Whoop Refuses to Remove Blood Pressure Tool Despite FDA Warning

Whoop Inc., a company that produces screen-less fitness bands, has refused to remove its blood pressure tracking tool despite a warning from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA had requested that Whoop disable the feature, as it had not been cleared or approved by the agency for use as a medical device. Whoop, however, has stated that it will continue to offer the blood pressure tracking tool, arguing that it is a general wellness feature and not intended for medical diagnosis or treatment. The company maintains that the tool is intended to provide users with additional insights into their health and fitness, but it does not claim that it can be used as a replacement for professional medical advice or diagnosis. The dispute highlights the ongoing debate around the regulation of health-related technologies, particularly those that fall into a gray area between consumer products and medical devices. While the FDA aims to ensure the safety and effectiveness of such tools, companies like Whoop argue that they should have the freedom to offer features that provide users with valuable health information.