Question

1. Have you ever used a wearable device that tracked your calories? (Fitbit is a popular example.) If so, describe the device and what it claimed to track. If not, select a device and describe it.
2. Using concepts from the videos, explain why this device may lack accuracy.
3. If you have used a device before, have you noticed any obvious inaccuracies? Explain.
4. Do you think there is a psychological value in seeing calories burned, even if the number is incorrect? Explain why or why not.

Answer 1

It is done with the combination of basal metabolic rate(BMR) and body physiology

For example devices like fitbits combine your basal metabolic rate at which you burn calories when your body is at rest ( sleep) to maintain vital physiology of your body.(i.e breathing, blood circulation, heart rate) etc.

Researchers found that fitbits show some inaccuracies in its work. Fitbits trackers compile a bunch of data and run it through an algorithm to provide an estimation of steps.

For ex if you do not move your hands while walking then your fitbits might not register some of your steps and in this way it will give you incorrect answers.

Some obvious inaccuracies of such devices are:

1 they will not measure the metabolism of distant parts of your body accurately

2 they will not count number of steps you take if you don't move your hands while walking.

3they also not give correct pulse rate , blood pressure with full precision

Thank you.

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