Twin Sisters Develop Device to Track Body Fuel Use

Twin sisters Michal and Merav Mor competed together in Ironman triathlons while completing doctoral degrees in physiology. They developed an interest in metabolism to support training and performance. The sisters founded Lumen, a health technology company that produces a portable device measuring breath to determine whether the body is using carbohydrates or fat for energy.

The device is sold online with a coaching program.

The Mor sisters said metabolism determines how efficiently the body switches between fuel sources. They reported that building muscle through weightlifting helps store energy from carbohydrate-rich meals. Eating carbohydrates close to a workout or early in the day was linked in their data to improved ability to shift between fuel sources, according to the sisters.

Eating dinner earlier allows the body to digest before sleep and supports overnight repair, Merav said. She noted that her own schedule sometimes includes late meals with family. Michal said she uses the device before morning workouts to decide whether to eat a pre-workout snack. The sisters have published research on user data in peer-reviewed journals.