Samsung Galaxy Watch to help monitor muscle loss in GLP-1 users

Samsung and Massachusetts General Hospital are launching a clinical study to see if the Galaxy Watch can help people on GLP-1 medications avoid losing muscle mass. The research comes as these popular weight-loss drugs face growing scrutiny over side effects that can undermine their long-term benefits.

The study will enroll 100 adults starting GLP-1 treatment and split them into two groups. One group gets standard care, while the other uses Galaxy Watch8 to monitor body composition, track activity, and receive personalized exercise guidance. Researchers will use medical-grade DXA scans to measure actual changes in muscle and fat.

How does it work?

The Galaxy Watch8 uses Samsung's BioActive Sensor to measure body composition through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). This technology sends small electrical currents through the body to estimate muscle mass, body fat, and other metrics.

Participants in the intervention group will:

• Wear the Galaxy Watch continuously to monitor body composition changes
• Track physical activity and heart rate data
• Receive personalized exercise recommendations through Samsung Health
• Have their progress compared against clinical-grade DXA scans

Dr. Melissa Putman from MGH's Diabetes Research Center is leading the study. The research aims to determine whether real-time data from a consumer wearable can help patients maintain muscle mass better than standard care alone.

Why does it matter?

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have exploded in popularity, with nearly one in five US adults reporting they've used them. But muscle loss is a common side effect that can create serious problems down the line.

"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," Dr. Putman said.

When people lose muscle mass, their metabolism slows down. This makes it easier to regain weight after stopping the medication. Muscle loss also increases cardiovascular disease risk and can affect overall health and mobility as people age.

The context

This study reflects growing concerns about GLP-1 side effects as millions of people start using these drugs. While the medications are effective for weight loss, the medical community is still learning how to optimize their use and minimize negative effects.

Samsung has been expanding its health partnerships with major medical institutions. Recent collaborations include:

• Research on early detection of fainting episodes with Chung-Ang University
• Sleep apnea detection work with Stanford Medicine
• Previous diabetes research with Mass General on advanced glycation end products

The tech giant is positioning its wearables as medical tools rather than just fitness trackers. This study could provide validation for using consumer devices to monitor serious health conditions, potentially opening new markets for Samsung while addressing real medical needs.

"This collaboration with MGH focuses on addressing real-world health challenges that patients face during GLP-1RA therapy, specifically managing muscle loss and building healthy habits," said Jongmin Choi, head of Samsung's Health R&D group.