Biohacking Gains Hollywood Hype While Cleveland Clinic Experts Urge Caution and Clarity

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The latest wellness trend capturing attention across Hollywood is known as biohacking, a practice that blends lifestyle interventions with science-based techniques to enhance health, performance, and longevity. While the concept is not new, its recent surge in popularity has brought both enthusiasm and concern among health professionals.

“Biohacking is a broad term that describes an approach an individual can take to improve their performance, their longevity, their appearance, or their general health,” said Dr. Martin Newman, a plastic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic.

Biohacking includes practices ranging from dietary adjustments and exercise routines to more experimental approaches like cold-water immersion and nootropic supplements. Some of the more accessible methods gaining traction include intermittent fasting, wearable fitness trackers, and sleep optimization tools. Celebrities, often under the spotlight for their appearance, are fueling the trend’s rise, frequently showcasing their regimens on social media platforms.

Scientific studies support several aspects of biohacking. Intermittent fasting, for instance, has been linked to improved weight management, better glucose control, and reduced inflammation, according to a review published in PMC. A clinical trial also found that adults with metabolic syndrome who ate within an 8–10-hour window saw fat loss and improved blood sugar without strict calorie tracking.

Cold-water immersion, another common biohacking method, has been shown to enhance mood, reduce fatigue, and stimulate stress resilience by activating cold-shock proteins. A study from the University of Oregon found these practices can lower heart rate, cortisol levels, and blood pressure, though researchers caution that more long-term studies are needed to understand its full effects.

Tech-based biohacks, such as wearables like Oura Rings or glucose monitors, help users track personal health data to tailor their wellness plans. However, Dr. Newman warns that obsession with these tools can lead to negative outcomes.

“With biohacking, you can become obsessed, watching one's weight meticulously, counting calories down to the calorie. I think that any approach to improving one's health, appearance, performance, should be done in moderation, and with the guidance of a medical physician,” he said.

Supplement use, including nootropics intended to boost cognitive function, also falls under the biohacking umbrella but comes with risks. While some individuals report enhanced focus and energy, experts say the benefits for healthy adults are limited and often come with side effects like insomnia or anxiety.

Genetic testing services like 23andMe offer personalized insights into traits such as caffeine metabolism or disease susceptibility, but medical professionals caution against overinterpreting results without proper counseling. Data privacy and lack of regulation further complicate the appeal of these tools.

Dr. Newman emphasizes that effective biohacking does not require expensive gadgets or extreme regimens. “An affordable way to improve your health is to focus on diet and exercise with guidance from a healthcare professional,” he said.

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