Samsung Electronics and Massachusetts General Hospital are launching a clinical study to test whether the Galaxy Watch8 can help patients on GLP-1 medications monitor and prevent muscle loss. The research comes as nearly one in five US adults report taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss.
The study addresses a growing concern in the medical community. While GLP-1 medications are effective for weight loss, they often cause patients to lose muscle mass along with fat. This muscle loss can increase cardiovascular disease risk and lower metabolism, potentially leading to weight regain later.
How the study will work
The research will enroll 100 adults starting GLP-1 treatment and split them into two groups. One group will use Galaxy Watch8 to monitor their body composition through bioelectrical impedance analysis, track physical activity, and receive personalized exercise guidance. The other group will receive standard care typically given to GLP-1 patients.
Researchers will use DXA scans – the medical gold standard for measuring body composition – to track changes in both groups. This will help determine whether the Galaxy Watch8’s data and guidance can help patients maintain muscle mass better than standard care alone.
Why wearable monitoring matters for GLP-1 therapy
“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,” said Dr. Melissa Putman, who leads the study and directs the MGH Diabetes Research Center.
The Galaxy Watch8 uses Samsung’s BioActive Sensor, which combines three health monitoring technologies:
- Optical heart rate sensor
- Electrical heart rate sensor for ECG readings
- Bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition
Continuous monitoring could give doctors a more complete picture of how patients respond to treatment, allowing for faster adjustments to care plans when needed.
Samsung’s broader health monitoring push
The collaboration builds on Samsung’s existing partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital on digital health research. The companies have previously worked together on studies involving advanced glycation end products and other health metrics.
Samsung has been expanding its medical partnerships to validate Galaxy Watch’s health features. Recent collaborations include work with Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital in Korea on detecting fainting episodes and a partnership with Stanford Medicine on sleep apnea detection.
“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.
The GLP-1 medication boom
GLP-1 drugs have exploded in popularity for weight management and diabetes treatment. These medications mimic a hormone that regulates blood sugar and suppresses appetite. However, side effects can include gastrointestinal issues, muscle loss, and potential weight regain if patients stop taking the medication.
As more people use these treatments, monitoring tools that help maintain muscle mass during weight loss could become increasingly important for long-term health outcomes.