Once seen as a fringe obsession for tech moguls and health extremists, biohacking, the practice of optimising human performance through self-experimentation, is making its way into the mainstream.
From tracking sleep patterns and testing unusual supplements to undergoing cutting-edge therapies and genetic modification, a growing number of individuals are adopting biohacking as a lifestyle. And it’s not just a Silicon Valley fad anymore. Across the globe, ordinary people are tuning in to the promise of longer, healthier lives.
What Really Is Biohacking?
Biohacking started as a concept similar to computer hacking, identifying flaws or “undocumented features” in the human body and using that knowledge to improve performance. Early examples include intermittent fasting, cold therapy, or swapping your morning coffee for a high-fat, energy-boosting version called Bulletproof Coffee.
Over time, it has evolved. With the rise of wearable tech, people began tracking everything,from heart rate variability and sleep cycles to mood swings and even brain waves, all in pursuit of better health and peak performance. Now, biohackers experiment with nootropics, stem cells, gene editing, and even plasma transfusions.
According to ‘The Actuary,’ Extreme biohackers like Bryan Johnson, a tech entrepreneur who spends over $2 million annually to “reverse ageing,” are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Johnson’s daily routine includes swallowing 120 pills, using electrical stimulation devices, and undergoing blood transfusions from his teenage son. His journey has even been documented in a Netflix special titled Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever.
But Johnson isn’t alone. Dave Asprey, self-proclaimed “father of biohacking,” built a multimillion-dollar empire around his Bulletproof brand. Then there’s Gary Brecka, a former life insurance executive turned longevity guru, who now consults celebrities on optimising their health using DNA analysis.
These figures may seem like outliers, but their influence is seeping into everyday life and into medical practice.
It wasn’t long ago that low-carb, high-fat diets (LCHF) were dismissed as dangerous. Today, they are restaurant menu staples backed by lab-tested results showing improved cholesterol, reduced inflammation, and better insulin control.
Even social media tells the story: Johnson has 1.8 million Instagram followers, and Asprey boasts 1.3 million. Biohacking is no longer hidden in labs; it’s on your feed, podcast, and doctor’s desk.
People now have access to more affordable and accessible sleep-tracking apps, water intake and weight-loss apps, and smartwatches. People are improving their sleep, nutrition, fitness, and mental health with personalised routines.
Intermittent fasting, even though some do not know it, is also a form of biohacking, and a lot of people engage in it
This trend is already challenging the insurance industry. What happens to traditional morbidity and mortality projections if people can demonstrably reduce their risk of illness through biohacking? Will annuity and life insurance models need a reboot?
Insurers must now consider three possible futures:
Pessimistic: Misinformation spreads, harmful DIY experiments rise, and unpredictable outcomes burden healthcare systems.
Central: Biohacking aligns with projected medical advancements; steady improvements continue.
Optimistic: Life expectancy leaps, disease rates drop, and health costs shift from crisis care to preventive optimisation.
Either way, biohacking is creating ripple effects that can no longer be ignored.
Biohacking is no longer just for billionaires or science geeks. It’s filtering into gyms, clinics, homes, and smartphones. As costs drop and awareness rises, it’s likely that more people, possibly even your next-door neighbour, will embrace elements of this movement.
Whether it leads to longer lifespans or smarter wellness choices, one thing is clear: biohacking is not a passing trend. It’s a glimpse into the future of human health.
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