What do longevity doctors do?
Longevity doctors specialise in preventive medicine, personalised healthcare, and science-backed strategies to slow aging and extend healthspan. They use advanced testing to assess biological age, identify risk factors for chronic diseases, and create tailored plans covering nutrition, exercise, sleep, and hormone balance. Their goal isn’t just to help people live longer but to ensure they stay healthier for as many years as possible.
Here at longevity clinic, we showcase specialists that use cutting-edge techniques like genetic analysis, biomarker tracking, and regenerative medicine to optimise well-being. Unlike traditional doctors who focus on treating illness, longevity doctors aim to prevent age-related decline before it starts. If you’re curious about how these clinics operate, check out What is the concept of longevity clinic? for a deeper look at their approach.
What You’ll Learn In This Article:
- The role of longevity doctors and how they differ from regular physicians
- The treatments and services they offer, including advanced medical therapies and lifestyle interventions
- How they help prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and metabolic disorders
- The latest biohacking techniques and medical technologies used to track and slow aging
- Practical details, including costs, insurance coverage, and how to find a longevity doctor
Longevity Doctors: General Role & Purpose
What is a longevity doctor?
A longevity doctor is a physician who specialises in preventive medicine, anti-aging therapies, and optimising long-term health. Rather than focusing on treating diseases after they develop, they work proactively to slow aging, boost vitality, and extend the number of healthy years a person can enjoy. Their approach includes comprehensive health assessments, personalised wellness plans, and cutting-edge treatments to help patients maintain peak physical and mental function as they age.
How is a longevity doctor different from a regular doctor?
Traditional doctors focus on diagnosing and treating illnesses, often stepping in only when symptoms appear. Longevity doctors, on the other hand, take a proactive approach, using advanced diagnostics like biomarker testing, genetic analysis, and full-body scans to identify potential health risks before they become serious issues. They integrate nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and regenerative medicine alongside medical treatments to slow biological aging and prevent chronic conditions from developing in the first place.
Do longevity doctors help people live longer or just healthier?
The primary goal of longevity medicine is to increase healthspan, meaning the number of years a person stays healthy, active, and free from disease. While some interventions may extend lifespan, the focus is on ensuring those extra years are spent in good health with strong physical and cognitive function. By preventing age-related diseases, optimising mitochondrial function, and using personalised wellness strategies, longevity doctors help patients not just live longer but also feel better and perform at their best for as many years as possible.
Treatments and Services Offered by Longevity Doctors
What treatments do longevity doctors offer?
Longevity doctors use a mix of advanced medical treatments, lifestyle interventions, and regenerative therapies to slow aging and improve overall health. Common treatments include IV ozone therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cryotherapy, and peptide therapy to enhance cellular function and recovery. They also focus on comprehensive lab testing, personalised nutrition plans, and hormone optimisation to prevent age-related decline.
Do longevity doctors prescribe medication or focus on lifestyle changes?
Their approach is highly personalised—some patients may benefit from medications like metformin or rapamycin, which have been studied for their potential to slow aging. Others may require hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to balance declining levels of testosterone, estrogen, or growth hormone. However, lifestyle interventions like optimised sleep, targeted exercise routines, stress management, and a longevity-focused diet are always a foundation of their treatment plans.
Can a longevity doctor help with anti-aging?
Yes, longevity doctors specialise in anti-aging strategies that go beyond skincare and aesthetics. They focus on cellular health, mitochondrial renewal, and reducing oxidative stress to slow the biological aging process. Treatments like stem cell therapy, NAD+ IV drips, and autophagy-boosting fasting protocols help the body regenerate and maintain youthful function.
Do longevity doctors perform medical tests or just give advice?
Longevity doctors conduct extensive medical testing to assess a patient’s biological age and overall health risks. These tests may include blood work, body composition scans, VO2 max testing, cognitive function assessments, and genetic screenings. The results guide a hyper-personalised wellness plan rather than generic health advice.
What supplements do longevity doctors recommend?
Recommendations vary based on individual needs, but common longevity supplements include:
- NAD+ boosters (like NMN or NR) to support mitochondrial function
- Spermidine for autophagy and cellular renewal
- Omega-3 fatty acids for brain and heart health
- CoQ10 for energy production
- Magnesium and Vitamin D for overall well-being
- Resveratrol and fisetin for anti-aging and inflammation reduction
Health Conditions & Specialties
Can a longevity doctor help prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s or heart disease?
Yes, longevity doctors focus on early detection and prevention of age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s, heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Through genetic testing, biomarker analysis, and lifestyle modifications, they help patients lower their risk before symptoms develop. They may recommend anti-inflammatory diets, targeted exercise programs, and specific supplements to support brain and heart health long-term.
Do longevity doctors treat chronic conditions?
While longevity doctors aim to prevent diseases, they also help manage existing chronic conditions like metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disorders, and hormonal imbalances. Their approach focuses on treating the root causes rather than just managing symptoms. This may include gut health optimisation, fasting protocols, mitochondrial support, and advanced therapies to improve overall function.
Can a longevity doctor help with weight loss?
Yes, weight management is a key part of longevity medicine. They assess factors like hormone imbalances, insulin resistance, and metabolic rate to create a personalised fat loss strategy. Techniques may include intermittent fasting, peptide therapy, ketogenic or Mediterranean diets, and metabolic-boosting supplements to support healthy weight loss without compromising muscle mass.
Do they focus on genetics and DNA testing for longevity?
