The Oura Drama

Happy Friday! In today’s issue, we dive into wearables, from Oura's recent military controversy to the latest subscription-free WHOOP alternative.

Also, since it’s National Hug & High 5 Day, let’s acknowledge the power of a squeeze, and collaboration! Hugs connect us, but they do so much more. From soothing us to lowering blood pressure and boosting happy hormones, consider this a hug (and high 5) from me to you. 🤗

Let’s go!

Oura’s partnership with the US Military sparks backlash, but are concerns valid?

You may have heard about some Oura users allegedly ditching their devices. But it has nothing to do with its’ fitness tracking capabilities (which continue to be some of the best in the world…)

📱🚫 After Oura recently announced a partnership with the US Military, some consumers incorrectly speculated that the military would access their health data.

Yet some users remain upset that the company is working with the military, period. And questions remain around involving health tech with military operations and data security. 🔒

Russian and Chinese leaders discussed organ transplants and living to 150 at a recent international meeting. Longevity hype may be outpacing hard data, though.

Let’s examine current extreme longevity claims:

🏃‍♂️⌚️ Polar is rolling out the new Loop band which retails at $199.99, packing a few WHOOP-like features—activity, recovery, sleep, and training, among other metrics and health biomarkers—without the steep price tag and monthly subscription fee. Is it worth it?

Notable features include:

Polar is among a growing number of companies to offer affordable fitness trackers. Other competitors include FitBit, Amazefit, and the Hume Band (with Hume leaning heavily into longevity-drawn insights).

But reviews are mixed. Loop seems to lack WHOOP’s sophistication and usability, unable to fully auto-detect workouts. 🏋️ GPS tracking is only possible through the phone app.

While Lifehacker considers Polar too expensive for what you get, it does meet most standard requirements for a wearable in 2025.

The bigger picture

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Top Story

…in nutrition & public health 🥗

A Mediterranean Diet may be the healthiest diet in the world, but it’s not a silver bullet against type 2 diabetes. But a new Harvard-led study found that adding three simple ‘tweaks’ to the Mediterranean Diet can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 31% compared to diet alone:🔻cutting calories, moderate exercise (e.g., Brisk walking), and working with a professional in weight loss. Diet + exercise + support also led to four times more weight loss than diet alone (3.3 vs .6 kg).

The takeaway? Eating well matters, but lifestyle and support make the difference. 

Short reads

A stroll in nature. Walking to dinner. Swinging on a swing set…this is your body in zone zero, an (unofficial) term for very light activity. 

For older adults, people with physical limitations, and even high-level athletes, this almost effortless exercise can be an accessible way to improve longevity biomarkers that lower the risk of chronic disease.

Unlike traditional workouts that emphasize gains and intervals, Zone Zero is about gentle, easy movement. You know you’re there if you can talk without strain. 🗣️

The best news? There are real benefits: less tension, lower blood pressure, and improved circulation, sleep, blood sugar control, and mental health. Perhaps most important is it’s potential to become a habit: simple, sustainable, pressure-free, and restorative. 

😂 …And just for laughs: This Berliner thinks we’re working out too hard. “I go to a gym [and] I do a HIIT class, and everyone is training like a US Marine.’

Until next time,

Erin is the Senior Editor at Livelong Media, where she explores the intersection of health, science, and the human experience.

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