Samsung, Massachusetts General Hospital team up to study GLP-1 muscle loss

Today we’re going to get into two topics that everyone loves to read about.

Of course, we’re talking about GLP-1s and wearables.

On May 27, tech giant Samsung Electronics and Boston academic medical center Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) announced a joint study to see if the company’s Galaxy Watch and Samsung Health app can track muscle loss in adults starting a GLP-1.

We don’t have to tell you that GLP-1s are everywhere. In fact, if you look up from your phone or computer screen right now, you may even see an ad for one, or perhaps you know someone who’s using one. KFF reported that as of last November, 1 in 8 US adults say they’re already using the medications for weight loss.

GLP-1s have provided hope to some looking to address metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity. But the drugs also come with some risks, including muscle loss. The Wall Street Journal told the story of an Atlanta woman who lost 100 pounds taking Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, but was left with daily muscle fatigue and physical weakness, for example.

Melissa Putman, director of MGH’s Diabetes Research Center, is overseeing the research. She said in a press release that muscle mass loss is 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.”

Samsung is not alone in developing wearables that track medical data. Apple Watches already track possible hypertension, and Oura Rings connect users to online doctors.

Study buddies. MGH and Samsung are hoping to learn more about muscle issues like these in this population as well as how to manage them. Researchers will split adult participants into two groups where both will wear a Galaxy Watch8 that will monitor their physical activity and provide advice based on their wearable stats. Their progress will be compared against patients following traditional guidance provided by GLP-1 providers.

Throughout the study, researchers will conduct body composition scans to review physiological impact from the watch’s insights, or lack thereof. This data will then be used to see if the Galaxy Watch8’s information and training guidance helps patients maintain healthier lifestyles and keep muscle strength.

“We’re interested in exploring how continuous data from a wearable device can provide invaluable insights into a patient’s activity levels, heart rate, and body composition, giving clinicians a more holistic view of treatment impact and allowing for more timely, data-driven adjustments to their care plan,” Putman said.