Samsung and top US hospital team up to study GLP-1 drugs using Galaxy watch. Why is it necessary for you?

With nearly one in five adults in the US saying they have taken GLP-1 medication, this innovative clinical study will investigate how continuous data from Galaxy Watch can help patients and clinicians monitor and mitigate muscle loss by providing a clearer, more holistic view of a person’s body composition and activity levels during treatment.

As GLP-1 medications become widely adopted for weight management and chronic disease treatment, tracking changes in muscle mass and physical activity alongside weight loss has emerged as a key medical focus.

This research will delve into the feasibility of managing muscle loss for GLP-1 patients by utilizing biometric data including body composition, activity levels and heart rate provided by Galaxy Watch and Samsung Health.

Samsung and MGH have continuously collaborated on digital health research utilizing both Galaxy Watch and Samsung Health, including studies on Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs).

The MGH Diabetes Research Center, which specializes in research on diabetes and GLP-1 obesity treatment, initiated the joint study with Samsung after recognizing the potential for wearables to monitor body composition.

This study will also utilize Galaxy Watch8, powered by Samsung’s groundbreaking BioActive Sensor,2 which helps provide advanced predictive and preventative wellness through more accurate health measurements.

Under the leadership of Dr. Melissa Putman, the study will enroll 100 adults beginning treatment with weight-loss medications into two groups.

The intervention group will use Galaxy Watch to monitor their body composition via Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), track physical activity and receive personalized exercise guides. Their progress will be compared to the other group, which will receive the standard guidance and care typically given to patients starting GLP-1RA therapy.

To evaluate the study’s progress, researchers will use clinical-grade DXA scans3 — the gold standard for body composition analysis — to track physiological changes in both groups. These data will help determine whether the insights and tailored guidance provided by Galaxy Watch8 can effectively support participants in building healthier daily habits, which may in turn contribute to better health outcomes particularly in preserving muscle mass.

“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. Putman, Director of the MGH Diabetes Research Center. “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.”

“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 Health R&D Group, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, Samsung Electronics. “Ultimately, this study highlights Samsung’s ongoing commitment to delivering comprehensive and proactive health management solutions through the advanced capabilities of Galaxy Watch.”

Samsung remains committed to researching how Galaxy Watch can support patients in managing their daily physical health. By fostering sustainable wellness habits, the company aims to help patients achieve better clinical outcomes and long-term vitality.