Fitbit and Quest Diagnostics Collaborate To Advance Research on the Use of Wearable Devices To Improve Metabolic Health
- Collaboration between Fitbit and Quest Diagnostics to study the potential of wearable devices to improve metabolic health
- Evaluation of the effect of wearables on users' behaviors based on objective laboratory test results
- Inviting approximately 1,500 existing Fitbit users to join and consent to share three months of their Fitbit data and receive laboratory testing at no cost
- None.
Insights
Wearable technology has been rapidly integrated into health management strategies, but its efficacy in improving metabolic health outcomes has not been fully substantiated through rigorous scientific study. The collaboration between Fitbit and Quest Diagnostics aims to bridge this gap by combining wearable data with laboratory results to provide a more comprehensive view of an individual's health status.
The integration of continuous biometric monitoring with traditional blood tests could enhance the precision of health assessments. For instance, blood sugar levels obtained from a lab reflect a single point in time, whereas wearables can provide trends in physiological parameters. This continuous stream of data may reveal patterns that preempt the onset of metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by a cluster of risk factors, including elevated blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides. The ability to predict and thereby prevent such conditions could have a significant impact on public health and potentially reduce healthcare costs.
Furthermore, the study's emphasis on behavior modification is notable. If the research demonstrates a clear link between wearable feedback and positive behavior change leading to improved metabolic health, it could spur increased demand for health-focused wearable technology. This could have a ripple effect on the healthcare industry, insurance providers and employers, all of whom have a vested interest in the health and productivity of the population.
The WEAR-ME pilot study is a strategic move by both Fitbit and Quest Diagnostics to position themselves at the forefront of personalized healthcare. By demonstrating the utility of wearables in conjunction with laboratory tests, they could create a new market segment for integrated health monitoring services. This could potentially disrupt the traditional healthcare model by providing individuals with direct access to health data that informs lifestyle decisions, reducing reliance on periodic health check-ups.
From a business perspective, this study could lead to the development of new products and services tailored to metabolic health management. If successful, the study could also pave the way for partnerships between wearable tech companies and healthcare providers. Such collaborations could drive customer loyalty and open additional revenue streams for both parties.
Investors should monitor the outcomes of this study closely, as positive results could lead to increased stock market interest in companies like Fitbit and Quest Diagnostics. The findings could also influence regulatory policies and insurance coverage pertaining to wearable health devices, further impacting the business landscape.
The consumer health technology market is burgeoning and studies like WEAR-ME could catalyze its growth by validating the clinical utility of wearables. Consumer demand for health and fitness trackers is already strong, but evidence that these devices contribute to tangible health outcomes could expand their appeal to a broader demographic concerned with managing or preventing chronic diseases.
Market penetration of wearables has been driven by a younger, health-conscious demographic, but the findings of this study could encourage adoption among older populations who are at higher risk for metabolic disorders. This demographic shift would diversify the consumer base and could lead manufacturers to develop features tailored to the needs of this group.
Additionally, the study's design, which leverages Google's Health Studies App for participant recruitment and data sharing, underscores the growing role of technology platforms in health research. The success of this approach could encourage more tech companies to enter the healthcare research space, leveraging their user base and data analytics capabilities to contribute to medical research.
Study to evaluate how behavioral and sensor data from wearables and blood tests can be leveraged to help individuals better assess and manage their metabolic health
SECAUCUS, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / January 29, 2024 / Fitbit and Quest Diagnostics (NYSE:DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, recently announced a collaboration to study the potential of wearable devices to improve metabolic health, which influences risk of developing several diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.
The Wearables for Metabolic Health (WEAR-ME) pilot study will pair behavioral and biometric data from Fitbit devices with health insights from Quest Diagnostics' laboratory tests to explore ways data can be combined and analyzed to improve the assessment and management of metabolic health and help to inform the prevention of disease.
The study aims to evaluate the effect of wearables on users' behaviors as assessed based on objective laboratory test results. While data shows wearables can favorably influence users' modifiable behaviors, such as diet, exercise and sleep, research on health outcomes by objective measures is less established.
