The application of biohacking in obesity medicine: New perspectives on obesity's socioeconomic effects and disease mechanisms

Abstract

Obesity is a complex health issue that affects every nation worldwide. It is associated with various economic and societal difficulties, substantial comorbidities, and complex disease mechanisms. Conventional approaches to treating obesity often do not result in tailored, sustainable health outcomes. However, new approaches to its treatment may be found in biohacking, an approach defined by the combined use of technology, advances in science, and self-experimentation. This Editorial explores biohacking's potential role in managing obesity, particularly in addressing its behavioral factors, socioeconomic effects, and disease mechanisms. Biohacking aims to manipulate core biological processes such as gene expression, systemic inflammation, and cellular health to reduce the risks associated with obesity and enhance metabolic health. These techniques include nutrigenomics, microbiome manipulation, and intermittent fasting with wearable technologies and ongoing glucose monitors, allowing people to access their health data in real time and personalize their approach to managing their weight. With the support of habit-establishing strategies and mindfulness tools, behavioral interventions underpinned by biohacking principles can deliver long-term changes to people's lifestyles. Biohacking offers potential benefits not only for the individual but also for society, where it may lessen healthcare inequalities by providing low-cost, accessible tools. Nonetheless, ethical concerns about self-experimentation and biohacking's equitability and safety remain. However, integrating biohacking into conventional medicine could transform obesity management and tackle its many associated factors by delivering tailored, preventative treatment options.