U.S. Health Secretary Launches Campaign for Wearable Health Devices

On June 24, 2025, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will launch a major advertising campaign to promote the adoption of wearable health monitoring devices among Americans. Speaking before the House Subcommittee on Health during a budget hearing, Kennedy emphasized that wearables—such as devices measuring heart rate and blood glucose levels—are central to the administration's "Making America Healthy Again" (MAHA) initiative. He outlined a vision for every American to use a wearable device within four years, highlighting their potential to empower individuals to manage their health by providing real-time physiological data. Kennedy also noted that wearables could serve as a cost-effective alternative to expensive treatments like the diabetes drug Ozempic. Following the announcement, shares of glucose-monitoring device manufacturers Abbott Laboratories and Dexcom saw significant increases.

The "Making America Healthy Again" (MAHA) initiative is a health-focused movement led by Secretary Kennedy, aiming to address chronic health issues in the United States. Established through Executive Order 14211 signed by President Donald Trump on February 13, 2025, the MAHA Commission was tasked with investigating the root causes of America's escalating health crisis, with a particular focus on childhood chronic diseases. The commission released its assessment on May 22, 2025, identifying factors such as poor diet, environmental chemicals, lack of physical activity, stress, and overmedicalization as primary contributors to health problems in children.

During the budget hearing, Secretary Kennedy highlighted the role of wearable health devices in the MAHA initiative. He stated that these devices, which monitor metrics like heart rate and blood glucose levels, can empower individuals by providing real-time physiological data, enabling proactive health management. Kennedy emphasized that widespread adoption of wearables could serve as a cost-effective alternative to expensive treatments, specifically mentioning the diabetes drug Ozempic. He noted that while medications like Ozempic are valuable for patients with morbid obesity and diabetes when combined with exercise, their high costs pose a significant burden.

Following Kennedy's endorsement of wearable health devices, shares of companies specializing in glucose-monitoring technology experienced notable increases. Abbott Laboratories and Dexcom, both leading manufacturers of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), saw their stock prices rise significantly. Dexcom, known for its adhesive glucose-tracking patches, has expanded partnerships with tech giants like Apple, Garmin, and Google, and invested $75 million in ring-based wearable maker Oura Health. Both Dexcom and Oura have intensified lobbying efforts, indicating a growing intersection between health innovation and political influence.

The promotion of wearable health devices aligns with a broader trend toward preventive healthcare and personalized medicine. By encouraging individuals to monitor their health metrics continuously, the initiative aims to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases through early detection and lifestyle modifications. However, this push also raises questions about data privacy, the digital divide, and the accessibility of such technologies to underserved populations. Additionally, the emphasis on wearables as alternatives to pharmaceutical treatments may impact the healthcare industry, particularly sectors reliant on medication sales.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appointed as the 26th Secretary of Health and Human Services on February 13, 2025, is an environmental attorney and member of the Kennedy family. He has been a vocal critic of certain public health policies and has promoted vaccine misinformation and public-health conspiracy theories. His appointment has been controversial, given his previous stance on vaccines and public health measures.

The HHS campaign to promote wearable health devices represents a significant step in the administration's efforts to address chronic health issues through technology and preventive measures. While the initiative holds promise for improving public health outcomes, it also necessitates careful consideration of ethical, economic, and social implications to ensure equitable access and protect individual privacy.