For anyone who has been carrying a few extra pounds, European Obesity Day (May 23) is a call to action to get back into shape. And if you enjoy quantifying and following your progress, there has never been a better time to start a health plan. Three types of smart devices connect to a smartphone to give dieters an instant and highly accurate picture of their health. Also Read - Top fitness bands under Rs 3,000 to buy in India in August 2019
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Whether in the form of a bracelet or an object clipped onto your clothes, these devices use a Bluetooth connection to sync with an account in the cloud where all of your data is stored. Different trackers enable wearers to follow a variety of indicators: total steps taken, calories consumed, average heart rate or even sleeping patterns. Also Read - New app allows diabetes tracking in rural areas
Smart scales
Beyond simply displaying your weight, today’s high-tech scales also provide an estimate of your BMI (body mass index) and muscle mass. Some can even show your heart rate or details on surrounding air quality. The data collected is then beamed to a smartphone app and can be shared with a doctor or nutritionist.
Wireless blood pressure monitors
Overweight individuals face a greater risk of hypertension, so if you are carrying extra pounds, it might be a good idea to invest in a wireless blood pressure monitor. Generally worn on the wrist, these devices track your systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as your heart rate. The data is sent to a smartphone app that provides information on how to read the results.