Lumen: a device that hacks your metabolism?
We delve into the facts of this new wellness device
Text: Hui Yi Phua
credit: Lumen
Technology has once again, helped the wellness industry achieve a breakthrough. This time, it comes in a form of a metabolic breath analyzer, Lumen. This nifty device shapes like a fancy inhaler and is claimed by its inventors, talented twin sisters Dr. Merav Mor and Dr. Michal Mor, to ‘hack’ your metabolism.
We’ve done our research on Lumen so that you can gain more insights into this fascinating device. Read on to find out if this gadget is for you.
What is Lumen?
Lumen is the world’s first-ever portable metabolism tracker device. Before, the measurement of one’s metabolism was achieved by using bulky equipment (such as the metabolism cart), and was mostly exclusive to patients in clinical setting and professional athletes. Now, with the creation of the hand-held Lumen, anyone can measure and analyse their metabolic activity anywhere in real-time by simply breathing into the device.
credit: Lumen
How does Lumen work?
In order for us to fully grasp the concept of Lumen, we must delve deeper to find out the science behind this mechanism.
Lumen works somewhat like a breathalyser, except that it measures carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the air instead of alcohol content. As the user breathes into the device for 10 seconds, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the breath is measured. To be specific, Lumen calculates the user’s respiratory exchange rate (RER), which helps to identify the type of metabolic fuel the body is using for energy. Low in carbon dioxide indicates that the body is in a fat-burning state (which is what users would want to aim for), while the opposite means that carbs are predominantly used.
As the Lumen device is meant to be paired with an app, a rating from a scale of 1 (burning fat) to 5 (burning carbs) will then be displayed on the app according to the breath measured. Following the score, the Lumen app will then suggest a daily meal plan (low-carb, medium-carb, or high-carb diet) for the user.
Other features on the app include being able to key in your workout schedule so that Lumen can take that into account when designing your nutrition plan, and a learning section with short, digestible education modules that teach users about metabolism, diet, and food.
The end goal of Lumen is to build the user’s capability for “metabolic flexibility” – which essentially means that the body can efficiently shift between using carbs and fats as fuel. According to the Mors sisters, achieving metabolic flexibility allows the body to improve insulin sensitivity, which helps to burn fat more effectively. It also brings about other benefits such as having more energy, sleeping better, and strengthening of the immune system.
To obtain the best results, they advice that users should use Lumen with a recommended diet plan on a daily basis.
Is Lumen reliable?
The creators of Lumen have claimed that their research backs up this device’s credibility, and that “it matches the gold standard of measuring metabolism”. Sure enough, a study published by San Francisco State University has proved that the efficiency of Lumen matches that of a Parvo TrueOne 2400 metabolic cart, which is typically the ‘gold standard’ that the Mors sisters have referred to. Although it should be noted that two employees of Lumen’s parent company were credited to be authors of this study.
On the other hand, some experts have expressed their doubts over ‘metabolic flexibility’. This term was coined not too long ago in 1999 by endocrinologist David E. Kelley, whose initial discovery suggests that there is evidence of a correlation between metabolic flexibility and both weight management and exercise. However, currently there aren’t sufficient scientific studies to prove the broader claims (as mentioned by the creators of Lumen) of metabolic flexibility.
So.. Why should I use Lumen?
Countless reviewers of this product have said the same thing: it depends on who you are and what your goals are.
If you have the discipline and time to curate your meals according to the Lumen app’s suggestions, or are looking for a good, simple way to keep track of your weight loss/fitness journey, then using Lumen could be useful and effective for you.
However, if you are lacking the time to properly adhere to the suggested diet plans, or are already following another kind of strict diet, then the effectiveness of Lumen will be minimal. Another point to consider is the cost of Lumen which starts at $199 for the device + 3-month subscription.
For more information on this product, visit the official Lumen website.
Click here for alternative tips on how to keep your metabolism strong.
