The Checkup: Could Viagra Be the Next Diet Pill?

• Well, this is surprising: A new study using lab mice found that the drug sildenafil (a.k.a. Viagra) might be useful for weight loss. It’s actually a side effect people have noted in mice in the past—that Viagra use over a long period can result in weight loss—but no one had figured out why until now. Turns out, there’s something in Viagra that converts undesirable white fat cells (i.e. the fat in “problem areas” in humans, like a beer belly) into beige fat cells, which burn energy from digested food and turn it into heat. “Because the beige fat cells can ‘melt the fat’ and thus fight obesity, researchers are very hopeful for their potential,” ScienceDaily reports. Of course, it’s far, far too soon to tout the drug’s efficacy in humans, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility that one day Viagra could have a whole new use.

• Parents, need some help deciding if your sick kid should stay home from school or tough it out? HealthDay offers seven concrete signs—fever that’s higher than 101, noticeable rash or mouth sores, etc—to help you know for sure.

• Win one for vitamin D: it could help you build muscle. Men’s Health has more.

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