
Fitness Trackers in the US Fail to Accurately Measure Activity for People with Obesity
A new study reveals that fitness trackers do not accurately measure the physical activity of people with obesity. According to researchers, differences in walking gait, speed, and energy expenditure affect the accuracy of these devices for individuals with excess weight.
Fitness trackers generally use standard algorithms to estimate:
- Steps taken
- Calories burned
- Overall activity levels
However, these algorithms may not account for variations in movement patterns seen in people with obesity. This leads to an underestimation or overestimation of actual physical activity. The study highlights that people with obesity may receive misleading feedback from their fitness devices, impacting motivation and health management.
Experts suggest that future fitness trackers need to be:
- Calibrated specifically for diverse body types
- Designed to include varied movement patterns
Improving device accuracy will help users get better insights into their health and encourage more effective fitness routines. This finding is especially important as more Americans rely on wearable technology to track their wellness goals. Researchers are actively working towards making fitness technology more inclusive and precise.
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