Metformin, a Widely Used Diabetes Drug, May Mimic Exercise Benefits

New study finds the popular medication could activate some of the same biological pathways associated with physical activity.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:13am

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An abstract, ghostly X-ray image revealing the internal molecular structure of a metformin pill, conceptually illustrating the drug's potential to mimic the metabolic effects of exercise.A closer look at the molecular structure of metformin, a widely used diabetes medication that may offer exercise-like metabolic benefits for some patients.Today in Miami

Scientists at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Centre have discovered an unexpected health benefit of the widely used diabetes medication metformin. The study found that the drug increased levels of a naturally occurring molecule linked to energy balance, calorie burning, and weight regulation in patients with prostate cancer. This suggests metformin may activate some of the same biological pathways that are normally associated with exercise, potentially offering metabolic benefits for patients whose treatments or symptoms limit physical activity.

Why it matters

Metformin is one of the most widely prescribed medications in the world, primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. This new finding could have significant implications for how the drug is utilized, especially for patients who are unable to exercise due to their health conditions or cancer treatments.

The details

The researchers studied the effects of metformin on patients with prostate cancer and found that the drug increased levels of a molecule associated with energy balance, calorie burning, and weight regulation. This metabolic response mirrors the benefits typically seen with physical exercise, suggesting metformin may be able to trigger similar biological pathways in the body. While the researchers stressed that medication cannot replace exercise, these findings offer new insights into how metformin may provide metabolic benefits for patients whose treatments or symptoms limit their ability to be physically active.

  • The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
  • The findings were published on April 7, 2026.

The players

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Centre

A leading academic medical center and cancer research institution located in Miami, Florida.

Dr. Marijo Bilusic

The first author of the study and a researcher at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

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What they’re saying

“From a clinical standpoint, seeing a metabolic signal that mirrors what we associate with intense exercise was striking. For patients whose treatments or symptoms limit physical activity, that kind of effect could be especially meaningful.”

— Dr. Marijo Bilusic, Researcher

What’s next

Researchers plan to conduct further studies to better understand the mechanisms by which metformin may mimic the effects of exercise and explore potential therapeutic applications for patients with limited physical activity.

The takeaway

This unexpected finding about metformin's potential to activate similar biological pathways as exercise could lead to new insights and treatment approaches for patients, especially those who are unable to be physically active due to their health conditions or cancer treatments.