fatigue or pain during cancer treatment. Experts say this added support could be a useful part of standard care for maintaining metabolic health in aging patients.
