According to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN), the Galaxy Watch could help to prevent or reduce obesity in its users. The researchers discovered that Galaxy Watch devices – Galaxy Watch5 Series and Galaxy Watch4 Series – were accurate in measuring body composition, with precision comparable to laboratory results from Louisiana State University, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, and the University of Hawaii Cancer Center.
The study emphasises the promise of wearables in preventing or reducing obesity, which is responsible for nearly 60% of cardiovascular disease fatalities.
Overview of the Study
A study was conducted by a collaborative research team from Louisiana State University, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, and the University of Hawaii Cancer Center to analyse the accuracy of body composition data acquired from smartwatches.
The researchers compared the Galaxy Watch4 Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) sensor’s body composition readings to a clinical measure of a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan and a duplicate laboratory-grade octapolar bioelectrical impedance analysis.
According to the data, the Galaxy Watch’s BIA assessment exhibited a 97-98% correlation with the two reference devices on fat-free mass, fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, and total body water. According to the findings of the study, data from a wearable bioimpedance device can help users monitor their body composition and improve their health by adjusting their food and exercise routines.
It also demonstrates how the Galaxy Watch may assist users in gaining a more accurate understanding of their health. Because the data, users can make changes to their own behaviour even when clinical testing is not available. This enables users to better monitor their health at home (between medical interventions), while travelling, or while working remotely, where other assessments may be available.
Obesity a Critical Health Issue
Obesity has become a global burden, accounting for nearly 60% of cardiovascular disease deaths. Obesity develops over time from overnutrition and a lack of physical activity.Weight loss, even at moderate levels early in the transition to obesity, can prevent or reverse health risks. These findings highlight the need of promoting proper weight control in order to minimise obesity.
Self-monitoring behaviours, particularly access to wearables data, improve self-awareness and visibility of behaviour patterns, resulting in an increase in physical activity in nearly 60% of users. Moreover, greater engagement with these self-monitoring tools increased adherence to target outcomes, such as weight loss or body composition.
A randomised control trial discovered that wearables reduced inactive time by an average of 68 minutes when compared to controls, while a meta-analysis of the effects of wearable activity trackers revealed an increase of almost 2500 daily steps.
How Does The Galaxy Watch Measure Body Composition?
The Galaxy Watch has the benefit of measuring BIA rather than just BMI. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) provides a more comprehensive picture of a person’s health and fitness. It dissects essential personal information such as skeletal muscle, basal metabolic rate, body water percentage, and body fat percentage to provide more in-depth insights into one’s body and physical health. BIA is often measured in a gym or clinic using specialised equipment, but with the Galaxy Watch, it is now possible to do so right on one’s wrist. BIA is an accurate, simple, and handy tool to evaluate and track progress whether you’re aiming to reduce weight, improve muscle mass, or improve metabolism.
Body composition analysis (BIA) is also simple to do on the Galaxy Watch. Users can measure BIA with four electrodes on Galaxy Watch — two on the back and two on the side buttons. Users must hold the side buttons of the Watch to complete a reading. The watch’s sensor then collects 2,400 data points in around 15 seconds. (How-to-use film))
To optimise body composition accuracy:
- Measure at the same time of the day
- Measure on an empty stomach
- Measure after going to the bathroom
- Measure when you are not having your menstrual period
- Measure before doing activities that cause your body temperature to rise, such as exercising, taking showers, or going to the sauna
- Measure after removing metal objects from your body, such as necklace
Learn more about the Body Composition feature in Samsung Health and Galaxy Watch5 Series:
- Samsung Health: https://www.samsung.com/my/apps/samsung-health/#Body_Composition
- Galaxy Watch5 Pro: https://www.samsung.com/my/watches/galaxy-watch/galaxy-watch5-pro-black-titanium-bluetooth-sm-r920nzkaxme/buy/
- Galaxy Watch5: https://www.samsung.com/my/watches/galaxy-watch/galaxy-watch5-40mm-silver-bluetooth-sm-r900nzsaxme/buy/