“Exercise pills” and fat-enzyme blockers have only been tested in mice

Two compounds often sold next to peptides promise a shortcut: SLU-PP-332, nicknamed an “exercise pill”, and 5-Amino-1MQ, which blocks an enzyme in fat tissue. Both are small chemicals, not peptides.

SLU-PP-332 switches on estrogen-related receptors (ERRs), which help muscles adapt to aerobic exercise. In a 2024 study, it was given to diet-induced obese mice and to ob/ob mice, which are genetically prone to obesity. It increased energy use and fat burning, reduced fat-mass gain and improved insulin sensitivity, mimicking some effects of exercise.

5-Amino-1MQ blocks NNMT, an enzyme especially active in fat. In a 2018 study, nine obese mice received it for 11 days while nine controls did not. Treated mice lost about 5.1% of their weight, while controls gained about 1.4%, and one white-fat store was about 35% smaller. The mice did not eat less, and no adverse effects were observed.

Mouse results often fail to carry over to people. Neither compound has published human trials, so nothing is known about their effects, side effects or long-term safety in people. Exercise also affects the heart, brain, bones and mood; these studies measured fat and insulin.

The peptide MOTS-c has a similar story: in its 2015 discovery study it protected mice on a high-fat diet from weight gain and insulin resistance, and human trials are lacking.

Research materials for these compounds, where listed, are in the research shop for laboratory use.