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Will AI replace doctors? Will AI + doctors > AI or doctors alone? I have a bit of a different opinion. Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Body Scans for the Masses: Preventive Care's Game-Changer?
On May 5th, Function Health acquired Ezra, the full-body MRI scanning company, creating a powerful integration of lab testing with imaging for comprehensive preventive health screening. This strategic move has already yielded results – they've launched a new 22-minute scan priced at $499, significantly more affordable than Ezra's previous $1,495 offering.
This acquisition exemplifies the current trend we're seeing in health tech, where startups are merging to create integrated, consumer-focused solutions. According to recent reports, 67% of Q1 2025 M&A deals involved digital health startups acquiring other digital health companies, up from 53% across 2024.
However, full-body MRIs remain controversial. The American College of Radiology notes insufficient evidence for routine screening in asymptomatic individuals, citing concerns about false positives leading to unnecessary follow-ups and increased medical spending.
Dr. Lin's Take: This merger represents a significant step toward comprehensive preventive care, but we must approach with nuance. While I'm excited about the more accessible price point and the potential of combining biochemical and structural data, we must acknowledge the overdiagnosis risks. A 2024 study found 95% of full-body MRI scans reveal abnormalities, mostly benign, which can trigger costly interventions. I myself had a WB-MRI with abnormalities (which were indeed benign, luckily). The integration of lab testing might actually help mitigate this by better identifying high-risk individuals who could truly benefit from imaging. For now, I recommend a personalized approach rather than universal screening.
The Diabetes Drug That Might Help You Live Longer (But Should You Take It?)
The conversation around metformin as a potential longevity drug continues to evolve. A recent New York Times article explored its promise and limitations. While animal studies have shown metformin may extend lifespan and delay age-related diseases, human research remains mixed. A 2014 study suggested lower mortality risk in diabetic patients on metformin compared to non-diabetic controls, but a contradictory 2022 analysis found no sustained advantage.
For those following this area, the ongoing T.A.M.E. Trial (Targeting Aging with Metformin) should provide clearer answers, though definitive results are still years away.
Dr. Lin's Take: The metformin story illustrates why we need patience in longevity science. While the mechanisms are promising – reducing cellular damage and protecting chromosomes – the evidence for healthy individuals remains inconclusive. A concerning 2019 study even suggested metformin might blunt exercise benefits, raising questions about its use in active adults. I currently discuss metformin on a case-by-case basis, primarily for patients with metabolic risk factors who might benefit most. For everyone else, I emphasize that our most evidence-backed approaches remain lifestyle interventions while we await more definitive clinical trial results.
"Skip the Supplements": Stanford Expert Drops Truth Bomb on Brain Health
At Stanford's Healthy Aging 2025 summit held on May 5th, dementia researcher Frank Longo emphasized something I've long advocated: lifestyle factors trump supplements for brain health. His powerful statement, "None of the 500 supplements have been shown to slow dementia. It's about exercise, Mediterranean diet, sense of purpose, social connection, joy, less stress, good sleep..." aligns perfectly with our holistic approach at Elevate X.
Research consistently supports this view, with studies showing exercise improves brain blood flow, Mediterranean diet offers anti-inflammatory effects, and social connections enhance cognitive reserve. A 2020 study even linked community walkability to longevity, highlighting how accessible lifestyle factors can significantly impact healthspan.
"Your Watch Thinks You're Aging Too Fast": The Promise and Peril of Wearable Health Tech
On May 8th, WHOOP launched its WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG wearables, featuring an innovative Healthspan metric developed with the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. These devices calculate physiological age and pace of aging using nine biometrics including sleep duration, consistency, time in heart rate zones, resting heart rate, steps, and lean body mass.
Developed in collaboration with Dr. Eric Verdin, CEO of the Buck Institute, the Healthspan feature provides WHOOP Age and Pace of Aging scores, offering actionable recommendations for daily habits, though it's important to note these are designed for wellness, not medical use.
Dr. Lin's Take: I've been watching the wearable space evolve for years, and while I haven't tried WHOOP personally, the concept of tracking physiological age through multiple biomarkers is fascinating. What I appreciate about the better wearables is their attempt to translate complex data into actionable insights. But let's be honest – I find most people (myself included!) get exhausted from continuous health tracking. The initial excitement wears off when you're bombarded with notifications about sleep scores, recovery metrics, and step counts. I'm actually predicting we'll see a pendulum swing away from all this data collection when people realize they don't know what to do with conflicting assessments. (Is it more important that my HRV is down or that my sleep score is up? Should I work out hard today or rest?) The key challenge for these companies will be distilling truly meaningful insights without overwhelming users. For now, I recommend patients choose ONE wearable that resonates with them, focus on 2-3 metrics maximum, and remember that technology supports – but never replaces – your intuitive connection with your body.
Shiny Objects vs. Proven Solutions: Finding My Balance as a Longevity Doctor
I'm both excited and a bit skeptical about where the longevity field is heading. On one hand, these innovations – from merged health tech platforms to advanced wearables – are democratizing access to tools once reserved for the ultra-wealthy or research settings. On the other hand, I worry we're sometimes chasing shiny objects instead of doubling down on what we know works.
The truth is, I find myself constantly balancing my enthusiasm for cutting-edge science with the practical reality of what actually helps my patients live better, longer lives. Sometimes that's a sophisticated biomarker panel, and sometimes it's simply helping them prioritize sleep and stress management.
What keeps me going is seeing people make meaningful changes – however small – that compound over time.
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