The quest for eternal youth has captivated humans for millennia. Ancient stories like the Epic of Gilgamesh and Juan Ponce de León’s search for the Fountain of Youth showcase our enduring desire to live forever.
Today, a growing industry is fueled by this same drive, with billions spent on longevity-related products annually. Direct-to-consumer marketing and social media have made it possible for anyone to sell unproven medical advice in seconds.
As a sports-medicine physician, I see the consequences of this obsession firsthand. Patients come to my office seeking quick fixes like peptides and lab tests to extend their lives. These treatments are unlikely to deliver meaningful results, and may even cause harm.
The shift from prevention to profit has led many longevity clinics and influencers to peddle unvalidated treatments. This is a significant departure from the focus on lifestyle changes that characterized early longevity medicine.
Despite this, the field still owes a debt of gratitude to pioneers who prioritized preventing disease over treating it. A new generation of clinicians emphasizes lifestyle changes as first-line strategies for disease prevention, aiming to improve health rather than simply extend life.
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/2026/02/longevity-medicine-profit-oversold/686049