Here’s a detailed comparison between the Microlife MedGem Indirect Calorimeter and the Breezing Med metabolic measurement devices — focusing on what they measure, how they work, and how they’re best used.
What Each Device Is
Microlife MedGem (Handheld Indirect Calorimeter)
A portable, handheld indirect calorimeter that measures oxygen consumption (VO₂) to determine resting metabolic rate (RMR).
FDA 510(k)-cleared Class II medical device suitable for clinical use and insurance billing.
Intended for clinicians (dietitians, endocrinologists, bariatric centers, etc.) needing a quick RMR measurement.
Breezing Med (Wearable Metabolic Analyzer)
A wearable indirect calorimeter that measures both VO₂ (oxygen consumption) and VCO₂ (carbon dioxide production), enabling calculation of resting energy expenditure (REE/RMR) and respiratory quotient (RQ).
FDA-cleared, mobile-connected device intended for clinical and professional use with reimbursement coding.
Uses a mask and sensor cartridge with Bluetooth connectivity to a mobile app for measurement guidance and data tracking.
Key Comparison
FDA Clearance
Microlife MedGem: Yes — Class II FDA-cleared indirect calorimeter
Breezing Med: Yes — Class II FDA-cleared indirect calorimeter
Measurement Type
Microlife MedGem: VO₂ only → determines RMR
Breezing Med: VO₂ + VCO₂ → determines RMR & RQ
Accuracy & Validation
Microlife MedGem: The MedGem device is +/- 2.8% accuracy.
Breezing Med: The Breezing device demonstrated between 90-100% accuracy with 95% confidence interval, so it’s +/- 5% accuracy.
Sensors
Microlife MedGem: VO2 sensor does not have to be replaced.
Breezing Med: Uses a disposable, single-use O2/CO2 sensor cartridge which cost $30 for a 5-pack.
Use For Children
Microlife BodyGem: Validated for ages seven and up. The limiting factor is the bite-wing mouthpiece filter size.
Breezing Pro: This device is not designed for use on children.
Data Output
Microlife MedGem: RMR and VO2 on LCD panel. The Analyzer software creates a customized Daily Calorie Budget based on a clients’ RMR, lifestyle and weight goal.
Breezing Med: RMR (REE), RQ (substrate utilization), related metabolic metrics
Test Time
Microlife MedGem: 5–10 minutes
Breezing Med: 10 minutes
App / Software Optional
Microlife MedGem: Analyzer software for detailed reports based on RMR, lifestyle and weight goal, which can be printed and sent via PDF in an email.
Breezing Med: Mobile app with guided testing and trend tracking
Setup & Portability
Microlife MedGem: Handheld, lightweight, simple mouthpiece/nose clip setup
Breezing Med: Wearable mask with headstrap and single-use sensor cartridges
Respiratory Quotient (RQ)
Microlife MedGem: Not measured
Breezing Med: Measured directly
Power
Microlife MedGem: Uses an AC adaptor for constant power.
Breezing Med: Has a battery which adds weight and could lose power during a measurement.
Cleaning
Microlife MedGem: The mouthpiece filter and nose clip get replaced every measurement and only need to clean the outside of the device with antibacterial wipe.
Breezing Med: It has an extensive cleaning regiment to decontaminate the device. There doesn’t appear to be filter.
Best Use Cases
Microlife MedGem: Quick RMR screening, clinical weight/nutrition settings
Breezing Med: Detailed metabolic profiling, RQ analysis, longitudinal tracking
Measurement Method Differences
MedGem
Measures only oxygen consumption (VO₂). It then uses standard equations with a fixed assumed RQ to calculate RMR. This simplifies the device and speeds up testing but doesn’t directly measure CO₂ production, which means it cannot provide actual RQ values.
Breezing Med
Measures both VO₂ and VCO₂. This enables the device to calculate RQ, a key metric for understanding whether the body is burning more fat or carbohydrate at rest.
Direct measurement of CO₂ production generally yields more accurate and informative metabolic insights, particularly for nuanced clinical or research use.
Practical Differences
Clinical & Reimbursement Use
Both MedGem and Breezing Med are FDA-cleared for clinical settings and can support insurance reimbursement procedures where applicable.
Ease of Use
MedGem: Very simple handheld operation with rapid results.
Breezing Med: Wearable and app-guided — slightly more setup but offers deeper data and tracking.
Data Utility
The MedGem provides basic RMR and the MedGem Analyzer software is useful for determining daily calorie needs.
Breezing Med adds RQ, which is valuable for tailoring nutrition plans and understanding metabolic fuel utilization
Which Is Better for You?
Choose MedGem if:
You want a simple, reliable RMR measurement with minimal setup.
You are in a busy clinical or dietetics environment where RMR alone suffices.
Choose Breezing Med if:
You want full indirect calorimetry with direct measurement of both oxygen and carbon dioxide.
You need respiratory quotient (RQ) data to inform precise nutrition or metabolic interventions.
You value digital tracking and app support for longitudinal metabolic monitoring.
The MedGem indirect calorimetry device is a clinically-validated and FDA 510K-cleared, class II, medical device for measurement of patient resting metabolic rate (RMR).
The MedGem is an easy-to-use, handheld device that accurately measures oxygen consumption (VO2) to determine resting metabolic rate (RMR).
Measurements made with the MedGem are easy to administer and provide accurate results in only a few minutes.
Microlife’s WatchWT MedGem device was used to assess metabolic changes in The Biggest Loser™ contestants. “We chose to use the MedGem device based on its accuracy in comparison to other indirect calorimeters.” said Dr. Robert Huizenga, Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at UCLA and Medical Advisor to The Biggest Loser.
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