Full-body MRI scans promoted on social media helped one Houston father discover a hidden medical condition. But doctors warn the screenings carry risks.

HOUSTON — Full-body MRI scans are gaining popularity as a form of proactive health screening promoted by influencers and celebrities online. For one Houston father, the scan revealed a hidden condition after months of unexplained exhaustion.

The screenings are part of a growing trend marketed as a way to detect health issues early, before symptoms become serious.

For 46-year-old father of three Joe Beverly, the scan provided answers he had struggled to find through traditional doctor visits.

“I was struggling to get out of bed in the morning. It was hard to run my business, it was hard to interact with my kids, enjoy and live life,” he said.

Beverly said months of doctor visits produced little helpful information and even inaccurate diagnoses.

Then his wife came across a Dragonfly full-body MRI scan online, and the couple decided to try it.


Days later, Beverly received a call that pointed doctors in a new direction.

“Hey, Joe, you’ve got this one problem in your liver that we need to get checked out. And that opened the door to solutions for me,” he said.

Further testing revealed double hemochromatosis, a disease that causes the body to absorb and store too much iron, which can damage organs.

Beverly is now receiving treatment and gives blood weekly. He says the change has been dramatic.

“I feel better than I did… run with my kids, run my business and enjoy life again,”  he said.


Dragonfly co-owners Faith and Robert Shields say their radiation-free MRI scans can look for more than 500 conditions in a 45-minute session.

“Prevention is power… if you don’t know, you can’t treat. If you’re waiting for the onset of symptoms, it might be too late,” Faith Shields said.

The scans can cost anywhere from $999 to $2,499. They are not currently covered by insurance, though health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) funds can be used.

Major medical groups do not recommend routine full-body MRI scans. Experts warn that the screenings can lead to false positives and unnecessary anxiety for some patients.

Still, Dragonfly leaders say many people want more information about their health.

“Knowledge is power… let’s catch everything early,” Robert Shields said.

Robert Shields believes proactive imaging will continue to grow as interest in longevity and preventive medicine increases.

“The preventative medicine and longevity is a huge market, they’re saying it’s going to go to a three trillion dollar market,” he said.

For Beverly, the scan provided clarity he could not find elsewhere.

“If you have the means I would do it. It’s worth the answers,” Beverly said.

Doctors advise talking with a primary care provider before getting any screening test to better understand both the potential benefits and risks.

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