Welcome to the inaugural issue 🥳  the first of many. We don’t know what on earth made you subscribe, but we’re so glad you’re here.  

THE MAIN STORY

Longevity drugs: More than just hype?

It turns out a lot of folks are in the market for a few extra decades — and they're turning to "anti-aging" drugs for help.

If you’re asking yourself, “who actually wants to eek out a few more decades of squinting at the Sunday crossword?”, you should know enhanced longevity isn't just about boasting over a century-old milestone.

Instead, it's about living better longer, aka living a life that not only endures but thrives as the years roll on.

And that's where the “miracle” drugs come in. There's a lot of hype – but do they actually work? Let’s take a closer look.

Metformin — the cheap wonder drug?

Why the hype? A 2014 study caused a stir, showing that diabetics on Metformin, an affordable Type II diabetes medication, lived longer than non-diabetics. Impressive, huh?

Not so fast. The evidence is iffy. It was a retrospective study, meaning the findings might be due to coincidence, not causation.

Studies on worms, flies, mice, and rats suggest positive effects, but humans could be a different story.

Before you think, "What the hell, let's give it a shot," there are potential minor side effects like upset stomach, diarrhea, and even stunted muscle growth, which is bad news for anyone trying to make serious gains.

More research is needed, and the TAME (Targeting Aging with Metformin) Trial aims to fill the void.

Taurine — the anti-aging amino acid?

Why the hype? Taurine has been in the spotlight lately thanks to a study that highlighted its potential to extend lifespan in mice.

Unlike Metformin, Taurine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in the body, animal proteins and even your favorite energy drinks.

However, when it comes to us humans, the excitement may not hold up. In a recent article, Peter Attia pointed out that while previous studies suggest supplementation could benefit those with low levels, this new study doesn't prove taurine makes us healthier — or helps us live longer — if we're already in the normal range.

Real-deal research with humans is needed to shed light on taurine's true power.

In the meantime, taking taurine doesn't seem to have any negative side effects, and even seems to reduce age-related weight gain in mice, so it's up to you to take the leap.

Rapamycin — the accidental fountain of youth?

Why the hype? On a far off island – Easter Island to be exact – researchers found something in the dirt that could prove to be the most promising anti-aging drug available today.

While it’s traditionally been used for organ transplant patients, it's also the only thing that's actually made a mammal live longer – although that mammal was a mouse and not a human.

Another study suggests it boosts the immune system in humans, but dosage is key. Too little or too often might do the opposite.

Interestingly, rapamycin slows down cell growth and division by regulating mTOR, which is found everywhere in nature and basically tells your cells when to grow and when to rest, so it’s a big deal for staying young.

So is Rapamycin the real deal? You probably guessed it, but we still need more science to back it up. Keep an eye out for more results in 2026.

So, what’s the verdict?

While we hate to leave you on a cliffhanger, more studies are needed to know if these anti-aging drugs are more than just hype — and of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list.

However, here's a tip from Peter Attia, the longevity expert: If you want a cheap and relatively safe way to stay young and healthy, he recommends you get moving with regular exercise. Attia spills the beans in his new book.

🐦️ From the Twittersphere

Speaking of exercise, wanna live longer but don’t wanna look the part? Take note ✏️ 

Maybe keep this in mind next time you opt for a run over a weightlifting sesh.

📈 Health optimization tip of the week

If you’re reading this with groggy eyes while sipping your third cup of coffee, your sleep could probably use some work 😴

Sleep is a crucial ingredient for better health and focus — no surprises there.

So, how can you improve it? Start with your morning routine: Andrew Huberman suggests stepping outside and soaking in bright, natural light within one hour of waking.

📆 This week in wellness

Every week, we scan the web for the good, the bad and the downright entertaining in the world of health and wellness.

😻 The good:

• Doctors may finally be saying goodbye to the BMI as a way to measure health. Learn about the problematic and bizarre history of the BMI in this podcast deep dive.

👎️ The bad:

• This week, wildfires raged in the Great Lakes region, putting Chicago and Detroit among the top three cities with the worst air quality in the world. Use these tips to protect yourself against the dangers of poor air quality.

🤣 The entertaining:

• Tired of seeing everyone’s weight loss journey on social media? Yeah, so is this guy.

📱 Trending on TikTok #wellnessTok

Willing to brave the heat to catch a tan? Well according to TikTok, you should ditch the sunscreen entirely and slather yourself with beer instead. Unsurprisingly, experts warn against this because it can increase your risk of skin cancer.

According to the experts: 

❌ Don’t try this at home 🍊 Maybe  ✅ Worth a shot

@imracim

30 views expected 😂☀️☀️ #sunbathinghack #sunbathing #tanhacks #sun #beach #sunnybeach #bulgarie #dz #algerian #bulgaria #summer #goodvibes

🍧 The palate cleanser

Found on my feed — bad or genius? You decide.

Please note we are in no way affiliated with the Pod Company — we’re simply admirers of their advertising.

🏃 Before you go…

Something you want to see in a future issue?

Don’t keep it to yourself — reply and let us know.

Until next time ✌️

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