As a self-proclaimed wellness enthusiast, I’m usually down to try (or at least thoroughly research) the latest and greatest health hacks and technologies. I swear by LED masks, love golden milk, and dabble in quiet breathing, but full body scans are a bit of a wellness enigma. Celebrities endorse them left and right, but what is a full body scan, exactly? And do you actually need one?
Preventative health MRIs, such as the Prenuvo, are marketed to help catch and diagnose medical conditions early, “before they become a crisis,” with the goal of improving your lifespan and overall well-being. The scans are popular among celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jason Bateman. The tech uses powerful magnets and radio waves to essentially create an image of your body with millions of data points from head-to-toe, including insight on your brain, heart, and spine.
In theory, an inside scoop on your health sounds great. But is this pricey workup worth it? Here’s what two doctors really think about full body scans.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Shoshana Ungerleider, MD, is a board-certified internal-medicine physician and founder of End Well Foundation.
Markyia Nichols, MD, is a board-certified ob-gyn, functional medicine expert, and chief medical officer at Ciba Health.
What Is a Full Body Scan?
“A full body scan typically refers to an imaging procedure, often using MRI technology, that examines multiple parts of the body in one session,” says internal-medicine physician Shoshana Ungerleider, MD. “Unlike targeted imaging, such as a mammogram or CT scan of the lungs, these scans aim to capture a broad view of your body, including your organs, tissues, and sometimes blood vessels.”
Full-body scans are not usually performed in a standard medical practice, so you typically have to visit a designated imaging clinic, but the purpose is to detect early signs of abnormalities before symptoms arise. “A full-body scan may be able to detect structural abnormalities throughout the body, such as tumors, both benign and malignant, cysts or fluid collections, signs of inflammation, and even certain chronic conditions, but it can also identify vascular irregularities, such as aneurysms,” Dr. Underleider says.
What Are the Benefits of a Full Body Scan?
At its core, the benefit of a full-body scan is to “catch problems before they start,” says Markyia Nichols, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn and functional medicine expert. The intention is to examine multiple parts of the body at once for a general assessment on the structure of your organs, tissues, and blood vessels, she says. From there, the scan can theoretically detect abnormalities such as tumors, inflammation, or cysts, ultimately leading to the appropriate treatment.
“However, it’s worth noting that these scans primarily focus on structural changes [in the body] and do not typically provide functional or metabolic insights, which are often crucial for a more comprehensive diagnostic evaluation,” Dr. Ungerleider says. As a result, any findings from a full-body scan often require follow-up testing to determine their clinical significance, since not all detected abnormalities are harmful or require intervention, she explains.
How Much Does a Full Body Scan Cost?
The cost of a full body scan can vary, but they typically come with a hefty price tag ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 or more, Dr. Ungerleider says. A full-body scan from Prenuvo comes in at the top of that range at $2,499.
Full-body MRIs are not usually covered by insurance, either, since it’s considered an “elective” procedure and rarely deemed medically necessary. So most times, you’re required to pay out-of-pocket, Dr. Ungerleider says.
What Are the Downsides of a Full Body Scan?
Aside from the pricey cost, there are a few downsides to consider.
“Full body scans frequently detect incidental findings, or anomalies that are harmless but appear abnormal, and these findings often lead to unnecessary anxiety, additional testing, and even invasive procedures that carry their own risk,” Dr. Underleider says. “Be clear on what the scan can and cannot detect, and have a plan for addressing incidental findings with your doctor,” she says.
Dr. Nichols seconds this, noting, if the person reviewing your results is not a qualified expert (such as a licensed physician), it can add another layer of unnecessary alarm or even false positives if they aren’t clear on interpreting the findings.
Pro tip: if you feel strongly about pursuing a full body scan, Dr. Ungerleider says to avoid med spas or non-medical facilities that lack trained professionals. “Always ensure the scan is overseen by a licensed physician, preferably a radiologist or specialist who can guide you on interpreting results and next steps.”
For the average person without symptoms or a significant medical history (such as a chronic illness), Dr. Ungerleider also explains that the likelihood of finding a serious condition from a full body scan is quite low. In turn, this can lead to undue anxiety, an overdiagnosis for something benign, and even unnecessary radiation exposure if you opt for a CT-based scan, she says. (FYI: MRI scans avoid radiation, while full body CT scans expose patients to significant amounts of radiation, which can potentially increase cancer risk over time, Dr. Ungerleider explains.)
So, Do You Actually Need a Full Body Scan?
Probably not. “If you’re generally healthy, without symptoms or a significant family history, the probability of finding a serious condition is very low, and current medical guidelines do not recommend full body scans for general screening due to a lack of evidence that they improve health outcomes,” Dr. Ungerleider says. Instead, you’re better off with targeted screening tests such as a mammogram or colonoscopy, which have robust data supporting their effectiveness and are tailored to catch specific risks, she says.
Dr. Nichols backs this notion, explaining that although full body scans are trendy, the research isn’t entirely established. “Just because a certain health or medical test grows in popularity, doesn’t mean that it’s the best path to optimizing your health,” she explains. “Getting to the root-cause of issues with evidence-based testing and lifestyle changes based on your biochemistry is a much better path to take.”
That said, if you have a significant family history or a known genetic predisposition to conditions like BRCA-related cancers, Dr. Ungerleider says it’s worth discussing advanced screening options like targeted imaging and full body scans with your physician. “Just remember that full body scans should not replace evidence-based screening or regular medical care, and if you’re concerned about your health or have a family history of serious conditions, you should always consult your doctor to develop a personalized screening plan.”
The Bottom Line
While full body scans can seem like a proactive step toward health, they’re not necessarily the golden ticket, Dr. Ungerleider says. “Health isn’t about scanning every inch of your body on a whim-it’s about making informed, evidence-based choices that align with your unique needs.”
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere.
