Decoder with Nilay Patel

Recode Decode: Why Silicon Valley loves "biohacking" and intermittent fasting

Aug 12, 2019
Geoff Woo, CEO of HVMN and biohacking expert, discusses the tech community's obsession with body optimization and the complexities of biohacking. Dr. Valter Longo, a professor studying aging and nutrition, shares insights on the origins and science of intermittent fasting, critiquing its misinterpretations in Silicon Valley. Claire Mysko, executive director of the National Eating Disorder Association, highlights the fine line between eccentric diets and disorders, emphasizing the wellness industry's impact on health perceptions and the need for support.
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ANECDOTE

Dorsey's Transformation

  • Erica Anderson recounts seeing Jack Dorsey at a TED conference, noting a change in his appearance.
  • This observation led her to investigate Dorsey's wellness habits, including intermittent fasting and biohacking.
INSIGHT

Biohacking and Intermittent Fasting Trends

  • Intermittent fasting and biohacking are trending in tech and media.
  • These practices raise questions about their motivations, impacts, and relation to broader diet culture.
INSIGHT

Biohacking Defined

  • Biohacking is a systems engineering approach to human performance optimization.
  • It involves measuring and optimizing inputs like nutrition, exercise, and sleep to improve cognitive and physical performance.
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