How much do body MOTs tell us

The preparation: Fasting for 12 hours before the blood test (water allowed).

What happened: During an initial 20-minute appointment I filled out a health questionnaire and my height, weight and waist circumference were measured before a blood test was taken which was then sent to America for analysis. We discussed the results three weeks later.

Results: Seeing mostly green "low risk" blobs next to my results I instantly think I'm a picture of health - but "hang on" said Dr Barshall, there is a problem. I have a significantly low level of Vitamin B12. Sounds innocuous but my haemoglobin and red blood cell counts are also low and my ESR (a blood sedimentation rate that indicates inflammation in the body) is very high.

This all suggests my vitamin deficiency is making me anaemic and, most likely, it's my body's inability to absorb B12 and not my diet that is the cause. If left untreated this can cause (among other things) tiredness, confusion, balance problems, numb limbs and depression.

I will need more tests (on the intestine) to be sure, but if this is the case it will mean six initial B12 injections followed by regular injections every three months - for life. Not great news but good to get the warning early.

Cost and contact: £1,595. The Westover, 13 Crescent Place, SW3 (020 7052 0070, www.thewestover.com ).

Victoria Stewart

The MOT: The Know Yourself Inside Out Report. An all-over check-up testing blood pressure, blood glucose, BMI, lung function and urine.

The preparation: Fasting for 12 hours prior to appointment.

What happened: Dr Eric Asher, medical director and GP of The Third Space Medicine, is trained in both homeopathy and orthodox medicine.

Good-humoured, even at 8am, he starts creating my in-depth medical profile by noting my family history, past medical history and allergies.

My body-fat percentage is measured using the Tanita body computer analyser and, after checking my chest for discolouring, Dr Asher pricks my finger to measure my blood sugar levels before asking me to breathe out twice into the spirometer to calculate my lung capacity.

I then lie on the couch for him to check my abdomen and joints. Finally, using Chinese homeopathy, he checks three pulse points on my wrist for danger signs.

Results: Fortunately all my results, including the urinalysis, are normal. Dr Asher suggests that the discomfort I experience in my stomach is far more likely to be related to my emotions than food intolerances and also deduces from the liver pulse that I had been out drinking the night before. My blood sugar levels showed up slightly above average so I've been advised to return for a quick check-up.

Cost and contact: £100/one hour. The Third Space, 13 Sherwood Street, W1 (0207 439 7332, www.thethirdspace.com/medicine).

Sophie Goodchild

The MOT: Preventicum. Full MRI scan, ECG heart tests, ultrasound to check for blocked arteries, cholesterol, BMI, stamina and lung function.

The preparation: Fasting for 12 hours.

What happened: A nurse showed me to my hotel-style room complete with Sky TV. I changed my clothes then started a full day of tests including blood, urine, stamina checks and an hour of MRI scans to get a complete picture of my brain and vital organs.

Results: Very good - I am in the top 12 per cent of women for my age (38 at the time). The bad news was three unusual findings: raised cholesterol levels, lumps in my breasts and multiple "bright spots" on my brain.

Medical director Dr Gary Savin said my "bad" cholesterol was balanced out by my "good" but he suggested I keep a watch on my (fatty) diet. My mother has multiple sclerosis (MS), which shows up as lesions on the brain, so I was concerned.

But Dr Savin reassured me that the cause of lesions is unknown and told me MS would show up in a different area. My breast lumps were certainly benign, he told me. Just to be sure, I booked in to see my GP, who fast-tracked me to the Royal Marsden Hospital.

A scan revealed they were breast "mice" - non-cancerous lumps which move around. The nurse put them down to hormonal changes in my body. Did I feel guilty about wasting my doctor's time? Absolutely not and I now know how to check my breasts properly. This MOT was well worth the cost.

Cost and contact: £2,950. Preventicum UK, Shepherds West, W14 (020 7605 6900, www.preventicum.co.uk).

Nick Curtis

The MOT: Doctorcall Health Essentials. Blood pressure, cholesterol, lung function, heart rate, BMI and urine tests and optional testicular examination.

The preparation: Fasting for six hours.

What happened: I gave blood and urine, was weighed, had my waistline measured, had my lung function checked and my abdomen palpated. I also answered questions about my lifestyle: admitting to being a former smoker, to drinking at least 60 units of alcohol most weeks, and to not doing enough exercise. I declined the testicular check, having had my nuts fondled and pronounced fit by a doctor 12 months earlier.

Results: I'm basically healthy but my BMI of 30 is above the recommended healthy limit and my waist measurement of 40 inches is at the maximum recommended healthy limit. Liver function tests showed some "elevation" including raised overall cholesterol levels.

And I drink too much. All of which increases my chance of heart disease or a stroke in later life.

On the plus side, my lungs and kidneys are working surprisingly well but I was strongly advised to make "dietary and lifestyle changes" to bring my weight and cholesterol down.

Cost and contact: £195 (£225 for women, who have can have extra tests such as a smear test). Doctorcall Ltd, 121 Harley St, W1 (0844 257 0345, www.doctorcall.co.uk).