Genetic testing is a core tool in longevity medicine. Doctors analyse DNA markers for aging, disease risk, and metabolic function to develop a tailored health plan. By identifying genetic predispositions, they can recommend specific interventions such as targeted supplementation, medication, or lifestyle modifications to reduce risks and enhance longevity.
Methods & Approaches Used by Longevity Doctors
What kind of diet do longevity doctors recommend?
Longevity doctors typically suggest nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diets that support cellular health and metabolic function. The Mediterranean diet is a common choice, as it includes healthy fats, lean protein, and antioxidants that promote heart and brain health. Some longevity specialists recommend a ketogenic or low-carb approach to improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic flexibility. Others advocate for plant-based or pescatarian diets rich in omega-3s, polyphenols, and spermidine-rich foods, which have been linked to longevity. Many also incorporate time-restricted eating or fasting protocols to encourage autophagy and mitochondrial renewal.
Do longevity doctors use biohacking or advanced medical technology?
Yes, longevity doctors frequently use biohacking tools and cutting-edge medical technology to monitor and improve health. Continuous glucose monitors help track blood sugar fluctuations in real-time, allowing patients to fine-tune their diet and metabolism. Wearable fitness trackers provide insights into activity levels, sleep patterns, and recovery. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and IV ozone drips are often used to enhance oxygen delivery and stimulate cellular repair, while cryotherapy and infrared saunas promote circulation, reduce inflammation, and support immune function. These technologies allow doctors to personalise treatments and track progress with precision.
How do longevity doctors track aging and health progress?
Aging is measured using a combination of comprehensive medical tests and biomarker assessments. Epigenetic age testing helps determine biological versus chronological age, giving insight into how well a person is aging on a cellular level. Inflammation and oxidative stress markers are monitored to assess the risk of chronic diseases, while hormone panels reveal imbalances that may impact energy, mood, and metabolism. Cardiovascular and muscular health are evaluated through VO2 max and strength tests, which indicate endurance and overall fitness. Cognitive function screenings are also used to track memory, focus, and brain health, ensuring a well-rounded approach to longevity.
Do longevity doctors use hormone therapy?
Hormone optimisation is a key component of many longevity programs. As people age, levels of testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones decline, often leading to fatigue, muscle loss, and cognitive changes. Longevity doctors use hormone replacement therapy to restore balance and support long-term vitality. In addition to traditional HRT, some doctors explore peptide therapy and growth hormone secretagogues to enhance tissue repair, boost energy levels, and improve sleep quality. The goal is to maintain optimal hormone levels in a way that supports longevity and overall well-being.
What biomarkers do longevity doctors check for aging?
Biomarkers provide critical insight into the aging process and overall health. Inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) indicate levels of chronic inflammation, which is a major driver of age-related diseases. Insulin and glucose levels, including HbA1c and fasting glucose, help assess metabolic health and diabetes risk. Lipid profiles reveal cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which play a role in heart disease. Mitochondrial function is measured through NAD+ levels, which are essential for cellular energy production. DNA methylation patterns are also analysed to estimate biological age and provide a clearer picture of how lifestyle choices impact longevity. Regular tracking of these biomarkers helps longevity doctors make targeted recommendations to optimise health and extend healthspan.
Practical Considerations Regarding Longevity Doctors
How much does a longevity doctor cost?
Costs vary widely depending on location, services, and doctor expertise. Initial consultations can range from £300-£1,000, with ongoing testing and treatment plans costing £2,000-£10,000+ per year. Specialised interventions like stem cell therapy or IV drips may require additional fees.
Do you need a referral to see a longevity doctor?
No, most longevity doctors work privately and do not require a referral. However, some integrate with general practitioners or functional medicine clinics, allowing for collaborative care.
Can longevity doctors provide remote/online consultations?
Yes, many offer virtual consultations and can arrange at-home lab testing, personalised supplement plans, and telemedicine follow-ups. Some tests, like DNA or hormone panels, can be done remotely, while treatments like IV therapy or cryotherapy may require in-person visits.
Are longevity doctors covered by insurance?
In most cases, longevity medicine is not covered by standard health insurance. Some elements, like routine blood work or preventive screenings, may be reimbursable depending on the provider. Specialist therapies and advanced diagnostics are usually paid out of pocket.
How do I find a good longevity doctor near me?
Look for board-certified physicians specialising in longevity, functional medicine, or regenerative therapies. Check credentials, read patient reviews, and seek clinics offering comprehensive health assessments, genetic testing, and advanced therapies. A good longevity doctor should tailor recommendations based on personal biomarkers and health goals rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach.
Conclusion
Longevity doctors go beyond traditional healthcare by focusing on prevention, optimisation, and long-term well-being. Rather than just treating illness, they work proactively to slow aging, prevent chronic diseases, and enhance overall vitality using a combination of advanced medical testing, personalised treatments, and cutting-edge therapies.
Through nutrition, exercise, hormone balance, regenerative medicine, and biohacking techniques, they help patients extend their healthspan—ensuring more years of active, healthy living rather than just increasing lifespan. Whether through IV ozone therapy, hyperbaric oxygen treatments, genetic analysis, or fasting protocols, longevity medicine is highly personalised, with recommendations tailored to each individual’s unique biology and lifestyle.
For those looking to optimise their health, prevent age-related decline, and take control of their long-term well-being, consulting a longevity doctor can be a transformative step. With the right approach, it’s possible to increase vitality, improve resilience, and enjoy a longer, healthier life.
