Apple Donating 1000 Apple Watch Series 4 Devices For Scientific Research

The Apple Watch has been a favourite for scientists across the US. Apple has constantly added new health and fitness features to the Apple Watch over the few years of it’s existence. The watch finds its use in the research of everything from symptoms of Parkinson’s disease to postpartum depression. Researchers now wish to find out if the watch can help with the detection of eating disorders. The Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders conducts the research named Binge Eating Genetics Initiative (BEGIN). BEGIN aims to better understand the genetic factors that may be associated with binge-eating disorder and bulimia nervosa. The study wishes to develop better treatments for the millions of people who suffer from these illnesses.

Also Read: Apple Watch Series 4 Now Available For Pre-Order In India

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is a disorder in which a person overeats compulsively and is unable to stop. It can occur in normal weighing men and women but more often leads to weight gain and obesity. Some people fall into depression and some resort to food as a coping mechanism. 2.8% of American adults suffer from binge eating disorder in their lifetime.

The research aims to recruit 1000 participants who suffer from binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa. Participants have to be over 18 years old and living in the United States and should have an iPhone. These participants will each reportedly receive an Apple Watch from the company itself. Researchers will monitor their eating habits using the Recovery Record app on the iPhone. They will record your mood, food, and goals for 30 days. The BEGIN page also has a Apple Watch setup flyer and a flyer that states ‘The price of this watch was a desire to recover’.

Brian Baucom and Jonathan Butner, researchers from the University of Utah will help with statistical modeling once the data collection concludes.

The Apple watch Series 4 was released in September 2018 and tracks important health functions such as heart rate, activity, sleep, mindfulness and nutrition. It also comes with fall detection and calorie tracking among other health and fitness features. Pre-bookings for the Apple Watch Series 4 are open in India.