Biohacking, the trend of trying to slow aging and lower biological age through measurements, diet, exercise and supplements, is gaining traction in Israel as well as abroad. The article opens with Mya Alhallal demonstrating the “sitting-rising” test, which she says is a scientifically proven indicator of longevity, and then uses her work and the Netflix film about Brian Johnson, the American multimillionaire who wants to live to 150, as the main examples of the movement.
Alhallal, 48, runs the “Biohacking Lab” in Ramat HaSharon and says it is not a treatment clinic but a place for building a personalized longevity strategy. She says the lab offers monitoring, consultation and a data-based plan after 12 weekly meetings for 11,800 shekels. She has also held four three-day biohacking retreats at the Six Senses hotel in Shaharut for about 10,000 shekels per couple, and sells a digital course for 236 shekels. She says a questionnaire, artificial intelligence and advice from Dr. Oliver Zolman help build an annual plan tailored to each client.
Supporters of the trend also include Ram Shachter, who runs Biohacking TLV and says his own biological age test showed he is 17 years younger biologically than his actual age of 61. He says his center charges 5,400 shekels for three months of guidance, while supplements can cost 100 to 500 shekels a month. Shai Peleg, who built a biohacking community of about 200 members, says he lost 35 kilograms over two years and now takes nearly 100 supplements a day. In his routine, he says, he spends about 300 dollars a month on biohacking, including niacinamide, retinol and ashwagandha.
The article also details the movement’s celebrity and commercial side, from Brian Johnson’s extreme regimen and large online following to references to Wim Hof, Tom Brady and Larry Ellison. But the main counterweight comes from Prof. Eitan Friedman, head of oncology genetics at Assuta Ramat HaHayal, who says biohacking is being sold commercially and warns against “false promises.” He says there is no scientific proof that cold baths, most supplements, intermittent fasting, sleep-tracking gadgets or other popular interventions extend human life, and cites a large 2024 analysis and a 390,000-person, 20-year study showing no supplement meaningfully lengthens lifespan. He acknowledges that exercise, good sleep and some medical tests are useful, but says overtesting and supplement overload can waste money and even harm health.
