PATIENTS are being given a pill that mimics a workout to build muscle and burn fat for the first time.

The once-a-day tablet triggers muscle ­receptors in the same way as lifting weights or riding a bike.

Close up of a woman about to take a pill, holding it to her mouth with one hand, and holding a glass of water in the other.Patients are being given a pill that mimics a workout to build muscle and burn fat for the first timeCredit: Alamy A senior man with a white beard, wearing a red long-sleeved shirt, smiles while curling a black kettlebell with his right arm in a gym.The once-a-day pill mimics the effect of lifting weights and could help tackle frailty in old ageCredit: Getty – Contributor

This sets off a chain reaction of muscles absorbing sugar, lowering blood pressure and .

Its developers claim it is equal to a 30-minute workout.

After trials on mice and human volunteers, ten overweight men have begun an eight-week trial at Copenhagen University.

If proven to work, the drug — known as ATR-258 — could be used to tackle or .

Paul Little, of Swedish makers Atrogi, said: “You can more or less say we have developed exercise in a pill.

“It will not get you looking like but data suggests you’re looking at maybe a kilo or two of muscle.

“Our ambition is to create something that helps people live better lives, feel more flexible and mobile and wake up with a bit more energy.”

Early results are expected later this year.