What Occurred Throughout My 5-Hour Full Physique Well being Evaluation (and Whether or not It Was Price It)

For those who’ve ever questioned whether or not there’s extra to learn about your well being than what you get from a typical bodily, you’re not alone.

Via a complementary providing from Cenegenics, I attempted a complete efficiency well being evaluation designed to provide an in-depth take a look at my metabolic, cognitive, and bodily well being.

This evaluation digs deeper than your typical blood take a look at or yearly check-up. It consists of superior imaging (like a full-body DEXA scan), deep-dive lab work that measures lots of of biomarkers, useful health testing, vascular well being screenings, and even mind efficiency evaluations. The purpose is to provide you an entire image of your present well being and allow you to make focused adjustments that may repay for years to return.

I’m solely in my 30s, however I’ve already observed adjustments in my physique that don’t excite me. I needed to know if my present habits have been supporting my long-term well being or if I used to be quietly shedding floor.

Right here’s how the entire course of unfolded, from consumption to subsequent steps.

Well being Historical past & Way of life Consumption

Earlier than any testing started, I accomplished an in depth on-line questionnaire. It requested about my private and household well being historical past, medicines, way of life habits, sleep, stress, and extra. It took about an hour to fill out and helped set the stage for a extra customized expertise after I was on-site.

In-Dwelling Blood Draw

A phlebotomist got here to my dwelling to gather blood samples. I used to be somewhat nervous about having a stranger in my abode, however my phlebotomist was a delight. My cats have been an enormous fan of her, too.

The blood panel was in depth, measuring greater than 270 biomarkers that present an in depth image of my present well being standing. This included:

Widespread metrics like blood sugar and levels of cholesterol
Hormones that regulate all the things from metabolism to temper
Inflammatory markers, or substances in your blood that may be an indication of underlying well being points
Genetic variations that affect the best way my physique processes vitamins, serving to decide which meals and dietary supplements would possibly work greatest for me (extra on that later)

Collectively, these exams gave a complete take a look at my inside well being, far past what a typical blood take a look at covers.

In-Particular person Testing

The majority of the evaluation happened throughout a five-hour go to to the Cenegenics workplace in Manhattan. I used to be requested to convey tight-fitting exercise garments with no metallic for the scans.

Right here’s what occurred, so as:

Efficiency well being session: I began with a one-on-one dialog with a well being coach about my present well being standing, way of life habits, targets, and considerations. This dialog framed the remainder of the testing and helped construct rapport with my coach. (Hello, Christian!)

Physique composition and bone density scan: I became my exercise gear for a full-body twin X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA scan). This measured my fats distribution (together with visceral fats mass), lean muscle mass, and bone mineral density. It was one of the crucial complete views I’ve ever had of what’s really occurring inside my physique, and surprisingly straightforward—all I needed to do was lie on a specialised desk whereas a scanner slowly handed over me.

Bodily health testing: Subsequent, I used to be guided by way of a collection of bodily efficiency exams: max sit-ups, max push-ups, and a 3-minute plank. These examined my muscular endurance and gave me an instantaneous really feel for the place I used to be bodily. It additionally made me sore the subsequent day. (You have been warned!) Enjoyable truth: Ladies ought to typically have the ability to do 11 push-ups earlier than resting. Miraculously, I did 15. Then I used to be promptly punished by having to carry that 3-minute plank (which I additionally did, however at what price?).

Carotid artery ultrasound (CIMT): This non-invasive scan measured the thickness of my carotid artery partitions, which might detect early indicators of heart problems. For those who’re picturing an ultrasound on a pregnant stomach, you’re not far off. It was primarily that, however on my neck.

Neurocognitive testing and mind electroencephalogram (EEG): I accomplished a collection of timed duties on a pc to measure response time, reminiscence, and processing velocity. I additionally wore a cap with electrodes to report my mind’s electrical exercise. It took a short while to hook up—and the goo acquired throughout my hair—however it was an attention-grabbing (and entertaining) take a look at.

