Measure, Record, Share: Weight Loss, Biometrics, and Self-Tracking in the U.S.

Abstract

W earable fitness devices are currently enjoying a moment of heightened popularity. 2 Lupton D Self-tracking, health and medicine. Health Sociol Rev. 2017; 26: 1-5https://doi.org/10.1080/14461242.2016.1228149 Crossref Scopus (53) Google Scholar Health professionals, industry executives, and consumers all seem to be touting the possibility for these devices to assist with everything from chronic disease management to sleep monitoring and more. 3 Evenson KR Wen F Furberg RD Assessing validity of the Fitbit indicators for U.S. public health surveillance. Am J Prev Med. 2017; 53: 931-932https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2017.06.005 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar The popularity of these wearable health tracking devices is provoking a great deal of commentary in both professional and popular media. On one side, there are positive stories, as in the case where wearing a fitness tracker helped Emergency Department physicians save a man's life when he suffered a stroke. 4 Moore E Man's Fitbit helps save his life. USA Today. 2016; (Published April 9, 2016. Accessed May 31,)www.usatoday.com/story/tech/nation-now/2016/04/09/fitbit-mans-doctors-save-his-life/82830114/Date: 2018 Google Scholar Also, numerous clinical trials are underway using self-monitoring software technology as their major source of evidence. 5 Comstock J 18 more clinical trials using Fitbit activity tracker right now. Mobi Health News. 2018; (Published April 13, 2016. Accessed May 31,)www.mobihealthnews.com/content/18-more-clinical-trials-using-fitbit-activity-trackers-right-nowDate: 2018 Google Scholar On the other hand, some physicians have worried about how their medically inexpert patients might use or interpret the data their wearable device gives them, possibly jeopardizing their health. 6 Cha A Health and data: can digital fitness monitors revolutionize our lives?. The Guardian. 2015; (Published May 19, 2015. Accessed May 31,)www.theguardian.com/society/2015/may/19/digital-fitness-technology-data-heath-medicineDate: 2018 Google Scholar Other discourse about these devices can tend towards the dystopian in nature, rife with the possibility of infringements on privacy by workplaces and municipalities because the Fitbit brand of wearable tracker in particular has recently become a popular tool of corporate wellness programs. 7 Farr C How Fitbit became the next big thing in corporate wellness. Fast Company. 2016; (Published April 18, 2016. Accessed May 31,)www.fastcompany.com/3058462/how-fitbit-became-the-next-big-thing-in-corporate-wellnessDate: 2018 Google Scholar Though fitness tracking appears to have many potentially positive applications from a public health standpoint, concerns remain, ranging from the possible limitations of lasting behavioral changes, to the accuracy of devices, to the cost associated with acquiring the technology. 8 Cadmus-Bertram LA Marcus BH Patterson RE Parker BA Morey BL Randomized trial of a Fitbit-based physical activity intervention for women. Am J Prev Med. 2015; 49: 414-418https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2015.01.020 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (284) Google Scholar