The movement to optimize human biology through self-experimentation, technology, and lifestyle interventions. Biohacking turned bodies into science projects and spawned a multi-billion dollar industry.
Origins
- 2008: “Quantified Self” movement begins (Gary Wolf, Kevin Kelly)
- 2011: Dave Asprey launches Bulletproof Coffee
- 2013: Term “biohacking” goes mainstream
- 2015: Biohacking conferences (Bulletproof Conference, Health Optimisation Summit)
- 2017-2020: Peak cultural saturation
Core Practices
Nutrition hacks:
- Intermittent fasting (16:8, OMAD)
- Ketogenic diet
- Bulletproof coffee (butter + MCT oil)
- Supplements (nootropics, adaptogens)
Technology tracking:
- Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)
- Heart rate variability (HRV)
- Sleep tracking (Oura Ring, WHOOP)
- Blood biomarker panels
Physical interventions:
- Cold plunges / ice baths
- Red light therapy
- Infrared saunas
- Hyperbaric oxygen chambers
- Float tanks
Advanced (controversial):
- DIY gene editing (CRISPR experiments)
- Stem cell treatments
- Peptide protocols
- TRT (testosterone replacement therapy)
Key Figures
- Dave Asprey: Bulletproof founder, “godfather of biohacking”
- Tim Ferriss: 4-Hour Body author, early adopter
- Ben Greenfield: Fitness biohacker, podcast host
- Dr. Peter Attia: Longevity-focused physician
- Dr. Andrew Huberman: Neuroscience protocols
The Industry
Biohacking created markets for:
- Devices: Oura Ring ($300-400), WHOOP ($300/year), CGMs ($100-200/month)
- Supplements: Nootropics, NAD+, NMN, collagen peptides
- Services: IV drips, cryotherapy, hyperbaric chambers
- Information: Courses, conferences, coaching
Criticisms
- Pseudoscience: Many claims lack robust evidence
- Privilege: Expensive tools/treatments inaccessible to most
- Obsession: Orthorexia, health anxiety
- Safety: DIY experiments without medical oversight
- Tech solutionism: Ignoring social determinants of health
Cultural Impact
Biohacking normalized:
- Self-experimentation as optimization
- Treating health as performance metric
- Quantifying everything
- Extreme interventions for marginal gains
It sits at the intersection of tech culture, wellness trends, and transhumanism.
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