We are familiar with all sorts of biometric tests that can give us information about our health. Blood tests are a routine part of most checkups, and other body components can be analyzed to reveal insights about possible diseases and other conditions. Many researchers are working to find ways to use breath samples to analyze conditions from asthma and COPD to breast cancer. But what if your breath could help you lose weight?
That’s the concept behind Lumen‘s breath analysis product. It is designed to help you understand whether you’re burning fat or carbohydrates. This does so in a surprisingly simple way; it measures the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that you exhale. Metabolism research has established that lower levels correspond to fat and protein burning, while higher levels indicate carbohydrate consumption.
Traditional test can require up to 40 minutes to produce results. The Lumen device pairs with a smartphone app (iOS or Android) and provides immediately. Clinical trials have demonstrated that the output from a Lumen device correlate closely with data produced by traditional measures. Subjects switched between high-fat/low-carb diets and low-fat/high-carb diets, and the device tracked their changes. It was also able to accurately track the effects of aerobic exercise (which causes the body to burn fat).
If you’re curious about whether your diet is doing what you think it’s doing (or whether your “little bit of cheating” is having any impact), the Lumen may be able to tell you. The unit is not scheduled to ship until the end of 2019, but you can pre-order one at the company’s Indiegogo campaign page.
