BODYGEM FOR HEALTHETECH
Handheld metabolic measurement device
Healthetech’s BodyGem is an indirect calorimeter, an innovative handheld device that measures oxygen consumption to determine the body’s metabolism while at rest and during exercise. This allows individuals monitoring their health and diet to accurately assess their caloric needs, providing better data than is possible with prediction estimates.
Measuring resting metabolic rate was previously possible only in large, expensive devices found in hospitals and research clinics; now the portable and affordable BodyGem brings this function to the individual through the use of revolutionary oxygen and flow sensor technology.
IDEO’s mechanical and electrical engineers, working closely with the sensor manufacturers, created a compact and accurate flow tube measurement system in order to precisely measure flow whether inhaling or exhaling. IDEO’s human factors experts measured a wide range of face geometries to develop both a mask and a mouthpiece, ensuring proper airflow measuring. The device performs its own internal calibration, and results are displayed immediately. The BodyGem also incorporates an array of special algorithms supporting operation in the uncontrolled environments outside of medical clinics, thus allowing this compact device to be used in homes, fitness centers, and weight-loss clinics. Additionally, after completion of regulatory approval, hospital dietitians and doctors will use the BodyGem to measure the nutritional needs of patients in clinics as well as hospitals.
Project date: 2000
