Samsung and the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Diabetes Research Center have launched a clinical study to investigate whether the Galaxy Watch 8 can help patients on GLP-1 weight-loss medication monitor and manage muscle loss during treatment.
What Is GLP-1?
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a hormone secreted by the intestines after eating. It regulates blood sugar levels and suppresses appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) medications mimic this hormone and have seen rapid adoption globally for weight management and chronic disease treatment. A common side effect of these drugs, however, is loss of muscle mass alongside fat, which can increase cardiovascular risk and lower basal metabolic rate — potentially leading to weight regain after patients stop the medication.
The Study
The research will enroll 100 adults beginning GLP-1 therapy, split into two groups. The intervention group will use Galaxy Watch 8 to track body composition via Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), monitor physical activity, and receive personalised exercise guidance. The control group will receive standard clinical care. Researchers will use DXA scans — the clinical standard for body composition measurement — to assess physiological changes in both groups.
The study runs under the leadership of Dr. Melissa Putman, Director of the MGH Diabetes Research Center.
The Hardware
Galaxy Watch 8’s BioActive Sensor integrates three sensors into a single chipset: an optical heart rate sensor (PPG), an electrical heart rate sensor (ECG), and a BIA sensor. The BIA capability is central to the study’s body composition tracking.
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