Samsung is testing Galaxy Watch 8 to prevent muscle loss on GLP-1s like Ozempic
Source: Engadget
Study Overview
Samsung has partnered with the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Diabetes Research Center to investigate how wearables can help people on GLP‑1 medications manage muscle loss. The study uses the Galaxy Watch 8, released last year, to collect biometric data such as body composition, activity levels, and heart rate via Samsung Health.
Background on GLP‑1 and Muscle Loss
- A recent KFF poll found that nearly one in five U.S. adults have taken a GLP‑1 drug for type 2 diabetes or weight loss.
- Researchers are still assessing the long‑term effects of GLP‑1 therapy. Mayo Clinic’s David N. Brennan, M.D., notes that up to 30 % of weight loss on these drugs can come from muscle loss, and patients may not regain that muscle after stopping treatment.
- A University of Virginia study linked GLP‑1‑induced muscle loss to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and reduced overall well‑being.
Study Design
- Lead investigator: Dr. Melissa Putman, MGH Diabetes Research Center.
- Participants: 100 adults newly starting GLP‑1 treatment, split into two groups.
- Intervention group: Uses Galaxy Watch 8 to monitor body composition via Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), track physical activity, and receive personalized exercise guidance.
- Control group: Receives standard GLP‑1 guidance.
- Measurements: Clinical‑grade DXA scans will track changes in body composition over the study period.
- Goal: Determine whether continuous wearable data can provide clinicians with a more holistic view of treatment impact and enable timely, data‑driven care adjustments.
“Many GLP‑1 patients struggle with muscle mass loss, a common side effect that can cause an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a drop in basal metabolic rate, which can lead to future weight regain,” said Dr. Putman. “We’re interested in exploring how continuous data from a wearable device can provide invaluable insights into a patient’s activity levels, heart rate and body composition, giving clinicians a more holistic view of treatment impact and allowing for more timely, data‑driven adjustments to their care plan.”
Samsung’s Ongoing Health‑Tech Collaborations
- Stanford University (2023): Collaboration to improve the Galaxy Watch’s sleep‑apnea detection capabilities.
- Chung‑Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital (Korea): Research that enabled the watch to predict fainting events with high accuracy.