What does it mean for my new smart scale to be designed for GLP-1 users?

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Recently, I found myself in the basement of a gym in midtown, surrounded by fitness enthusiasts and tech reporters alike. After a group workout, we were treated to smoothies and healthy snacks while settling into some well-worn leather couches. The focus of our gathering? The Withings BodyFit, a smart scale touted as “designed for GLP-1 users.”

This claim caught my attention because, at its core, the $280 BodyFit scale is a more affordable, wellness-oriented alternative to Withings’ premium $500 Body Scan scale. It features a retractable handle for segmented body composition analysis using bioimpedance technology, but it lacks some of the more clinical features. I’ve previously explored the pros and cons of smart scales in my review of another Withings model. Traditional smart scales typically measure lower body metrics and use algorithms to estimate total body metrics. In contrast, segmented body composition includes measurements from the upper body and torso.

So, what’s the connection to GLP-1 users? It’s a bit tenuous. GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy slow digestion and suppress appetite, which can lead to muscle loss for many users. That’s why healthcare professionals often advise GLP-1 users to focus on protein intake and strength training. Withings suggests that a body composition scale can help monitor muscle mass, which could be beneficial. However, claiming this tech was specifically “built for GLP-1 users” feels like a stretch.

“GLP-1 therapies have transformed obesity care, but they haven’t eliminated the need for ongoing support,” says a representative from Withings. “While medication provides momentum, sustainable results come from combining treatment with services and continuous health data. We’re witnessing a shift toward more personalized and connected metabolic care, which has been Withings’ focus for years.”

While I’m skeptical of Withings’ GLP-1 marketing for the BodyFit, the representative is largely correct. The emphasis on metabolic data in wearables has been growing, and with about one in eight Americans using GLP-1 medications, we can expect to see more health tech companies jumping on this trend. Just last week, another company announced it would be adding “GLP-1 insights” to its app.

As the saying goes: If I had a nickel for every time a health tech company announced GLP-1 features in the past week, I’d have two nickels. Not a lot, but it’s curious that it happened twice.

I’m particularly attuned to GLP-1 marketing—not just as a health tech enthusiast, but as someone currently using a GLP-1 medication to manage my metabolism. My experience with GLP-1 has been mixed, with a range of side effects and a lengthy adjustment period, even at the lowest dose. This journey has prompted me to explore existing health tech to better manage and optimize my treatment.

Navigating health tech products is one thing when you’re feeling good, but it’s a different story when you’re not. Many wearables and AI health products are designed with a “normal” user in mind, which can be frustrating for those who don’t fit that mold. Personalized health tech aims to address this gap, but it’s still a work in progress. For instance, logging medication and side effects is straightforward, but understanding how that data relates to other metrics and having meaningful discussions with your doctor can be a daunting task. I have the advantage of being in this field, but most people seeking guidance don’t have that luxury.

Intellectually, I get why health tech companies are eager to tap into the popularity of GLP-1 medications. Withings isn’t wrong to suggest that a smart scale could be a helpful tool for those concerned about muscle loss related to GLP-1. I wish I had access to Oura’s GLP-1 feature when I started my treatment. It’s designed to help track dosages and symptoms, providing AI insights on whether what you’re experiencing is typical or if you should consult a doctor. For example, if your resting heart rate increases after starting the medication, it’s a known side effect, and you’re advised not to worry. On paper, this seems like a valuable addition, and I’m curious to see how it performs in the long run.

Now that I have a BodyFit scale to test, I’ve gathered some segmented body composition data, and I have more questions! The initial readings indicate I have normal muscle mass for my age and gender, even higher than average in some areas, yet overall, it’s still not enough. I also have too much body fat, but it appears to be mostly subcutaneous fat, which is less concerning metabolically. Is this the right interpretation? If so, do I just need to reach the body fat goal my doctor set? How do I achieve that with chronic fatigue? If it’s not accurate, how do I determine what to focus on? What does it all mean for my current situation?

Or maybe this is all standard, and I’m just falling into the trap of wellness data fatigue.

The issue with labeling the BodyFit as a GLP-1 tool is that its application is too broad. Muscle loss can occur for various reasons, not just medication. I could consult Withings’ AI bot, but that would require more time to train yet another health chatbot with my specific circumstances, which feels exhausting and often lacks helpful context.

I believe both Withings and Oura have good intentions with their GLP-1 features. However, the framing is crucial. Based on my experience, Oura’s proposed feature resonates more because it addresses a specific issue I’ve faced. It’s a clearly defined tool with actionable steps I can choose to use or ignore. In the future, it could potentially apply to other commonly used medications to assist people between doctor visits.

Withings’ approach has some validity. According to my doctor’s scale, I’ve also lost muscle mass. It would be beneficial to monitor my body composition at home to prevent further loss. However, I’ve already been doing that with another Withings scale, so the main “advantage” I gain as a GLP-1 user is a more detailed look at my body composition.

Regardless, I wouldn’t be surprised if, by this time next year, we see even more tech products aimed at GLP-1 users. Here’s hoping some of them make managing treatment a bit easier.