Healbe GoBe3: some aspects of use

Vladimir K.Dudchenko

In this article, I would like to share some observations regarding the use of the Healbe GoBe 3 wearable device for self-monitoring of health and well-being.

· The main point of my interest in this device was its capability to control the balance of calories consumed and burned. Other functions were not so important for me, but in fairness I must say, the device can also carry out fitness and sleep monitoring, while in this area its functionality is inferior to that of other smartwatches. It also monitors stress and neuroactivity, which may be of interest in some cases.

· I used the device for about a week, then it broke down and could not be replaced due to the lack of a global warranty (the device was bought in Germany through e-Bay and it wasn’t new). Therefore, my assessment is limited in some respects.

· Regarding the balance of calories, I don’t keep track of their consumption since of having no problem with excess weight. In general, my diet is quite monotonous and stable, and my weight is also stable (77 kg plus or minus 1 kg), but the device constantly showed a negative calorie balance somewhat about minus 800 (see Fig.1). Would I have tried to eat in a way as to reach the supposed zero balance, I would have definitely overeaten.

Fig.1. Energy balance during a week. On the fifth day (24.04.2024) the device broke, so the indicated average daily -635 is not correct. In reality it was about minus 800.

But perhaps you shouldn’t treat the device specifically as a calorie meter, but rather as an indicator whose readings depend on lifestyle, daily physical activity, etc. And as for me the balance with a stable diet shows on average minus 800 calories, then for the purpose of losing weight I would need keeping it permanently somewhat lower than minus 1000, as reaching minus 800 would indicate a deviation from the goal.

However, I cannot exclude that the device implements self-tuning on longer time intervals. But due to the short term of use, in my case this mode could not manifest itself (if it exists at all).

· I did not notice a correlation between the calories meter and actual food consumption (see Fig.2), or it was somewhat vague. Because of this feature, it may make sense to focus specifically on daily balance values ​​(without paying much attention to changes throughout the day).

Fig.2. Energy balance for one day (not complete, as the device broke down on that day). The temporal distribution of food consumption data is vague.

· The companion application offers various programs, such as a weight loss program, stress management, lifestyle improvement. For weight control you need to enter the weights daily or every few days. I didn’t have time to try it over a long period (as mentioned above, it would make sense to trace the correlation between weight dynamics and calorie balance).

· The device regularly reminds you to drink water. This is probably useful, but I can judge the usefulness of these reminders.

· In terms of pulse — in general, at rest, the readings are close to reality (compared with the readings of a blood pressure meter and cardiograph), but the device sometimes displays a kind of jumps that does not look reliable. The companion application also shows spikes that didn’t really exist: if the increase in heart rate to 160+ really happened, I would definitely notice it, since I never reach this level even in training, due to my age.

· Fitness and exercise measurements are somewhat limited: only steps and distance. Calories burned are shown indirectly. In terms of steps, the device shows values ​​less than Huawei Watch GT2 by about 20%. The distance is also reduced by about 20%, which is apparently due to the lack of GPS.

· Sleep parameters: in terms of duration and awakenings it shows approximately the same values ​​as Huawei Watch GT2 paired with Huawei Health, but the granulation is different: for example, the deep sleep phase is not highlighted.

· The application contains links to a lot of videos on fitness and presents general recommendations on a healthy lifestyle, which is undoubtedly useful.

· Problematic point: when the device is worn, the cardiogram taken by the cardiograph is greatly distorted (compare two fragments on figures 3 and 4: a normal cardiogram and the cardiogram with the device worn on the wrist). The cardiogram was measured in one lead between the fingers of both hands (with Cardioqvark device).

Fig.3. Normal cardiogram.

Fig.4. Cardiogram with GoBe3 worn. The data is broken, cardiogram is not readable.

Based on the record on Fig.4, we can conclude that the impedance is measured using rather acute-angled pulses with a frequency of 10Hz, which are superposed by smaller impulses with lower amplitude. The shape of the pulses suggests a wide range of harmonics.

This method of measurements raises the question of the safety of using the device for people with a pacemaker. But there are still not very healthy people with various types of arrhythmias, and the safety of the device for them is also not entirely obvious.

Moreover, it seems to me that even for people with a healthy heart, the safety of constant round-the-clock exposure to pulses of low frequency and specific shape requires independent confirmation.

· The battery reliably holds the charge for more than 22 hours; it can be charged once a day.

· The strap is very elastic, the device is comfortable to wear, even while sleeping.

· The screen and display look, in my opinion, old-fashioned. This may be due to power consumption limitations, but overall, compared to other wearable devices, it doesn’t look sexy.

· The support responds quickly and substantively.

· The companion application has a simple and intuitive interface.

· There is no global guarantee. To qualify for warranty, the device must be purchased from a manufacturer’s website, and there is no shipping outside the United States.

Conclusions (this is, of course, IMHO).

1. The main goal that justifies the use of this device is weight loss through calorie control. However, in this case, you should also not blindly rely on the calorie balance values but compare them with the real dynamics of weight indicators.

2. For fitness and monitoring of further health parameters, other devices (Apple Watch &Health, Huawei Watch &Health, etc.) seem better suited, but if Healbe GoBe3 is used for reason (1), then useful monitoring is also available.

3. I would especially pay attention to the issue of the safety in using the device. At the very least, I would consult a cardiologist.

4. Practical use characteristics (battery life, device screen, companion app) do not look outstanding, but are quite suitable if point (1) is the main goal.

5. If using outside of the United States, please be aware of the device failure risk with no replacement option due to the lack of a global warranty.