Study Shows Accuracy And Precision Of Galaxy Watch’s Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) reveals that the Galaxy Watch could contribute to the prevention or reduction of obesity in its users.

The study found that the Galaxy Watch devices were accurate in measuring body composition, with accuracy comparable to laboratory results conducted by Louisiana State University, the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, and the University’s Cancer Center. from Hawaii.

The study underscores the promise of wearables in helping to prevent or reduce obesity, a condition that is responsible for approximately 60% of deaths from cardiovascular disease.

Key results:

• The Galaxy Watch bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measurement showed a 97-98% correlation with the two reference devices: a clinical measurement of a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan and a duplicate analysis of laboratory-grade octapolar bioelectrical impedance with respect to fat-free mass, fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, and total body water.
• The value of BIA is that it offers a more holistic picture of health and well-being. By analyzing key details about the body, such as skeletal muscle, basal metabolic rate, body water, and body fat percentage, it reveals more powerful information about the body and physical health than simply measuring Body Mass Index (BMI). .
• Considered a chronic disease, obesity develops over time as a result of overeating and lack of physical activity.
• The ability to self-monitor one’s behavior, particularly with data derived from wearables, improves the user’s understanding of their behavior patterns, resulting in increased physical activity in almost 60% of users.
• Additionally, a randomized control trial found that wearables reduced sedentary time by an average of 68 minutes, while a meta-analysis of the effects of activity tracker wearables showed an increase of more than 2,500 daily steps.

Study Summary

A joint research team from Louisiana State University, the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, and the University of Hawaii Cancer Center conducted a study to assess the accuracy of body composition data collected from smartwatches.

The study compared body composition measurements taken by the Galaxy Watch4’s bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) sensor with a clinical measurement from a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan and duplicate octapolar bioelectrical impedance analysis of laboratory grade.

Results showed that the Galaxy Watch BIA measurement had a 97-98% correlation with the two reference devices for lean mass, fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, and total body water³. The study results show that data from a bioimpedance wearable can help users monitor their body composition and improve their health by changing their diet and exercise habits.

It also shows that Galaxy Watch can help users get a more accurate understanding of their health. The accuracy of the data means that users can make adjustments to their own behavior even when clinical evidence is not available. This allows users to better monitor their health at home (between medical procedures), when traveling, or when working remotely where other assessments may not be available.

Obesity, a critical health problem

Obesity has increasingly become a global burden, accounting for approximately 60% of deaths from cardiovascular disease.^{1 2} Considered a chronic disease, obesity develops over time from overeating and lack of physical activity^.4 Weight loss, even modest levels, early in the progression to obesity, can prevent or reverse health risks. These findings raise the need to support effective weight control to reduce obesity.

Self-monitoring behaviors, particularly through access to data from wearables, improve self-awareness and visibility into behavior patterns, resulting in increased physical activity in nearly 60% of users.⁵ In addition, greater interaction with these self-monitoring tools increased adherence to goal outcomes, including weight loss or body composition.^{5 8}

A randomized control trial also found that wearables reduced sedentary time by an average of 68 minutes compared to controls, while a meta-analysis of the effects of activity tracker wearables showed an increase of more than 2,500 daily steps.^{6 7}

How does the Galaxy Watch measure body composition?

The advantage of the Galaxy Watch is its ability to measure BIA compared to just BMI. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) offers a more holistic picture of health and wellness. Break down key personal details such as skeletal muscle, basal metabolic rate, body water, and body fat percentage for more detailed insights into your body and physical health. BIA is usually measured in the gym or clinic with specialized equipment, but now it can be accessed with the Galaxy Watch, right on the wrist. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, build muscle mass, or boost metabolism, BIA is an accurate, simple, and convenient way to check and track progress.

It’s also easy to check body composition (BIA) on the Galaxy Watch. The BIA sensor on Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch5 allows users to measure BIA with four electrodes on Galaxy Watch: two on the back and two on the side buttons. To complete a reading, wearers hold down the watch’s side buttons. Then, in about 15 seconds, the watch’s sensor captures 2,400 data points. (Video of how to use)

To optimize body composition accuracy:

• Measure at the same time of day
• measure on an empty stomach
• measure after going to the bathroom
• Measure when you are not in your menstrual cycle
• Measure before doing activities that cause an increase in body temperature, such as exercising, showering, or going to the sauna.
• Measure after removing metal objects from your body, such as a necklace