The Hype and Reality of Wearable Tech

Wearable technology, or wearable tech, is now on the wrists of many Americans, who are bringing data to dietetics professionals for advice and guidance. What these "self-hackers" –users of wearable tech – have in common is their desire to use this cutting-edge data to truly optimize their health. RDNs increasingly are faced with the challenge of how to incorporate data on many different measures from many different devices into their practices. This session will begin with the state of the science behind wearable tech, including continuous glucose monitors, and the evidence for usefulness in clinical practice. The session then will offer guidance on interpreting and using this data in nutrition care. Unresolved aspects of wearable tech, including how short-term measurements from wearables may influence long-term health, will be discussed. Overall, attendees will leave with a better understanding of how dietitians can be active and responsive partners in this data revolution.

Planned with the Academy's Committee for Lifelong Learning

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1

Performance Indicators

• 6.2.3 Analyzes and interprets data to form valid conclusions and to make recommendations.
• 11.2.5 Reviews and evaluates science and evidence-based literature to validate claims.
• 10.2.1 Selects valid and reliable tools to conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the types, strengths and weaknesses of data produced by common wearable technologies relevant to nutrition in order to communicate this to clients/patients.
• Describe the current level of evidence behind the use of wearable data in clinical practice in order to determine when to use it to guide clinical decision making.
• Interpret the data from an example wearable technology that is commonly seen in patient care, including communicating the interpretation to an example patient/client, in order to troubleshoot the process firsthand.

Moderator

• Ashley Vargas, PhD, MPH, RDN, FAND

Speakers

• Lindsay Malone, MS, RDN, CSO, LD
• Michael Snyder, PhD