What is a full body check?

A full body check, also known as a comprehensive health checkup or an annual physical exam, is a medical examination that evaluates your overall health and assesses your risk of developing various diseases. A full body check may include tests for your heart, liver, kidney, lungs, and other organs.

A full body check is also used to check your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, vitamin levels and more. A full body check may also involve a physical examination of your chest, abdomen, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system functions.

How long does a full body check take to complete?

A full body check may take from one to several hours, depending on the type and number of tests involved.

Why is a full body check performed?

A full body check is performed to monitor your health status, detect any signs of disease or illness early, prevent complications, and improve your quality of life. A full body check can help you identify any risk factors or lifestyle habits that may affect your health, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, stress, physical activity, and more. A full body check can also provide you with personalised advice and recommendations on how to improve your health and well-being, such as medications, supplements, diet plans, exercise programmes and more. 

When should you consider a full body check?

You should consider a full body check if you have any symptoms or concerns about your health, such as pain, fatigue, weight loss or gain, changes in bowel habits, skin lesions or moles, etc. You should also consider a full body check if you have a family history or personal history of certain diseases or conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or stroke. 

Furthermore, one should consider a full body check if they are over 40 years old and if you want to take charge of your health and wellness and prevent future problems.

What are the potential risks of a full body check?

The potential risks of a full body check depend on the type and number of tests involved. Some tests may require blood samples, urine samples, or stool samples. These may cause minor discomfort or pain at the site of collection. Some tests may involve exposure to radiation, such as CT scans or PET scans, which may increase your risk of cancer in the long term. However, the benefits of early detection usually outweigh the risks of radiation exposure.