Researchers still need to address several important issues such as how long the effect lasts, how many and which muscles are best injected, and if there are any long-term downsides to treatment. But, if the technique is further validated and refined, it could become available to people trying to lose weight. “We envision that people will be able to get intermittent injections of their leg muscles which, in combination with diet and regular activity appropriate to their abilities, would help them to achieve their weight loss goals,” says Hodgson-Zingman.
In the meantime, there are simple things you can do to outsmart evolution. For one, switch up your workout routine. “This study relates directly to variety,” says physiologist Michele S. Olson, PhD, professor of exercise science at Auburn University Montgomery, “Change the moves your doing, pick up a new sport, learn new skills, or do something dynamic. You have to keep your muscles guessing in order to burn more calories, especially if you’re stuck on the last 5 pounds,” she says. (Try these 6 Ways to Get Active at Any Age.)
But don’t just keep your muscles guessing; challenge your mind, too. “Learning something new is also good for our brains,” says Olsen. “You form new neural pathways whenever you learn something new and our brain uses 80 percent of our daily glucose supply, so you’ll burn more energy that way." It doesn't get any easier than that!
