Noom Adds AI Body Scan Feature to Monitor Body Composition Changes During Weight Loss

Digital healthcare company Noom has introduced a new body scan feature that enables users to track body composition changes using their smartphone camera, addressing growing attention to muscle mass retention during weight loss treatments.

The new feature, developed in partnership with Prism Labs, allows users to conduct body composition analysis through a 10-second video recording in the Noom app. The AI-powered system generates a 3D avatar and tracks metrics including body fat percentage, fat mass, waist-to-hip ratio, and lean mass – measurements traditionally requiring specialized equipment.

“GLP-1s are highly effective in driving weight loss, however, much of the weight lost is actually muscle mass,” explains Geoff Cook, Chief Executive Officer of Noom. “Our partnership with Prism Labs makes accurate body mapping available to everyone. Our Muscle Defense fitness program emphasizes resistance training and our thousands of high-protein recipes encourage healthy eating, but we needed a simple and accurate way to monitor muscle-mass retention.”

Research indicates that during periods of significant weight loss, including with GLP-1 medications, 30 to 40% of the weight lost may come from lean mass. This muscle loss can be particularly pronounced in individuals with unbalanced diets, especially those with low protein intake, or those experiencing frequent weight fluctuations. Healthcare providers note that monitoring body composition becomes crucial as loss of skeletal muscle during weight loss may increase the likelihood of weight regain. This can potentially lead to sarcopenic obesity – a condition characterized by the combination of excess fat and reduced muscle mass/function, which is associated with increased health risks.

The technology has undergone rigorous validation through third-party research, with Dr. Grant Tinsley from Texas Tech University confirming error rates of ±0.20% for body fat percentage and ±0.45% for body circumferences in repeated measurements. This level of accuracy brings professional-grade body composition analysis to users’ smartphones, making sophisticated health monitoring more accessible.

The launch coincides with broader trends in digital health, as more women’s health platforms expand their services to include weight management support. This evolution reflects growing demand for comprehensive health monitoring tools that can be accessed through everyday devices. Steve Raymond, Chief Executive Officer of Prism Labs, emphasizes this accessibility: “We built our platform to provide anyone with a smart phone with precise, accurate body composition information and health insights that were previously only available using expensive hardware.”

The new feature, which will be available to all Noom Healthy Weight and Noom Med subscribers, represents a shift in how digital platforms approach comprehensive weight management support. Users will be able to track their body composition changes regularly, receive personalized health insights, and use this data to inform their exercise and nutrition decisions. As digital health platforms continue to expand their weight management offerings, the ability to monitor detailed body composition changes may become an increasingly integral part of providing comprehensive support to users pursuing their health goals.

Kathrin Folkendt is the Founder & CEO of Femtech Insider, the globally leading publication on all things femtech. She usually writes about women's health innovation, health equity, and entrepreneurship.