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Science-backed reasons to question the safety of digital fitness trackers like the Fitbit and how to protect yourself if you choose to use one.
A Fitbit is a type of electronic device used for personal activity tracking. These wireless-enabled, wearable devices measure data such as the number of steps walked, quality of sleep, and other personal metrics.
The Fitbit was developed by the company of the same name founded and managed by James Park and Eric Friedman.
Since then, a proliferation of various styles and models have taken the workout world by storm. There are now similar knock-off devices crafted for every personality and need.
The very simple Fitbit Zip, which is about the size of a quarter, tracks only steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. The sophisticated Fitbit Flex, which is worn 24 hours a day even while showering and swimming, tracks all its wearer’s movement including sleep patterns.
There are Fitbit apps for the iPhone and Android too which allow fans to log their food, activities, water intake, and weight, as well as track their fitness goals throughout the day even while offline.
While these types of devices may seem like a very helpful tool to keep people motivated and moving toward exercise goals, I don’t personally use one. I also don’t recommend them to people who ask me about them (by the way, a fascia blaster isn’t healthy either).
Here are my science-backed reasons.
Exercise is About Relaxation, Movement and Stress Reduction
For me, exercise is primarily about movement, relaxation, and stress reduction. It frees the mind from the cares of the day for a short period of time.
Adding a lot of data and personal activity tracking to the mix is decidedly un-relaxing to me. I don’t want my every breath, step and heartbeat chronicled, tracked, and categorized as I go through my workout whether it be a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood or a high-intensity rebounding session on our outdoor trampoline.
Tracking my steps around the house as I do laundry, cook, and wash dishes seems very over the top and rather invasive too. Can’t we just enjoy our exercise and daily activities without having to micromanage and examine every aspect under a microscope?
This takes much of the joy, relaxation and ultimately, health benefits out of it, in my opinion!
Exercise is not primarily about weight loss either at least to me. It’s about getting the blood pumping to facilitate the body’s detoxification mechanisms and to build and maintain muscle, fitness, and balance. Simple burning of calories may help you lose weight but this alone never got anyone healthy, so why bother tracking exercise at such an elementary, two-dimensional level?
While some may find Fitbits helpful to the exercise process, to me, they detract from the psychological benefits of exercise enjoyment by micromanaging what should be experienced in an expansive manner.
Fitbit: Unnecessary Exposure to EMF Radiation
There are pictures available that show actual wireless radiation surrounding a person using a wireless-enabled device. You can see photographer Luis Hernan’s incredible photos here.
While it is basically impossible to get away from the constant bathing of the body in wireless radiation while at work or in a public place, exercise particularly in the outdoors offers a prime opportunity for rest and release from the onslaught of electromagnetic fields (EMF) for a brief period of time.
It makes no sense, at least to me, to be hooked up to a device like a Fitbit that emits any sort of EMF radiation while exercising which is already putting the body under physical stress from sweating and detoxification.
A Fitbit that people wear while sleeping seems most dangerous of all. There is absolutely no data proving the safety of these devices during sleep even though the user manuals claim that “This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.”
Quality sleep is very important for maintaining a healthy weight. Research has shown that poor quality sleep causes weight problems. Even just a few nights of poor sleep can lead to almost immediate weight gain. (1)
Are Fitbit night wearers undoing daytime weight loss efforts?
In fact, sleep and good health are so inextricably linked that many holistic medical practitioners recommend turning all wireless sources off at night with some going so far as to recommend flipping the entire house breaker until morning! The reason? The EMF radiation swirling around you may negatively affect sleep in a very profound way over the long term.
I’ve written before about how wireless baby monitors aren’t a good idea for sleeping babies. Fitbits worn during sleep transmitting data via wireless are a bad idea for similar reasons.
According to PowerWatch, a wireless baby monitor at less than 1 meter away from the baby’s crib was roughly equivalent to cell tower radiation standing only 150 meters (about one-tenth of a mile) away. (2)
How much worse would a wireless-enabled Fitbit be that is worn on your physical person as you exercise or sleep?
