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

Google has just crossed another milestone in integrating artificial intelligence with healthcare. Fitbit, owned by the tech giant, will gain the ability to access patients' medical histories — information about lab test results, medications taken, or doctor visit history. This move, aimed at delivering more personalized health advice, simultaneously opens the door to a fundamental question about the boundaries of privacy in the age of AI. Are we ready to share our most sensitive personal data with a virtual health coach?

The answer that Google hopes to get from its users will be crucial not only for the future of Fitbit, but for the entire ecosystem of AI health applications. Amazon, OpenAI, and Microsoft have already put their cards on the table, believing that users will willingly exchange access to medical data for more accurate and relevant recommendations. Now Google is joining this race, and the stakes are higher than ever — because it's about who will control our digital health DNA.

Medical data in the hands of AI — how will it work?

Starting next month, Fitbit users in the United States will be able to connect their medical documents to the app. This won't be a simple file upload — Google promises "secure sharing" of data that will work together with data collected by wearable devices. Florence Thng, managing director of health intelligence products at Google, emphasizes that the AI assistant will be able to deliver advice that is "safer, more relevant, and more personalized".

In practical terms, this means a revolution in how AI interprets our health data. Instead of receiving general advice about cholesterol, a user could ask: "How can I improve my cholesterol?" The assistant would then analyze the user's specific lab results, highlight noteworthy values and trends, and then propose recommendations based on individual medical history and Fitbit device data. This is no longer artificial intelligence operating on population statistics — this is AI working with your actual, personal medical history.

The functionality will be expanded in the coming months. Users will have the ability to "securely share" their records and AI summaries with family members or medical caregivers via link or QR code. This opens interesting perspectives for family health monitoring or collaboration with doctors, but at the same time increases the number of points where data could be exposed or misused.

A cautious game with regulators and accountability

Google is cautious in its communication — and rightfully so. In a small disclaimer at the end of the blog post, the company clearly states that Fitbit "is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or monitor any disease or condition". It also recommends that users consult with a medical professional "before making any health-related changes". This sounds like an annoying caveat, but in reality it is a very strategic move toward the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The regulatory landscape around AI health applications is complicated and changing rapidly. The FDA has authority over what can be considered a medical device and what is just a wellness app. If Google is too specific in promising diagnostics or treatment, it could attract strict regulatory scrutiny. On the other hand, if it is too cautious, the product will lose value for users. It's a precise dance where every word matters.

It's worth noting that similar AI-based health products are not yet available in regions with strict privacy regulations, such as Europe. GDPR and other European data protection regulations present significantly higher barriers to this type of integration. Experts also warn users to be careful about what they share — particularly data regarding reproductive health in the United States, where the legal landscape is uncertain and potentially threatening.

Competition is already doing the same — and more aggressively

Google is not a pioneer in this space. Amazon, OpenAI, and Microsoft are already investing in integrating medical data with AI systems. Anthropic and OpenAI clearly encourage users to share health data with Claude and ChatGPT for health discussions. This means that if Fitbit doesn't offer this functionality, users may simply switch to competitors.

Wearables like Oura Ring and Whoop already use dedicated chatbots to personalize advice. These companies understood that data measurement alone is not enough — users want interpretation, context, and actionable recommendations. Fitbit, with its huge user base and rich health data history, has the potential to be more than just an activity tracking device. It could become a real health assistant.

However, Google has one thing that competitors may have overlooked — Gemini, its own language model. While OpenAI and Anthropic offer access to their models for health applications, Google is integrating this functionality directly into its ecosystem. This gives it a unique advantage in controlling data and user experience.

Sleep tracking update — where the real threat lies

Amid the announcement about access to medical data, Google mentioned the "most significant update" to Fitbit's sleep tracking feature. Sleep tracking accuracy will increase by 15 percent, and the algorithm will be better at distinguishing between actual sleep and attempts to fall asleep. This may seem like a minor detail, but in reality it is crucial.

Sleep is one of the most intimate aspects of our lives. Sleep data can reveal a lot — from mental health disorders to medical issues. If Fitbit tracks sleep more accurately, and then AI analyzes this data in the context of medical histories, the potential for both good and misuse grows exponentially. Better accuracy means better recommendations, but also a more detailed health profile that could be used in many ways.

The update will be rolled out gradually — first in preview "over the next few days", then improved sleep scores in the following weeks. This is Google's standard approach to rolling out changes, but it also shows how carefully the company is approaching changes to health features.

Trust as currency — will users share data?

The central question is: will users actually want to share their medical data with a virtual coach? Google claims that medical records will not be used for advertising purposes and that users will have control over their data. But history shows that privacy promises are often broken or reinterpreted.

For many users, the answer will depend on how much they trust Google. The company has a rich history with user data — from scanning emails in Gmail to location tracking. While most of these practices were technically permitted under terms of service, many people feel uneasy about the level of access Google has to their information.

On the other hand, for people with chronic illnesses or those who want to better manage their health, the potential benefits may outweigh privacy concerns. If AI can actually help manage diabetes, hypertension, or other conditions, it could be a paradigm shift in consumer healthcare.

Polish perspective — where are we in this race?

In Poland, AI health applications are not yet as advanced as in the United States. Fitbit has a significant user base here, particularly among people interested in fitness and health monitoring. However, access to medical data will first be limited to the American market, which reflects both regulatory challenges and differences in healthcare infrastructure.

Polish healthcare is less digitized than in the United States, which means that integration of medical data with consumer applications will be more difficult. However, it is a question of "when", not "if". When GDPR regulations are better understood and when clear guidelines for health applications emerge, Polish companies and international players will want to enter this market.

Shifting boundaries — what does this mean for the future of healthcare?

Google's announcement is symbolic of a broader trend in technology: the shift of control over our health data from traditional medical institutions to tech giants. This is not bad by definition — sometimes these companies can offer better tools and experiences. But it fundamentally changes who has access to our most intimate information.

The real value of this move can only be assessed after it is used in practice. If AI truly helps people manage their health and if Google strictly adheres to its privacy promises, it could be a real breakthrough. But if it turns out that data is being used in a way other than promised, or if security issues arise, it could cause a backlash that will impact the entire industry.

For now, Fitbit awaits users who will want to trust their medical history to an algorithm. This will be a test not only technological, but above all a test of trust — and trust, as we know, is the most valuable currency in the digital world.