- Mamata Banerjee was seen wearing three fitness devices simultaneously: Whoop Strap, Apple Watch, Oura Ring
- Wearables track health metrics like heart rate, sleep, activity, and provide specialized data insights
- Multiple devices can offer broader health views but may cause data overload and redundancy
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sparked curiosity online with her "triple wearable setup." Known for her simple white cotton saree, she was recently seen sporting not one but three fitness devices at once. Her choice has ignited a wider conversation: can wearing multiple wearable devices actually offer better health insights, or is it simply overkill? "Wearables can be useful, although it should not be overlooked that they are no replacement for the proper clinical examination. Accuracy of such gadgets may vary from one patient to another, thus, it is imperative to approach their findings with caution, ideally in partnership with a physician," says Dr. Snehal Kohale, Fertility specialist, Gynecologist, and IVF expert.
"The photo of Mamata Banerjee wearing three fitness trackers created a buzz online. But as a cardiologist, I see it as a good thing. Wearable devices track things like resting heart rate, sleep, and recovery. That data matters more than people realise. Yes, buying all three is expensive. Not everyone needs to do that. But tracking even the basics can make a real difference," says Dr Sagar Shah, Interventional Cardiologist, Apollo Hospitals.
Why Are Wearables So Popular?
Fitness wearables have become mainstream tools for tracking health metrics such as heart rate, sleep quality, activity levels and even stress. Wearable devices go beyond step counting to offer detailed analytics on recovery, cardiovascular health and daily strain.
Also read: Can Wearables Protect You From Heatwaves? Doctors And Experts Explain
Meanwhile, the smart ring she was wearing focuses heavily on sleep patterns, body temperature and readiness scores, making it popular among wellness enthusiasts.
Can Multiple Devices Improve Accuracy?
Wearable devices are designed to capture and record physiological signals from the specific part of the body where they are placed. Dr. Sorabh Gupta, Consultant Neurologist at Kailash Hospital, Dehradun, explains, "These devices detect movements and monitor blood flow in the area they are worn. For instance, a wristwatch can track blood circulation and measure pulse rate, even identifying irregular heartbeat patterns."
In theory, using more than one wearable may provide a broader view of your health. Each device uses its own algorithms and sensors, which means:
- One may track sleep better, while another excels at workout data
- Combining insights could give a more comprehensive picture
- Cross-verifying data may improve reliability
However, experts point out that most consumer wearables are not medical-grade devices. Minor variations between devices are common, and having more data does not always mean better decisions.
The Pros Of Wearing Multiple Wearables
1. Holistic Health Tracking
Using devices which track the insight of sleep pattern can provide a layered understanding of your body.
2. Behavioural Motivation
Seeing consistent feedback across multiple platforms can reinforce healthy habits and improve adherence to fitness routines.
The Cons You Should Know
"Patients often ask me whether wearing two or three fitness trackers, like we've seen recently with Mamata Banerjee's triple-wearable look, will dramatically improve their health. The honest answer is that extra devices mainly add extra data, not extra protection. One good quality wearable, used regularly, already offers continuous insights into heart rate, sleep, activity and sometimes even rhythm irregularities that can prompt timely medical review," says Dr Suhas M.S., Consultant - Internal Medicine, Cytecare Hospitals, Bangalore.
"Where multiple wearables may help is in specific situations, for example one device optimized for sleep and recovery, another for workouts, or a medical-grade patch used alongside a consumer smartwatch in high-risk patients under supervision. In such cases, the value comes from how well the data is interpreted and integrated into clinical care, not from wearing more gadgets on your wrist," he adds.
1. Data Overload
Too much information can become confusing. Conflicting metrics may leave users unsure about what to trust.
2. Redundancy
Many devices track similar metrics like heart rate and steps, making some data repetitive rather than useful.
3. Not a Substitute for Medical Advice
Even with multiple devices, wearables cannot replace professional diagnosis or clinical monitoring.
Also read: 5 Biohacking Tips For Longevity And Better Health
What Do Experts Say?
Health experts suggest that the real benefit lies not in the number of devices, but in how effectively the data is used. Consistency in tracking, understanding trends over time, and making lifestyle changes based on insights matter more than stacking gadgets. For most people, one well-chosen wearable that suits their goals is enough. However, fitness enthusiasts, athletes or biohackers may benefit from combining devices for deeper analysis.
"I had a patient last year, 48 years old, no major complaints. His smartwatch showed his resting heart rate was higher than usual for several days. He almost ignored it. He came in anyway. We found severe blockages in three of his heart arteries. We treated him in time. He is home, healthy, and back at work. That one number on his wrist changed everything. You don't need the most expensive gadget. But if you have a wearable, use it. Look at your numbers. If something seems off, get it checked. Your heart gives warnings. Make sure you are listening," says Dr Shah.
Should You Try The "Triple Wearable" Trend?
The trend highlighted by Mamata Banerjee is certainly eye-catching, but it may not be necessary for everyone. If you are considering multiple devices, ask yourself:
- What specific health metrics do I want to track?
- Does my current device already cover these?
- Will additional data actually help me change my habits?
Wearing multiple fitness trackers can offer more detailed insights, but it is not a guaranteed path to better health. Ultimately, actionable insights, consistency and lifestyle changes matter far more than the number of gadgets on your wrist or finger.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