Metal in Your Mouth Can Make the Problem Worse
Interestingly, if you have dental amalgams (silver fillings) or titanium implants, this may make the wireless radiation from constantly wearing a digital fitness device even more problematic. According to Lina Garcia, DDS, DMD:
When considering the numerous reasons for the increasing prevalence of chronic illness in our society, I think that we should not overlook the possibility that metal-containing dental work, especially titanium implants, could be acting like antennas for the microwave [which includes wireless] transmissions going on between our cell phones and all of the cell phone towers in our 21st century environment.
… it is important to be aware that metal dental restorations and implants have already been shown to cause galvanic and electromagnetic stress for the human body. Galvanic and electromagnetic stress occurs when an unnatural electric current is generated by metal ions interacting with the electrolyte-rich fluid known as saliva. (3)
If you doubt that you are surrounded by very strong wireless radiation while wearing a wireless-enabled device be it a cell phone or a Fitbit, you can now download an app that will give you a colorful visual on those waves invisibly surrounding you with blue indicating the strongest wireless radiation down to red which indicates the weakest signal.
Heavy Metal Exposure?
In March 2014, the Consumer Product Safety Commission officially recalled the Fitbit Force due to injuries to an estimated 9,900 people. These customers suffered from skin irritations such as blisters, rashes, and peeling skin after the continual wearing of the Fitbit Force for a period of time. Fitbit stated that after consulting with medical professionals, the general assessment is that the skin problems were likely allergic reactions to nickel, an alloy in the stainless steel or adhesives used to assemble the Fitbit Force.
While it is well known that ingesting heavy metals like nickel can cause health problems, what is less well known is that the skin can absorb heavy metals too. (4, 5)
Cooking acidic foods in stainless steel is known to leech alloys like nickel into the food, but could stainless steel placed on the skin which is normally acidic at a pH of 4.5-5.5 leech metals too? Even minute amounts of heavy metals in the body can have negative health consequences so this is far from a trivial concern. (6)
Until there are more research and definitive answers to this question, it seems prudent to be wary of products like the Fitbit Force that expose the skin to heavy metals for extended periods of time.
Must Have a Fitbit?
If you find that despite any health concerns, you simply must have a digital fitness device to track personal activities, my suggestion would be to seek one of the older models that work mechanically rather than digitally.
For example, a basic mechanical pedometer counts steps by measuring how much the body shakes. An internal object moves up and down with the motion of the person wearing the pedometer, which senses the vibrations of feet hitting the floor. As the ball moves, it activates a switch that clicks the counter forward.
You can tell that you have a mechanical pedometer as it will work simply by shaking it even without any walking involved.
My Experience Using a Fitbit Scale
While I don’t wear a Fitbit like device for the reasons cited above, I did use a Fitbit scale once a few months back. These devices measure BMI, body fat and other health statistics by sending an electrical signal through the body.
While the companies making these scales insist the signal shot through the body to gather the data is safe, the scale isn’t recommended for pregnant women, children under 10, or anyone with an implanted medical device.
Mmmmm.
While I do not consider myself EMF sensitive in any way, I felt immediately light-headed and fatigued after having my health statistics gathered by the Fitbit scale. The experience really surprised me, as I didn’t expect a single-use to produce such a reaction. I didn’t feel right until a number of hours later.
Needless to say, I won’t be using a Fitbit type of scale again in the future!
Electronic Weight Loss Device Use is a Personal Decision
While choosing to use products like the Fitbit ultimately is a personal decision like whether or not to put a cellphone up to your head, in my book, it seems important to learn to switch off from our constant exposure to electronic devices and EMF radiation.
Exercise and sleep are the most obvious times to give yourself both a mental and physical break from EMF exposure.
Do you use a Fitbit? What are your reasons for doing so and do the potential health risks concern you?
References
(1) Lost Sleep Can Lead to Weight Gain
(2) Strength of Microwave Technologies
(3) Has Your Dental Work Turned You Into a Walking Antenna?
(4) Heavy Metal Toxicity Raises Risk of EMF Sensitivity
(5) The Health Hazards of Heavy Metals
(6) Toxic Metals Is This Why You’re Feeling Sick?
More Information
Are AMR Devices Safer than Smart Meters?
