The world of health and wellness technology has entered a new era, where bodily fluids are no longer just a taboo subject in the industry, but a key focus. According to Victoria Song, a senior reporter at The Verge, CES 2026 was awash with products that utilize urine, blood, sweat, and saliva to promote longevity and overall health.
The trend is clear: metabolic health has become the next frontier for the digital health space. With companies like Dexcom and Oura leading the charge, users can now expect more sophisticated features such as AI-powered nutrition tracking, blood pressure monitoring, and even facial analysis to estimate aging. These advancements aim to provide users with a better understanding of their overall well-being, empowering them to make informed lifestyle choices.
However, the industry is not without its challenges. Data privacy remains a significant concern, particularly when it comes to invasive tests such as blood draws or urine samples. Both Dexcom CEO Jake Leach and Oura CEO Tom Hale acknowledged the importance of addressing these concerns, with Leach stating that users' data is "off-limits" in certain cases.
While some may be hesitant to adopt this new approach, both Leach and Hale believe that wearable technology holds great promise for promoting longevity. According to Leach, "Wearable technology is the way we do this at scale, because not every doctor can see every patient all of the time." The companies' emphasis on preventive measures rather than just basic fitness tracking could potentially lead to significant improvements in common ailments such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Ultimately, it seems that the industry has shifted its focus from just closing fitness rings to doing small lifestyle experiments over a few months. By tracking changes in bodily fluids, users may be able to prevent or improve conditions that build up over time. As Song so aptly put it, "Unfortunately, I think that means more bodily fluids."
The trend is clear: metabolic health has become the next frontier for the digital health space. With companies like Dexcom and Oura leading the charge, users can now expect more sophisticated features such as AI-powered nutrition tracking, blood pressure monitoring, and even facial analysis to estimate aging. These advancements aim to provide users with a better understanding of their overall well-being, empowering them to make informed lifestyle choices.
However, the industry is not without its challenges. Data privacy remains a significant concern, particularly when it comes to invasive tests such as blood draws or urine samples. Both Dexcom CEO Jake Leach and Oura CEO Tom Hale acknowledged the importance of addressing these concerns, with Leach stating that users' data is "off-limits" in certain cases.
While some may be hesitant to adopt this new approach, both Leach and Hale believe that wearable technology holds great promise for promoting longevity. According to Leach, "Wearable technology is the way we do this at scale, because not every doctor can see every patient all of the time." The companies' emphasis on preventive measures rather than just basic fitness tracking could potentially lead to significant improvements in common ailments such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Ultimately, it seems that the industry has shifted its focus from just closing fitness rings to doing small lifestyle experiments over a few months. By tracking changes in bodily fluids, users may be able to prevent or improve conditions that build up over time. As Song so aptly put it, "Unfortunately, I think that means more bodily fluids."