Kirsi Pietiläinen
Professor in Clinical Metabolism
Obesity Research Unit, University of Helsinki and Chief Physician, Healthy Weight Hub, Helsinki University Hospital
Biography
Professor Kirsi Pietiläinen is a Finnish physician-scientist and a leading authority on obesity and metabolic health. She serves as Professor of Clinical Metabolism at the University of Helsinki, where she directs the Obesity Research Unit and the Research Programme for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism
Pietiläinen’s research focuses on how mitochondrial dysfunction in fat tissue contributes to obesity-related complications. Her innovative twin studies have demonstrated that acquired obesity, independent of genetics, can lead to harmful metabolic changes.
In recognition of her groundbreaking work, she received the 2025 EASO–Novo Nordisk Foundation Obesity Prize for Excellence
Beyond research, Pietiläinen is Chief Physician at Helsinki University Hospital and chairs Finland’s national obesity treatment guidelines . She also leads the Healthy Weight Hub, promoting personalized obesity care.
