From smartwatches that track heart rates to fitness bands that count every step, wearable technology has become an integral part of modern life. For many, it represents a personal health coach on the wrist — monitoring physical activity, sleep patterns, calories burned, and even stress levels. But as wearables grow in popularity, an important question arises: are these devices genuinely making us healthier, or are they just the latest digital trend?
The Rise of Wearable Health Technology
Over the past decade, wearable tech has evolved from simple pedometers to complex biosensors capable of tracking a wide range of health metrics. Brands like Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, and Samsung have pioneered this transformation, incorporating increasingly advanced sensors into their devices. According to market research firm IDC, more than 500 million wearable devices were shipped worldwide in 2023 — and the numbers continue to grow.
This surge is not surprising. People today are more health-conscious than ever before. The idea of having real-time data about one’s body appeals to a society that seeks immediate feedback and personalised solutions.
What Wearables Can Do
Modern wearables can monitor a vast array of metrics, including:
- Steps taken
- Calories burned
- Heart rate variability (HRV)
- Blood oxygen levels (SpO2)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) readings
- Sleep quality and cycles
- Stress detection
- Menstrual cycle tracking
- Posture and movement analytics
Some even include fall detection and emergency SOS features, making them valuable for elderly users and those with chronic conditions.
With such capabilities, wearables seem to offer a powerful toolkit for enhancing personal health. But are they effective?
How Wearables Influence Health Behaviour
Studies suggest that wearable tech can positively influence behaviour, at least in the short term. A 2022 meta-analysis published in The Lancet Digital Health found that people using fitness trackers walked an average of 1,800 more steps per day, lost modest weight, and had improved physical activity levels.
Here’s how wearable tech contributes to better health outcomes:
- Goal Setting and Motivation
Many devices allow users to set daily step goals or exercise targets. By showing progress in real time, wearables encourage consistent effort and provide a sense of achievement.
- Increased Awareness
Tracking sleep, heart rate, or sedentary time makes users more mindful of their habits. This awareness can prompt changes, such as going to bed earlier or taking breaks from long sitting sessions.
- Gamification and Social Engagement
Apps often include badges, leaderboards, and community challenges. These features tap into human psychology — we’re wired to respond to competition and rewards.
- Data-Driven Decisions
Users can track how their bodies respond to diet, exercise, stress, or alcohol. This can lead to better decision-making and personalised lifestyle adjustments.
The Role in Preventive Healthcare
Beyond individual use, wearables are increasingly integrated into preventive healthcare. Many health providers are now encouraging patients — especially those with diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension — to use wearables. These devices help monitor vital signs continuously and flag anomalies early.
In 2020, Apple partnered with multiple health research institutions to study wearables' ability to detect conditions like atrial fibrillation or even respiratory illnesses. Early detection is crucial in preventing serious complications, and wearable data can provide an early warning system.
Additionally, some insurance companies offer discounts to customers who use fitness trackers regularly, incentivising healthy behaviour through financial rewards.
Limitations and Challenges
Despite their promise, wearable tech has limitations:
- Accuracy Concerns
Not all wearables are created equal. Studies show variability in how accurately different devices measure metrics like calories burned, sleep stages, or heart rate. For medical-grade precision, most devices fall short.
- Short-Term Enthusiasm
A significant percentage of users stop using their devices after a few months. Initial excitement often fades, and without continued motivation or behavioural change, health benefits plateau.
- Data Overload and Anxiety
For some users, constant tracking can lead to health anxiety. Obsessing over numbers can become counterproductive, especially if the data is misunderstood or misinterpreted.
- Privacy Risks
Wearables collect sensitive health data. While most companies claim to secure this information, data breaches and third-party sharing raise privacy concerns. Users must be cautious about permissions and how their data is used.
Accessibility and Affordability
High-quality wearable tech can be expensive, making it less accessible to lower-income populations who might benefit the most from preventive tools
Are Wearables a Substitute for Professional Care?
Wearables are helpful tools, but they aren’t a replacement for healthcare professionals. A smartwatch may detect an irregular heartbeat, but it cannot provide a diagnosis. Similarly, while wearables can encourage healthier habits, they don't replace structured treatment plans or personalised advice from doctors, dietitians, or therapists.
Moreover, the medical community is still in the early stages of fully integrating wearable data into clinical practice. While hospitals and research centres are beginning to tap into this data, standardisation and interoperability remain significant challenges.
The Future of Wearable Health Tech
The future of wearable technology is likely to be even more transformative. We’re already seeing:
- Integration with AI and predictive analytics to identify health risks before symptoms appear.
- Wearables with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for diabetics.
- Smart clothing that monitors muscle recovery, hydration, and breathing.
- Non-invasive blood pressure monitoring and even mental health tracking through biosignals.
These advancements, combined with growing consumer interest, will likely make wearable health tech a cornerstone of personalised and preventive healthcare.
So, Are We Really Healthier?
The answer is: it depends.
Wearable tech can make people healthier if it’s used consistently, interpreted correctly, and integrated into broader lifestyle changes. The technology offers valuable tools — but tools alone don’t guarantee results. Long-term health benefits require sustained motivation, contextual understanding of data, and in some cases, professional guidance.
Ultimately, wearable tech shines not as a magic fix, but as a companion on the journey to better health. For many, it’s the nudge they need to move more, sleep better, and live more mindfully — and that, in itself, is a powerful beginning.
Alok K Singh
Co-founder, SNVA Group