"This study aligns with our goal at Quest to empower people to take control of their health, with convenient access to more than 75 lab tests with physician oversight, but without the doctor visit," said Richard Adams, Vice President and General Manager of Consumer-Initiated Testing at Quest, which includes the company's consumer-initiated testing platform at questhealth.com. "By teaming up, Quest and Fitbit will harness laboratory testing to better understand the type of information that motivates people to make healthy choices that ultimately improve their health."
The IRB approved study will invite approximately 1,500 existing Fitbit users to join and consent to share three months of their Fitbit data. They will also be given the opportunity to receive laboratory testing at no cost using a panel of blood tests specifically designed to assess metabolic health, including blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides. Study participants will sign up through the Google Health Studies App, where they will be prompted to schedule an appointment for a blood draw at a Quest patient service center. A third-party physician will order tests for participants. In addition, participants will have direct access to their lab test results through the Google app and through Quest's free mobile app, MyQuest.
Poor metabolic health is a major risk factor for chronic diseases and serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Metabolic health is assessed using several benchmarks including blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides. In a recent study that explored the prevalence and risk factors of metabolic health, prevalence of metabolic syndrome among participants was 63 percent.1 Physical activity, a healthful diet and quality sleep can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
"Improving metabolic health is essential to prolong the time we stay healthy and disease free," said Javier L. Prieto, Ph.D., Principal Investigator and Senior Staff Research Scientist, Google. "Metabolic health is influenced by many factors. We think this study will help us uncover how biometrics measured by wearables can help you understand your metabolic health. With that understanding you will be able to improve your health through better activity, sleep and dietary habits."
This study is an important step in our efforts to understand the potential of wearable devices to improve metabolic health and develop new strategies for managing chronic diseases. The WEAR-ME pilot study is expected to be completed in 2024.
About Quest
Quest, through questhealth.com, empowers consumers by making affordable, high-quality, trusted healthcare easy. With innovative tools, we give consumers more control over their own healthcare journeys and meet them where they are, supporting both consumers and their care teams. Our consumer-initiated test service allows people access to the same quality lab tests used by doctors and hospitals, providing the information and insights they need about their health. With more than 75+ lab tests available at questhealth.com, from general health profiles to tests for conditions ranging from heart health to sexually transmitted diseases, consumers can shop, schedule test appointments, and access results securely from a phone or computer.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics empowers people to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from the world's largest database of clinical lab results, our diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors and improve healthcare management. Quest annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States, and our nearly 50,000 employees understand that, in the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives. www.QuestDiagnostics.com
About Fitbit
Fitbit helps people lead healthier, more active lives by empowering them with data, inspiration and guidance to reach their goals. Fitbit designs products and experiences that track and provide motivation for everyday health and fitness. Fitbit's diverse line of innovative and popular products include Fitbit Sense 2™, Fitbit Versa 4™, Fitbit Luxe™, Fitbit Charge 6™, Fitbit Inspire 3™, Fitbit Ace 3™ trackers and Fitbit Aria Air™ smart scale. The Fitbit platform delivers personalized experiences, insights and guidance through leading software and interactive tools, including the Fitbit app, and Fitbit OS for smartwatches. Fitbit's paid subscription service, Fitbit Premium, provides advanced analytics and actionable guidance in the Fitbit app to help you reach your health and fitness goals.
Quest® is the brand name used for services offered by Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and its affiliated companies. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and certain affiliates are CLIA-certified laboratories that provide HIPAA-covered services. Other affiliates operated under the Quest® brand, such as Quest Consumer Inc., do not provide HIPAA-covered services.
1 Rus M, Crisan S, Andronie-Cioara FL, Indries M, Marian P, Pobirci OL, Ardelean AI. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome: A Prospective Study on Cardiovascular Health. Medicina (Kaunas). 2023 Sep 25;59(10):1711. doi: 10.3390/medicina59101711. PMID: 37893429; PMCID: PMC10608643.
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SOURCE: Quest Diagnostics
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FAQ
What is the purpose of the WEAR-ME pilot study announced by Fitbit and Quest Diagnostics (NYSE:DGX)?
How many existing Fitbit users will be invited to join the study?
What kind of data will the study participants be asked to share?
What type of laboratory testing will the study participants receive at no cost?
When is the WEAR-ME pilot study expected to be completed?