The Dangers of Induction Stoves (and what to buy instead)
Reducing Exposure to Dirty Electricity
Harvard MD Speaks Out about the Health Dangers of Smart Meters
How to Protect Yourself from a Smart Meter
I have been using my Fitbit One since March 2nd. In 4 months I have lost 28 pounds. For me, the Fitbit was not only about movement but about eating healthy and losing weight. There may be a lot of you out there that don’t have weight problems like I have. I have struggled with weight since I was 13 and am now 62. I have tried many, many times over 50 years to stay on track with a eating and physical activity plan and none of them have worked for more than 30 days or so…or to be more honest, I couldn’t stay with the plan. With the Fitbit, this is the first time all pieces have come together for me in a simple to use device. I log my food everyday and have step goals that are reasonable for me. Not only has the Fitbit helped me to start moving more and be mindful of what I am eating, I have inspired 5 other family members to get one and to start moving more. It’s been fun and inspirational to help each other achieve our goals. When I am out walking, I do enjoy my surrounding and the movement. It’s a great stress reliever. My husband and I have started walking together and its a great relaxing and bonding time for us (we have been married 44 years). Believe me, this is a much better activity than sitting in front of a tv or computer. So please don’t be discouraged by naysayers…Do what’s right for you. Fitbit has been a wonderful tool for me to learn new healthy habits that were not taught to me by my parents. Find people that will support you in your goals. I had 127.5 pounds to lose and now have 99.5 left…taking it 5 pounds at a time. I will not give up my Fitbit…it has been an awesome tool for me.
I was just going to place order today for fit bit. I see continues light blink under the dial which capture heart rate and hence i decide to see if it is safe and find ur article. I decide now not to buy it. I am not sure if it is correct or not. But it is better not to have it if there is any chance of health risk.
I started wearing Fitbit two days ago and today I started noticing an intense pain in my wrist where I was wearing the Fitbit. I took it off and will not wear it again.
Ummm, can I have it?
You can have mine. I cannot wear it. I thought all these people griping about the rash just weren’t letting the skin breathe, or weren’t keeping it clean, or taking it off at lest a little every day. Well, now I know. I wore it for a few hours for a walk on Sunday, took it off. Wore it for my workout Monday. It will take days for this rash, almost a burn, to go away. I clean it a minimum of twice a day. I have tried all different kinds of cleaners. I stopped wearing it most of the day. This last option is the best because now I leave it at work or home or where ever I am not exercising. So….basically…. an epic waste of $200. Plus, I am not going to jump to conclusions, but my wrist and finger ache after I have worn it for a few hours.
Just got mine to can’t be sure but these things are selling by the tens of millions and problems are less than 1 in 10 000, so less than any shoes, any watch, any just about anything, per person. Are you sure it’s not because you have absorbed all those things you say you used to clean it with? They list specifically what you should clean it with.
Thank you for this article. I’ve been wondering when articles like this would start appearing. It just doesn’t make sense to think wearing one of these devices around your wrist 24/7 would be safe. If we’re warned about phone and tablet usage, why would we think having a bracelet attached to us would not be harmful?? It amazes me what people will do without really thinking it out first. Hopefully more people will start speaking out about it soon. I would guess in the near future we will see more wrist issues in people… Glad to know I wasn’t “crazy”. 😉
Im in a clinical trial involving wearing a Jawbone. I am waking up through the entire night, Its exponetially gotten worse as Ive worn it 24/7 for over a month. Im not reaching a deep sleep. Last night I took 2 advil PM’s which usually knock me out. I still woke up 4 to 5 times. I am wondering if wearing it is depleting my melatonin. Im sad to have to leave this clinical trial but something is suspect.
I don’t believe the Jawbone uses Bluetooth or any other wireless signal. I’m pretty sure you have to manually plug it into your phone/computer to get your details. That would make it a safer option but some people complain about it being too bulky or coming off too easily.
I’ve actually worn a Fitbit Flex (not the Charge; I think that’s the one they recalled for burns) for two years and have never experienced any pain, wrist issues or sleep problems. I love that it tells me when and how many times–if any–I was restless during the night and how long it took to fall asleep. If I have a great night’s sleep or a poor night’s sleep, I can look at the previous day’s log and see when I ate, what I ate, how active I was, etc. and find trends in what causes me to have better or worse sleep.
