Would You Take This Pill?

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Executive Producer: Doctor Mike
Production Director and Editor: Dan Owens
Managing Editor and Producer: Sam Bowers
Editor and Designer: Caroline Weigum
Editor: Juan Carlos Zuniga

* Select photos/videos provided by Getty Images *

** The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional **

[TsukiKageTora]

I would be down for that… but I would not be down for the placebo scam pills that would follow

[DJ-svxf]

When I exercised an hour daily (Nautilus, walking, aerobics, swimming and lifting small weights) I slept better, looked better, was sick less often, had more energy and needed an hour less sleep/day. All those benefits plus gained an hour/day. It didn't really take anything away and added so much!

[Giga_Dwarf]

The thing is that it’s not only a physical benefit, it’s a mental benefit. I doubt they could replicate that

[kangrooo]

Even if some people use this to just laze around more so what? The rest of us get something awesome that actually lets us still have time in the day to actually enjoy life

[ZPM]

I really bristle at what Dr. Mike says at the end of this clip. if people get extra time in their lives freed up by some medical or pharmacological advancement, what they do with that time is their business and only their business.

[BatmanuelTheCactus]

For people with certain impediments to movement or who have energy limitations, this would be such a game changer. Being able to still maintain a level of fitness even if you are housebound? Bedbound? Miracle

[elecampane]

Sure, I would take it. That's just a pill that gives you more hours in a day and prevents the risk of injury (strains, spasms, etc) that comes with excercise. Barring serious side effects, of course.

[lapisangstylazuli]

Personally, I like to exercise, and I feel better mentally when I exercise, but having that option for other people would be awesome

[lokar]

Laziness is, I think in most cases, not because of "I want to do nothing" but more "I need to do nothing" how so? To recharge, because our brain is interiorising a new concept or a lesson, etc. There are so many ways one might not have the energy to do something, that just bc you are not exercising, doesn't mean you don't want to do something

[candychooau]

Exercise also provides so much mental health benefits that can’t be replaced by a pill that simply possible replaces physical benefits by exercise. E.g. being out and about to clear your head, the social aspect of exercise being part of a community etc

[malcolmgeldmacher]

He just used a phrase that is something I’ve struggled with for a while. “Artificially exercising” I hate going to the gym because it’s all just pretending to be doing other things. Why not go out and do the real thing?

[sydsyd]

As someone who is generally in pain every day of my life and is exhausted every day of my life, this would be incredibly helpful

[adammontoya]

I'd totally take this pill, and this is the only full length interview I've sat down amd watched so far!

[LAMEHERC]

This always happens with pharmacology. It gets hyped up and falls on its face. They were saying in the 90s that SSRI’s would work so well that you would be able to tailor your personality to your liking. You wanna be more outgoing and adventurous? You want to change from an introvert to a social butterfly? Etc. it’s hype

[mvyper]

One thing you can't get artificially. Mental toughness gotten through challenging your will power.

[roxanahernandez]

This would be amazing for people who are unable to exercise. Personally I workout for the mental benefits. As my psych professor said, exercise is a free anti depressant and sometimes even gives a STRONGER benefit than an actual anti depressant. Exercise has helped me release my anger, sadness, and worry. Been working out for years and have never regretted showing up to the gym, not once. I feel joyous and the physical a changes are a nice plus.

[Hyperlophus]

As someone who loves playing sports but hates going to the gym, I’d be down for this.

[randomapple]

As someone who can’t really exercise due to multiple health conditions and chronic pain, this would be SO nice! I used to be really active before I got sick and I miss how I felt then but my body can’t handle it now without debilitating pain even from very little things 😭

[Unethical.FandubsGames]

I spend all of my free time either learning or adapting new skills. I really don't have all the time to do a lot of the strict exercise routines that some folks choose to do.

I know some people actually genuinely like exercise and that's just a part of what makes them happy, though. Good for those folks.

[qweee]

I used to be extremely insecure and shy, I don't think taking a pill would solve that the same way the gym did