From: myfirstmillionpod
The human lifespan is extending, a phenomenon often referred to as the “silver tsunami” [00:01:33]. This longevity trend is driving a greater focus on health and wellness throughout life, leading to significant business opportunities in monitoring and improving personal health [00:22:24].
The Rise of Personal Health Data
Individuals are increasingly tracking various aspects of their health to gain insights and make informed decisions. This trend goes beyond general fitness to detailed physiological measurements [00:27:43]. While some health enthusiasts may track extensively (e.g., blood work quarterly, weight daily, almost all food consumed), such detailed tracking can take as little as 10 minutes a week [00:28:01].
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are a significant advancement in personal health tracking [00:27:45]. Dexcom, a major CGM manufacturer with approximately 40% market share, recently released Stellos, the first over-the-counter (OTC) FDA-approved CGM in late August [00:28:42]. Previously, CGMs typically required a prescription, often for individuals who were overweight or had diabetes [00:29:03].
CGMs involve a small, quarter-sized device injected into the arm that continuously measures blood glucose levels [00:29:22]. Users can check their blood glucose levels at any time using an app [00:29:36]. Each device lasts about two weeks, and many people use them for two to four weeks to gather data on their resting and fasting glucose levels [00:29:47].
These devices provide immediate, “harsh” feedback, revealing how specific foods, even seemingly healthy ones like cranberries in a salad, sugary dressings, or whole foods like steak and potatoes, can cause blood glucose spikes [00:30:08]. High blood glucose levels can damage organs and increase insulin resistance over time, potentially leading to conditions like type 2 diabetes [00:34:16]. Key metrics to track include the height of the spike and the “area under the curve,” which indicates how long it takes for glucose levels to return to normal [00:34:54].
Companies like Levels offer CGM products, and their availability as an OTC device presents new opportunities for broader consumer adoption [00:31:37].
Other Personal Tracking Devices
Beyond CGMs, other personal health tracking devices include:
- Eight Sleep [00:30:47]
- Apple Watch [00:30:50]
- Oura Rings [00:30:51]
While these devices provide broad data (e.g., “I slept bad”), they often lack specific actionable insights (e.g., “how do I fix it?“) [00:31:11]. In contrast, CGMs offer reactive and precise information, showing exactly what causes spikes and making it harder to ignore dietary impacts [00:31:13].
Personal Health Journey
The speaker notes a personal shift in health focus, triggered by high cholesterol results from a full body scan (Qbio) two years prior [00:38:46]. This experience reinforced the idea that data from blood work and CGMs makes it impossible to hide from one’s true health status, regardless of physical appearance [00:39:17].
Business Opportunities in Health Tracking
The increased access to personal health data opens up various business opportunities:
“Strava for CGMs”
With more people using CGMs, there’s a potential for a “Strava for CGMs” – a platform that allows users to socialize their learning, track their glucose levels, and even engage in friendly competition (e.g., seeing how much time is spent “in range” or analyzing “Dawn effect” spikes) [00:32:16]. This could foster community and engagement around personal health data.
Loss Leader Models
Given the $50 cost for a two-week CGM, a business could offer the device as a loss leader [00:35:34]. By providing free CGMs and requiring users to track their diet and lifestyle for two weeks, companies could gather invaluable data on an individual’s metabolic health [00:35:56]. This data could then be used to offer:
- Health concierge services [00:36:08]
- Nutrition and exercise education [00:36:13]
- Personal trainers [00:36:16]
- Referrals to local gyms [00:36:19]
- Deals for subsequent CGM purchases [00:36:24]
One example of a business built on this premise is a “wearable challenge” where participants pay a sum upfront and receive money back daily for staying below a specific blood glucose threshold [00:36:40].
Digital Health Content and Products
The “glucose goddess” is an example of an influencer who built a large following (5 million on Instagram, 1 million on YouTube) by educating people on glucose management [00:33:05]. She offers a recipe club and has launched a product called “Anti-Spike” with four ingredients [00:33:09]. This demonstrates the demand for accessible information and products in the personal health space.
Posture and Physical Health
Beyond internal metrics, technology is also emerging to address physical alignment and posture [00:39:39]. Devices like “BetterBack” use straps to encourage straighter sitting posture [00:40:07]. Some sports bras, such as “Form,” also claim to improve posture [00:41:02]. Ultimately, proper posture is a function of muscle strength in the abdomen and back [00:41:36]. Experts like Bryan Johnson and the Egoscue method offer exercises and practices to improve posture [00:41:54].
Standing Correctly
An interesting theory suggests that proper standing involves squeezing the glutes, similar to holding a penny between the butt cheeks [00:43:06]. Our glutes are our largest muscle, meant for frequent use. Babies often naturally stand with this engagement [00:43:34]. Incorrect standing often involves leaning forward [00:43:28]. Additionally, tilting the head back, a common misconception of good posture, is actually detrimental; the back of the neck should be straight [00:44:00].
The trend towards longer lifespans highlights the increasing need and opportunity for innovations in health tracking and wellness solutions, helping individuals monitor, understand, and proactively manage their health throughout their lives.