'Gym pill' trips fat-burning gene

The Salk Institute team has developed a drug that can switch on a fat burning gene. Mice on a high-fat diet with no exercise resisted weight gain. The drug turns the PPAR-delta gene on. This same gene is activated during exercise. The pill would be used to prevent obesity-related diseases, not to offer easy six-packs. Although the drug assists in fat burning, the researchers warn that it is probably not as beneficial as true exercise. Human trials will begin soon.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6599013.stm