Trends in Health: Maximizing VO2, Boosting with Supplements, Harnessing Sunlight, and the Quest for Immortality

In today’s episode of the podcast, host Derek Thompson dives into the world of health fads with returning guests Steve Magness and Brad Stulberg. The discussion covers a range of topics, including VO2 max, the benefits of sunlight, complex multivitamin routines, and Silicon Valley’s quest for immortality.

VO2 max, the maximum amount of oxygen a person can utilize during exercise, has become a popular metric in the health and fitness world. However, as Steve Magness explains, while VO2 max is a useful indicator of cardiovascular fitness, it may not be as revealing as many people think. Magness points out that the correlation between VO2 max and performance among elite athletes is not as strong as one might expect. In fact, other factors like speed and endurance on the treadmill may be better predictors of longevity and overall health.

Magness emphasizes that while VO2 max is an important metric, it is not the only factor to consider when assessing fitness and health. Instead of focusing solely on the number itself, individuals should pay attention to their overall fitness level and performance during exercise.

Overall, the episode provides a critical look at popular health trends and offers valuable insights into the complexities of measuring and improving fitness. Listeners are encouraged to focus on their overall fitness rather than getting caught up in the hype of specific metrics like VO2 max.