A growing trend known as "humanmaxxing" centers on optimizing health, performance, and longevity, prompting discussions about the extent to which individuals can push the boundaries of human biology. This movement encompasses a range of approaches, from adopting specific lifestyle habits and health tracking to utilizing supplements and experimental interventions.
Proponents like Dave Asprey, a wellness expert and self-proclaimed "father of biohacking," advocate for controlling one's biology through environmental adjustments. Asprey's recommendations include intermittent fasting, high-fat diets, red-light therapy, and supplement regimens, with a stated goal of living to 180 years. He founded Upgrade Labs, which focuses on "biohacking" techniques aimed at improving health and fitness through technology.
Others adopt a data-centric approach. Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, behind the longevity project Blueprint, emphasizes removing human error from health decisions by relying on extensive medical data. His regimen involves monitoring hundreds of health metrics, adhering to a precise diet, taking numerous supplements, and undergoing advanced medical treatments to reduce biological age.
At the more experimental end of the spectrum, individuals are investing in technologies designed to enhance human capabilities. Christian Angermayer, a London-based tech investor, views humanmaxxing as a strategy for "human maximization," aiming to unlock existing human potential. His investment firm, Apeiron Investment Group, supports technologies for longer, healthier lives, and he also founded atai Life Sciences, a biotechnology company developing psychedelic treatments.
Despite the growing interest, mainstream health experts urge caution, advising consumers to differentiate between scientifically supported wellness practices and speculative interventions. The National Institute on Aging notes that while some anti-aging therapies show promise in lab research, their ability to safely extend human life remains unproven.
Clinical experts also warn that extreme self-experimentation may bypass the rigorous safety standards applied to conventional medical treatments. According to the Endocrine Society, using substances like testosterone or growth hormone without medical necessity can lead to serious health risks, including cardiovascular issues and long-term hormonal imbalances. Health professionals advise caution regarding expensive or unproven interventions that promise significant anti-aging or longevity benefits without robust scientific evidence.