Fitbit’s AI health coach will soon be able to read your medical records

Google is significantly expanding the capabilities of its Fitbit AI health coach by giving it access to users' medical records. Starting in preview next month for US users, individuals will be able to link their electronic health records—including lab results, medications, and visit history—directly to the Fitbit app. This data will be combined with the user's wearable metrics to allow the Gemini-powered AI coach to provide what Google calls "safer, more relevant and more personalized" wellness advice. For example, a user can ask how to improve their cholesterol, and the coach can summarize relevant lab results, highlight trends, and offer tailored suggestions.

Google's Florence Thng, director of health intelligence product management, emphasized that users will retain control over their data, which will not be used for advertising. In the coming months, users will also be able to securely share AI-generated summaries of their records with family or healthcare providers via a link or QR code. However, Google includes a significant disclaimer, stating the feature is not intended to diagnose, treat, or monitor any disease, and users should consult a professional before making health changes. This move follows a broader industry trend where companies like Amazon and OpenAI are also exploring personalized health AI, navigating a complex regulatory landscape around sensitive medical data.

Concurrently, Google announced a major update to Fitbit's sleep tracking, claiming it will be 15% more accurate and better at distinguishing between actual sleep and time spent trying to sleep. This update, rolling out in preview, represents Google's push to leverage AI for deeper health insights, positioning Fitbit against competitors like Oura and Whoop, which also use AI for personalized guidance. The initiative highlights the growing consumer demand for AI in health and wellness, while also raising important questions about data privacy and the boundaries between wellness advice and medical care.