Just received my Fitbit Charge HR today, felt intense pain in my wrist as soon as I put it on, so had a look online and found this article. Super disappointed I didn’t research this before purchasing.
THe reason I looked online about the risks of wearing a device like Fitbit is because I believe it is messing with my menstrual cycle. I am 47 years old and believe I am peri menopausal. I used Fitbit a while back and thought maybe it was messing with it because I would not have a period and then I would start wearing it and I would get it. I haven’t worn a Fitbit for months and I thought I’d give it another shot. Again within four days of wearing it I had my period, which I hadn’t had for a while. Could be coincidence, but I seriously wasn’t even thinking about it, I was just excited to start wearing it again because it motivates me!
Bummed.
I looked on line for side effects because I was having severe muscle pain in the arm I was wearing it on. I didn’t think anything of it at first, but when my doctor couldn’t find a medical reason for my muscle pain I tried thinking of what I was doing that might be causing it. Laying in bed last night, which is when I noticed the pain most, it dawned on me that the pain had started shortly after I had started wearing the Fitbit. I took it off and left it on my nightstand. Within five minutes the pain was very noticeably less and I was finally able to get to sleep. The next morning I put it on again, but on my other wrist. By afternoon I was getting pain in that arm. It’s upsetting really because I found it really good at keeping me on track. I won’t be wearing it anymore.
Please be aware the photographs are not actual images of Electromagnetic Fields. They are pictures of a device that lights up in different colors when Electromagnetic Fields are detected. I believe the word choice in the description of that photograph is misleading.
Seriously, I agree! If you read the page, the man took photos that picked up the strength of wifi signal and transmitted that into color. I know many people are totally paranoid about those sort of things, but honestly if you’re afraid to use a fitbit because of the internet connection you probably shouldn’t be blogging… Ya know?
We are talking about FITBIT and the pictures show a WIFI signal and most if not all FITBIT watches do NOT use a WIFI signal. The phone uses WIFI. The Watch uses Bluetooth and in most Cases low energy blue tooth so we are talking about 2 separate things all together. That tells me this entire article is not presenting the facts correctly. I have had multiple versions of the FITBIT and now wearing the FITBIT charge HR and like it says in the directions, if you wear it too tightly your skin may be sensitive to it. The easy answer is to loosen up the watch band or take it off for some periods of time. I am not a doctor, but believe the benefits of being able to see my heart rate, far outweighs a slight discomfort I may feel.
Ooh. Ouch. I have two (titanium) cochlear implants… literally right inside my skull, next to my brain. Fitbits aside (I don’t have one) I wonder what electromagnetic fields from my other devices are doing to me. :/
Very interesting article. I use mine because of a wellness program at work. The fitbit is linked to our wellness program website so that I get “credit”. Participation earns points which get us discounts on insurance and other great benefits like discounts on hotels so we can afford a vacation. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to participate in this portion of the wellness program. It has also really made us conscious of how much exercise we get on any given day and has allowed us to set goals so that we keep active (which is hard with 2 kids under 2). But Obviously if it’s doing serious damage to us, I’d rather not use it. You’ve given me something to think about.
Please research for yourself. These types of articles can be misleading. Just because they dig up a few articles doesn’t mean that the opinion of the doctor writing the article is correct. I got this off the net about how powerful the output of the fitbit is. I am sure most people have their cell phones on them just as much as they would their fitbit. And it would be close to an equal amount as the cell phone has a much greater output. Also, if this is something that is helping you greatly become fit and healthy I would say the benefits outweigh the risks. There are a WHOLE huge list of things that can hurt you health wise when you are not in shape and are overweight. If you do not really need the fitbit why use it anyway?
Part of article I found:
For example, wearables from Fitbit use Bluetooth Low Energy, which is a “lower power technology than classic Bluetooth typically used in headsets, and operates at powers dramatically lower than cellphones,” a company spokeswoman told Foxnews.com in an email.
In fact, she added, the output power of Fitbit’s trackers is so low, the FCC does not require them to be tested for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), a measure of the rate at which energy is absorbed by the human body when exposed to RF radiation, including microwave radiation). Cellphones and laptops, on the other hand, must pass strict SAR testing requirements, since they operate at higher power levels.