The Withings ScanWatch 2’s 24/7 temperature tracking could be particularly useful for older adults

Withings has added a new temperature tracking system to the ScanWatch 2, called the ‘TempTech 24/7 Module’. The Withings website describes this as: 

“A breakthrough miniaturized heat-flux sensor (measuring energy transit) with a high accuracy temperature sensor (measuring ambient & skin temperature) alongside heart rate and accelerometer input calibration to deliver a best-in-class temperature variation assessment.” 

In simple terms, the temperature sensor Withings uses can track overnight temperature and temperature fluctuations during a workout.  

Saga Exceptional spoke with Withings product manager Etienne Tregaro, who told us: “On the ScanWatch 2 we integrate sensors that allow us to follow the fluctuations of your baseline temperature 24/7. We aren’t limiting the recording of temperature to the night; that’s what a lot of competitors do. 

“It can be very useful to actually see the difference through the night and day and also during a workout.” 

But why is this useful? According to Tregaro: “I think the new temperature feature is game-changing – 60% of your energy goes into maintaining your body temperature, and fluctuations can be indicative of, for example, onset of illness. 

“It also allows you to optimise your recovery and performance during workout sessions. And you can see whether you are in the danger zone or not. Especially during workouts for older people.”  

According to Withings: “Your body temperature can change periodically while you work out and so it’s important to stay on top of your data. Especially as heat exhaustion is a common problem in people over 65, with health conditions or those living in a hotter climate. Tracking your live exercise temperature shifts will help prevent yourself from overheating, which can benefit your performance and post-workout recovery.” 

In other words, being able to track your temperature during a workout can help to ensure you are training at the right level of intensity. This can potentially help to reduce the risk of overheating and heat exhaustion. 

But while this sounds good, what does the evidence say? 

Studies have shown that as we age, we become less efficient at regulating our temperature and dealing with heat stress. And other studies have argued that as global temperatures rise, heat-related illness is increasingly common.  

According to John Hopkins Medicine: “Exercise-related heat exhaustion happens when your body can no longer get rid of the extra heat made during exercise, and your body temperature rises more than is healthy. Adults over the age of 65 also have a higher risk for heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses. This is because their bodies cannot cool down as easily as those of younger adults.” 

In theory then, being able to keep track of your temperature during the day, and especially when exercising, may ensure that we stay within safe levels of exertion.

This could be helpful, for example, for someone who is new to exercise, and may be at risk of pushing themselves too hard. The ScanWatch 2 promises to identify if you are in the “overheating zone”, to make sure you back off.  

There is also research that suggests temperature fluctuations can indicate you are about to fall ill. A study from 2020 found that temperature changes detected by the Oura Ring were a fairly reliable predictor of subsequent illness.  

Temperature tracking in wearable devices isn’t a brand-new concept. But the way Withings is using it appears to be something different. Up until now, most devices offering this feature have focused on night-time temperature tracking, and don’t offer temperature tracking while you exercise. 

In addition, the main purpose of temperature tracking in many devices is to track menstrual cycles. While the ScanWatch 2 also does this, the fact that it can help guide your exercise intensity, and in turn, support your health and fitness goals, seems like an encouraging step forward.

If you’re an older exerciser or have any underlying health conditions, this feature could prove particularly beneficial. 

As ever, it won’t be until we’ve tested this for ourselves that we’ll be able to definitively judge the claims made by Withings. But it’s certainly something we’re keen to explore further.