When Dr. Peter Attia appeared on 60 Minutes to discuss his approach to extending not just lifespan but healthspan, millions of viewers were introduced to a new vision of longevity medicine. Rather than waiting for disease to strike, Attia’s philosophy focuses on identifying risk decades early and training for the final decade of life, what he calls the marginal decade.
During the segment, he highlighted three key assessments that predict future health and function far more effectively than traditional checkups: the DEXA scan, VO₂ Max testing, and APOE genetic and biomarker profiling.
At Healthspan Longevity in Westborough, Massachusetts, these same diagnostics form the foundation of our precision longevity testing program. Here’s how each one works, why they matter, and what they reveal about your future health trajectory.
1. DEXA Scan: The Foundation of Body Composition and Longevity
Dr. Attia often emphasizes that muscle mass, strength, and body composition are among the strongest predictors of both lifespan and quality of life. The DEXA scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) offers the most accurate, non-invasive way to measure those variables.
What the DEXA Measures
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Bone Mineral Density: A leading indicator of fracture risk and skeletal aging
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Lean Muscle Mass: An essential determinant of mobility, metabolism, and insulin sensitivity
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Fat Mass and Distribution: Especially visceral fat, which correlates with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer risk
Why It Matters for Longevity
Research shows that higher lean mass and lower visceral fat are associated with lower all-cause mortality. Yet, most adults don’t know their numbers until problems appear. A DEXA scan quantifies your baseline, allowing for targeted interventions long before symptoms or loss of function occur.
Dr. Attia called it “nearly criminal” that many adults, particularly women, are never offered DEXA scans until much later in life. Proactive testing is preventive medicine at its finest.
Pro Tip: Repeat your DEXA every 6 to 12 months to track body composition changes from strength training, nutrition adjustments, or fat loss programs.
2. VO₂ Max Testing: The Most Powerful Predictor of Future Health
If DEXA shows what your body is, VO₂ Max reveals what your body can do.
Dr. Attia calls VO₂ Max “the single most important measure of overall fitness and one of the best predictors of lifespan.” It measures your body’s ability to use oxygen during exertion, which reflects how efficiently your heart, lungs, and muscles work together under stress.
Why VO₂ Max Is a Longevity Super Metric
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High VO₂ Max correlates with lower mortality: Multiple NIH and JAMA studies have found that individuals with top-quartile VO₂ Max scores live significantly longer and maintain independence later in life
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It reflects functional capacity: VO₂ Max integrates cardiac, pulmonary, and muscular performance into a single metric
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It’s trainable: Unlike genetics, VO₂ Max can improve dramatically through targeted exercise, zone 2 cardio, and interval training
At Healthspan Longevity, VO₂ Max testing uses precise metabolic equipment to determine your current aerobic capacity and pinpoint your optimal training zones. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or someone aiming to age better, this data becomes your blueprint for physical performance longevity.
Pro Tip: Improving VO₂ Max by even one metabolic equivalent (MET) can reduce your risk of all-cause mortality by up to 15%.
3. APOE Testing and Advanced Biomarkers: Knowing Your Genetic and Metabolic Blueprint
While DEXA and VO₂ Max measure external and functional health, APOE and expanded biomarker testing reveal what’s happening on a cellular level.
The APOE Gene and Cognitive Health
The APOE gene influences how your body handles cholesterol and is strongly associated with risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding your APOE status can inform nutrition, lipid management, and lifestyle strategies decades before symptoms appear.
Beyond APOE: The Power of Expanded Biomarker Panels
Healthspan Longevity offers a comprehensive panel of longevity-focused biomarkers, including:
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Inflammatory markers (CRP, homocysteine)
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Insulin sensitivity (fasting insulin, HOMA-IR)
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Lipid particle analysis (ApoB, LDL-P, HDL functionality)
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Hormonal balance (testosterone, thyroid, IGF-1)
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Neurodegenerative risk indicators (pTau-217, neurofilament light chain)
Together, these biomarkers create a full metabolic map that informs your individualized prevention strategy. Instead of treating isolated symptoms, we address underlying drivers of aging and disease risk.
Pro Tip: Track your biomarkers twice per year. Trends matter more than single snapshots when it comes to metabolic health and longevity.
4. Integrating the Three Tests: The Attia Longevity Triangle
When combined, these three assessments form what can be thought of as the Attia Longevity Triangle:
| Test | Domain | What It Reveals |
|---|---|---|
| DEXA Scan | Structure | Bone, muscle, and fat composition |
| VO₂ Max | Function | Cardiovascular and metabolic fitness |
| APOE & Biomarkers | Biology | Genetic and biochemical aging risk |
Together, they provide a 360-degree view of your current and future health potential. This integrated perspective allows for targeted interventions such as strength training, aerobic conditioning, nutrition optimization, and advanced supplementation tailored to your exact physiology.
At Healthspan Longevity, we view these assessments as training data for your marginal decade. The earlier you measure and improve these metrics, the longer your high-performance years will last.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
What did Dr. Peter Attia say about DEXA scans on 60 Minutes?
He emphasized that understanding your bone density, muscle mass, and fat distribution is essential for preventing disability and frailty later in life. He called it a critical tool that should be standard long before old age.
How often should I do a VO₂ Max test?
Most adults benefit from testing once per year, or every 6 months if they are actively training or monitoring metabolic improvements.
What does APOE testing tell me?
APOE reveals your genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular issues, enabling proactive, personalized prevention strategies.
How do these tests work together?
Each measures a different dimension of health: structure, function, and biology. When interpreted together, they create a comprehensive roadmap for longevity planning.
Are these tests only for athletes?
No. In fact, they’re most valuable for adults between 35 and 70 who want to stay strong, sharp, and independent later in life.
Are these tests expensive?
Not at all. At Healthspan Longevity, we keep advanced diagnostics as affordable as possible so that everyone can take charge of their healthspan.
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DEXA Scan: $129
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VO₂ Max Test: $129
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Blood Work Panels: Pricing depends on the specific biomarkers tested
When you consider that these results can guide decades of better health, performance, and independence, it’s easy to see that they’re worth the price of a better life.
Take Action: Build Your Longevity Baseline Today
Dr. Peter Attia’s message on 60 Minutes was clear: longevity isn’t luck. It’s measurable, trainable, and within your control. By assessing and optimizing your body composition, cardiovascular fitness, and genetic risk profile, you can dramatically improve the quality of your future decades.
At Healthspan Longevity in Westborough, MA, we make these advanced assessments accessible in a single, comprehensive experience. If you’re ready to understand your data and take control of your healthspan, book your DEXA scan, VO₂ Max, and biomarker testing appointment today.
Your future self will thank you for starting now.
