WASHINGTON — Scientists have created a metabolism-boosting molecule that mimics the effect of exercise on a cellular level.

The new molecule, called “compound 14,” caused obese mice being fed a high-fat diet to lose about 5 percent of their body weight in a week, according to research published in the journal Chemistry and Biology.

Scientists from the University of Southampton say the molecule they’ve created has no impact on mice of normal weight eating a normal diet.

Compound 14 works by triggering a domino effect that alters cellular metabolism. It blocks the functionality of the enzyme ATIC, causing levels of the molecule ZMP to build up — a signal to cells that they have run out of energy.

The cells respond by attempting to increase energy by eating more glucose and boosting metabolism.

Looking ahead, researchers say this new molecule needs to be developed further in order to examine long-term effects. But they add that if compound 14 is found to be safe, it could lead to a drug to help manage obesity and diabetes.