Study Finds Smartwatch Calorie Estimates Often Inaccurate

Researchers examined the calorie‑burn readouts displayed on four widely used smartwatches after exercise sessions. The analysis, published in the peer‑reviewed journal PLOS ONE, revealed that none of the devices accurately estimated actual energy expenditure. In many cases the watches reported higher calorie consumption than was measured, indicating a systematic tendency to overestimate. The findings suggest that individuals who rely on smartwatch calorie figures for weight‑loss or fitness planning should interpret the numbers with caution, as the inflated values could lead to misinformed dietary or training decisions.