are they useful in the fight against overweight?

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A clinical study on the contribution of wearables in weight loss has just been published. One thing is certain, it will not please manufacturers of smart health connected bracelets.

The University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania was the scene of a clinical study between 2010 and 2012. The objective was to Review the contribution of wearables in a weight loss program dedicated to people with obesity. The journal of the American Medical Association, a renowned international scientific journal, published the results of this experiment yesterday.

The researchers wanted to know if equipping patients with smart bracelets would improve their motivation. They followed a very specific process. In this 2-year time frame, 471 adult patients aged 18 to 35 were randomly selected.

A precise methodology

body wearables

Participants were asked to follow a low-calorie diet, were prescribed increased physical activity, and participated in group counseling sessions. After the first 6 months of the diet, doctors added teleconference sessions, messages of encouragement, and access to study data from a website.

They separated the patients into two groups: one keeps this program, in the second the members received a BodyMedia Fit Core smart health connected bracelet accompanied by a web interface and smartphone to follow their health data and their physical progress.

Results were measured over 24 months, over 6-month intervals. The objective was to measure the evolution of the two groups at 24 months, initially by taking only the single measurement of the weight. The second hypothesis includes body composition, physical activity and fitness, as well as the diet followed.

As a result, people with the bracelet lost less weight than those in the standard group: the first city lost an average of 3.5 kg against 5.9 kg for the second.

Defense wearable builders

bodymedia wearables

A spokesperson for Jawbone, owner of BodyMedia, responded to this publication with the Daily Mail:

"The results of this study do not suggest that wearables should not be used for weight loss. In fact, it shows that the two groups managed to lose pounds. This technology bridges the gap between those who can benefit from intensive treatments for overweight and the many who cannot afford it. "

Major competitor Fitbit also reacted, arguing that the object used was not modern and that it was limited only to automatic data collection:

"Most wearables today, especially those from Fitbit, go much further than collecting data offering personalized information in real time, a motivational system through social networks, and advice on their health. We strongly warn against any hasty conclusion concerning the results of this study in relation to the whole sector. "

Yes, caution is advised, and tests can be repeated with current equipment. Investigator Dr. John M. Jakicic admits it himself. But it also questions the precision of the bracelets. The one used was the most precise with only 9% error according to a survey by his colleague Lee Jim Kim.

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