What You Should Know:
– Fitbit, the leader in wearable technology, and Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), a provider of diagnostic information services, announced the launch of the Wearables for Metabolic Health (WEAR-ME) pilot study.
– This pilot study will explore the potential of wearable devices to revolutionize how we assess and manage metabolic health, a key factor in preventing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Beyond Steps: Wearables for Deeper Insights
While wearables have become our ubiquitous companions, tracking steps and sleep, their true potential lies in their ability to shed light on our internal health. WEAR-ME aims to bridge the gap between activity data and actionable health insights. By pairing Fitbit’s rich collection of biometric data with the clinical precision of Quest Diagnostics’ laboratory tests, the study will explore how these combined forces can inform a more holistic picture of metabolic health.
Data-Driven Prevention
Metabolic health, encompassing factors like blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides, plays a crucial role in disease risk. Poor metabolic health paves the way for conditions like diabetes and heart disease, affecting millions worldwide. WEAR-ME seeks to break this cycle by studying the impact of wearables on user behavior, as assessed through objective lab results. Can wearables motivate us to make healthier choices that positively impact our metabolic markers? This study will delve into this critical question.
“This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to empower individuals to take control of their health,” says Richard Adams, Vice President and General Manager of Consumer-Initiated Testing at Quest. “By combining Fitbit’s user-friendly technology with Quest’s diagnostic expertise, we can provide people with accessible tools to understand and improve their metabolic health.”
Joining the WEAR-ME Journey
The study invites 1,500 existing Fitbit users to participate, offering them a unique opportunity to gain deeper insights into their health. Participants will share three months of Fitbit data and receive at-no-cost blood tests to assess their metabolic health profile. Armed with this personalized data, they can embark on a journey towards positive lifestyle changes, guided by the combined expertise of Fitbit and Quest.
The WEAR-ME pilot study is expected to be completed in 2024, with the findings paving the way for future research and the development of innovative strategies for managing metabolic health and preventing chronic diseases. This collaboration between Fitbit and Quest Diagnostics holds immense promise for transforming the future of healthcare, putting the power of personalized data and insights in the hands of individuals and their healthcare providers.