Samsung and Massachusetts General Hospital Launch Joint Study to Investigate GLP-1 Treatment Monitoring with Galaxy Watch

Samsung Electronics America and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Diabetes Research Center (DRC) today jointly announced a research study to investigate the safety and efficacy of wearable devices for adults starting GLP1-RA therapy. With nearly one in five adults saying they have taken a GLP-1,[1] this innovative clinical study will investigate how data from Galaxy Watch can help patients and clinicians monitor and mitigate muscle loss — a possible side effect — 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 Galaxy Watch’s advanced capabilities in body composition monitoring.

This study also utilizes Galaxy Watch8 powered by Samsung’s groundbreaking BioActive Sensor to help advanced predictive and preventative wellness with more accurate health measurements.

Under the leadership of Dr. Melissa Putman, the six-month study will compare two groups of adults beginning treatment with weight-loss medications. The groups will use Galaxy Watch8 to monitor their body composition via Bioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA),[2] track their physical activity, and receive tailored exercise guides. Their progress will be compared to adults who receive the standard guidance and care typically given to patients starting GLP1-RA therapy without support from Galaxy Watch8.

To evaluate the study’s progress, researchers will use clinical-grade DXA scans — the gold standard for body composition analysis — to track changes in both groups. This will allow them to determine if the participants using Galaxy Watch8 achieve better health outcomes, particularly in preserving muscle mass, compared to those receiving standard care, as Galaxy Watch8 can help inform a healthy lifestyle for users.

“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. “We’re interested in exploring how data from a wearable like the Galaxy Watch 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, we aim to help patients achieve better clinical outcomes and long-term vitality.

To learn more about the Galaxy Watch8 series, visit Samsung.com.

1 KFF, https://www.kff.org/public-opinion/kff-health-tracking-poll-prescription-drug-costs-views-on-trump-administration-actions-and-glp-1-use/

2 The Samsung BIA is a body analyzer that uses bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technology to track body composition based on weight, body fat, body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle, body water, and basal metabolic rate (BMR) measurements. It is not intended to specifically diagnose or treat a medical condition.