Fitness Tracker Market Overview
The global fitness tracker market is forecast to reach $62.1 billion by 2023, up from an estimated $17.9 billion in 2016 (CAGR 19.6%).1 The fitness tracker market largely consists of wristbands and smartwatches, typically with computer and smartphone connectivity, that monitor fitness-related metrics. These devices may measure anything from heart rate to body temperature to the number of steps taken.
How Can Nutrition Tap into the Fitness Tracking Trend?
The impressive growth in this market reflects the strong and growing interest that health-conscious consumers have in using technology to optimize and manage their health. While fitness trackers have largely focused on physical exercise, many have expanded to offer options like monitoring sleep duration and quality, which are key to both exercise recovery and overall health.
The next frontier in personal health tracking is distinctly food- and nutrition-focused as managing these is yet another vital element of achieving optimum fitness. Here we explore some of these exciting technologies:
Controlling Food Allergies
Aibi is a wearable device designed for children with food allergies. This bracelet uses light-sensitive photodiodes to monitor the child’s histamine levels in real time, sending an alert to the child’s caregivers if levels rise. This allows caregivers to be notified before severe anaphylaxis kicks in, so they can take swift action. The system is being designed to include an epinephrine injector that lights up and makes a sound so it can be easily located in an emergency.
Monitoring Nutritional and Metabolic Status
Lumen is a handheld breathalyzer that gives consumers valuable information about their metabolism. It measures the breath's carbon dioxide concentration to determine if the body is burning fat or carbs. Based on the results, the associated app gives consumers recommendations on what and when to eat to properly fuel their workout.
