Samsung Electronics and Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital’s Diabetes Research Center are launching a clinical study to evaluate whether the Galaxy Watch8 can help adults beginning GLP-1 therapy monitor and potentially manage muscle loss.
Here are four things to know about the study:
- The study will enroll 100 adults starting weight-loss medications and divide them into two groups, according to a joint May 28 press release from Samsung and Massachusetts General Hospital.
- One group will use the Galaxy Watch8 to monitor body composition, track physical activity and receive personalized exercise guidance. The other group will receive standard care and guidance typically provided to patients beginning GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy.
- Researchers will use dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans, or DXA scans, to measure physiological changes in both groups during the study.
- Samsung said the study will use biometric data collected through the Galaxy Watch8 and Samsung Health, including body composition, activity levels and heart rate, to evaluate whether wearable technology can help patients build healthier habits and preserve muscle mass during treatment.
The study comes as GLP-1 medications become increasingly used for weight management and chronic disease treatment. Samsung and Massachusetts General Hospital said tracking muscle mass and physical activity alongside weight loss has become an increasing area of medical focus.
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