01/18/2026
"Scientists from the Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) have identified a biological process that explains how exercise helps keep bones strong. The discovery could lead to new treatments for osteoporosis and bone loss in people who are unable to be physically active." - SciTech Daily, January 9th, 2026
For years I have been telling patients that if they have been told they are / , and they are not exercising regularly and vigorously with training as a central part of their routine, they have almost no hope of improving.
Why?
Because the bones constantly cycle through building up and breaking down in response to physical . If there is no significant physical stimulus, there is no reason to keep up quality bone production. Nature will not waste resources. This is "If you don't use it, you lose it" in the human body.
The scientists discovered that this specifically happens because of a protein they described as an "exercise sensor". The protein is called Piezo1, and they are now looking at it as a target for developing medical treatments to achieve the same effects as exercise. They claim that "This insight points to the possibility of developing drugs that reproduce the effects of exercise, which could benefit older adults, bedridden patients, and people with chronic illnesses who face an elevated risk of fractures"
This sounds like noble work. I really hope it is only used to help those who absolutely need it. Unfortunately, if they are successful at developing "exercise in a pill", I think it will end up being recommended to just about everyone alongside other drugs, like GLP-1 receptor agonists (eg Ozempic, Wegovy). Why? Because the pharmaceutical industry thrives on selling people convenience, whether or not they have proven that long term benefits outweigh potential drawbacks.
In the meantime, if you wish to remain as functional and healthy in body and mind as you possibly can, you must exercise regularly and vigorously. Include strength training in your exercise regimen for best results.
