As regular CCS Insight blog-readers will know, I’m always on the lookout for the latest trends in fitness and health tracking. Having monitored wearables research for several years, I’ve seen a recent slowdown in hardware innovation as mainstream device-makers struggle to squeeze more sensors on smartwatches and fitness trackers. As a result, a lot of discussion has turned to how health data can be used more effectively to give users more useful and actionable insights into their well-being.
One start-up that recently caught my eye is Re:vive. The company aims to help people struggling with chronic health conditions, especially those that haven’t been adequately addressed by their local healthcare system. The company analyses the unique genetic code of each user, as well as data tracked from their day-to-day lives with a fitness tracker. This is then used to provide customers with tailored insights into their health and wellness, alongside personalized nutrition plans from qualified nutritionists to help people make beneficial dietary changes.
To understand how this works, I’ve been through the Re:vive system myself. Although I’m fortunate enough to not be struggling with my health, I’m always interested in how health data is used by technology, especially wearables. And as a keen runner and cyclist, I’m eager to learn about the ways in which I can help my body perform at its best.
To begin with I was required to complete an initial questionnaire, sharing some basic information about myself such as age, height, weight and exercise patterns. I was then sent a package containing a tube to gather some saliva, which I then posted back to Re:vive. This was used to sequence my DNA, assessing my unique profile against up to 83 million genetic variants.
Re:vive then provided me with a series of personalized reports outlining how my specific DNA profile is likely to influence my health. This is based on a huge database of genetic information showing the level of evidence that a genetic trait can affect a person’s health. In turn, I was given a specific set of evidence-based recommendations aimed at helping me lower my risk in certain areas and live a healthy lifestyle.
From a health perspective, I’ve been given insight into the function of my brain, cardiovascular system, gut, metabolism, reproductive health, sleep, skin and more. This even extends to my propensity to injuries, risk of inflammation and likelihood to feel pain — all very useful for someone with athletic interests.
It’s also fascinating to see suggestions for how to mitigate problems that are likely to develop for someone with my genetic make-up. Many of these boil down to behaviours that we already know are good for us: regular exercise is identified as a benefit for almost every single category across the board.
But added to this top-level report, Re:vive has also generated further reports focussed on my brain health, nutrition and fitness. Diet is a clear focus, and the initial report I’ve received tells me the optimal breakdown of my diet between carbs, fats and protein, alongside showing me how well I can break down different macronutrients. It also indicates how likely I am to be sensitive to gluten, lactose, alcohol, caffeine and salt, and whether there are specific vitamins and minerals I might benefit from an increased intake of. From this, the company then generates tailored meal plans, helping users give their body the sustenance it needs.
I found the fitness-focussed report especially interesting. As someone who spends many hours a week running and cycling, I was surprised to see my report note that I’m likely to have a lower level of endurance than the general population. But this is where we get into the realm of nature versus nurture. Based on the data, it’s statistically likely that endurance isn’t my natural forte — but is instead something I’ve trained myself to perform well at. My report has shown that I might actually be better suited to power-based activities such as sprinting and jumping. It’s intriguing reading.
As mentioned at the outset, I’ve only had a glimpse into the Re:vive model. For those subscribing to the full service, this point in the journey will see them equipped with a Fitbit; the data from this is used alongside the genetic modelling to understand how users are reacting to the dietary guidance.
By analysing how people are responding to dietary recommendations in real-time, the company then provides the most informed guidance possible, along with regular support and video consultations from qualified nutritionists. It’s developed a specific plan to help focus on immunity and support those living with chronic pain. There are some positive testaments on its website already.
Overall, this is an approach to chronic health conditions that I’ve not seen before, and one that’s aiming to shake up the existing model of healthcare and the role of wearables. At CCS Insight, we’ve previously predicted that wearables and diet have the potential to be a big area of overlap, and it’s great to see this already bearing fruit. I’m keen to see how Re:vive continues to innovate — as well as put my own personalized reports into action!
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