Thus, adiponectin/AdipoR-enhancing or adiponectin receptor-activating agents appear to have great potential as ‘exercise-mimicking’ agents capable of producing similar effects to those with exercise; indeed, their development has been eagerly awaited, not only as a novel avenue of definitive therapy for the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, but also as a viable therapeutic option for those incapable of exercise due to medical conditions or locomotor diseases. This evidence concerns the gene ADIPOQ and atherosclerosis.