Doctor session and outcomes overview: The ultimate and most impactful a part of the day was the complete outcomes session with Haran Sivakumar, MD. He walked me by way of all of my take a look at outcomes and defined what every metric meant in real-world phrases.

Word: VO₂ Max testing: This cardiovascular take a look at is often a part of this system, however the gear wasn’t working that day.

As a well being editor, I’m at all times wading by way of an amazing quantity of recommendation on vitamin, train, sleep, and extra. Whereas the evaluation highlighted areas the place I might enhance, seeing the habits I’m already doing properly was encouraging. Realizing the place I’m already making a constructive affect on my well being was a supply of constructive reinforcement amid all the information.

I discovered some actually attention-grabbing details about my physique and well being, together with:

Apparently, I’ve actually dense bones: For years, I’ve claimed to be “simply large boned”—and now I lastly have scientific proof. My bones? Dense. My haters? Silenced.
I’ve glorious metabolic well being: As an enormous boned one that is constantly thirsty, I’ve fearful about my danger for kind 2 diabetes. Seems, my metabolic well being is in tip-top form!
I’ve a quick response time: Along with being constructed like a brick home, I’ve cat-like reflexes. Effectively, “cat-like” could be an exaggeration, however I used to be happy to see that my processing velocity is fairly good.
I’ve been slacking on my weights: I was an avid weight lifter, however lately I’ve shifted my actions to different issues, like yoga. Whereas doing yoga is nice, sustaining my muscle mass by way of common power coaching will assist defend me from osteoporosis as I age. Time to get again to the fitness center!

Based mostly on my outcomes, Sivakumar supplied customized suggestions, which I’m now engaged on. These included:

Power coaching: As I stated, it’s time to hit the weights once more. Sustaining a constant resistance coaching routine might help me protect muscle mass and assist my long-term metabolic well being.
Protein consumption: I ought to goal for 1 gram of protein per pound of lean mass each day (or per pound of complete weight for a extra aggressive purpose). Sivakumar advisable that I exploit a whey protein isolate or mix pea and rice protein powders to make sure an entire amino acid profile.
Creatine supplementation: To enhance the power coaching, taking 5 grams of creatine monohydrate every single day can assist my muscle efficiency and retention.
Get some follow-up exams: Though my bloodwork didn’t present something alarming, it indicated that I ought to have some follow-up exams. I’m engaged on getting these scheduled with my common physician.

These takeaways felt customized, lifelike, and simple to construct into my routine. Because the evaluation, I’ve been extra aware about getting sufficient protein and fiber, and I’ve began weightlifting once more. Even after just some weeks, I’ve observed enhancements in vitality, focus, and restoration.

Earlier than signing up for a complete efficiency well being evaluation, contemplate the next:

It’s a good suggestion to talk along with your physician: Whereas these evaluations can present an in depth take a look at your well being, they aren’t a alternative for individualized medical care—particularly in case you’re managing a continual situation. Your physician might help you resolve which kinds of testing take advantage of sense in your wants.
Chances are you’ll have already got entry: Lots of the included diagnostics might perhaps be discovered by way of your PCP or a specialist in your community, and so they might even be coated by insurance coverage! Packages like this may be costly. If price is a priority, ask your physician which exams you possibly can entry individually.
Contemplate your age and danger elements: For instance, neurocognitive testing is normally extra useful for older adults (usually folks of their 50s and older) or for anybody who’s had a stroke or concussion. For those who’re youthful and haven’t had any accidents, these exams won’t be as relevant. Others, like a DEXA scan, can supply worthwhile insights irrespective of your age.
It’s quite a lot of information: Lastly, know that the amount of knowledge you obtain could be a lot. I appreciated having my outcomes defined in a peaceful, considerate manner—however in case you are likely to really feel anxious round medical knowledge or metrics, give your self time to take all of it in.