The prize, awarded by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, includes a DKK 2 million award. Of this, DKK 300,000 is a personal award, while DKK 1.7 million goes to support further research.

For example, Professor Pietiläinen’s innovative studies in identical twins have shown that when the mitochondria do not function properly, especially in fat tissue, it can cause complications in obesity.

“Professor Pietiläinen’s groundbreaking research in identical twins with differences in BMI has significantly contributed to how we understand the metabolic effects and complications of acquired obesity,” says Arne Astrup, Professor, MD, DMSc and Senior Vice President, Obesity and Nutritional Sciences at the Novo Nordisk Foundation. “For example, Professor Pietiläinen’s innovative studies in identical twins have shown that when the mitochondria – the tiny energy-producing structures in our cells – do not function properly, especially in fat tissue, it can cause complications in obesity. We should also highlight Professor Pietiläinen’s ability to encourage teamwork and talent, since she is not only a trailblazer but a great mentor and team leader.”

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Kirsi Pietiläinen

With over 25 years of experience in obesity research and medicine and nearly 250 publications under her belt, Pietiläinen has made groundbreaking advancements in both the scientific understanding and clinical management of the disease of obesity, describes Novo Nordisk Foundation. Additionally, she is a well-known public advocate for reducing stigma, translating compassionate obesity care into clinical practice and promoting medical training on obesity at the national and international levels.

“Obesity is the most fascinating lens through which to study life – it spans everything from the micro level of cellular metabolism to the macro level of behavior and society,” says Pietiläinen. “Obesity research has been full of surprising discoveries, such as when we found mitochondria playing a key role in adipose – body fat – tissue. Moving forward, we aim to dive deeper into the metabolic atlas of adipose tissue, exploring how obesity and different intervention methods reshape its function and interactions across the body. I am especially fascinated by how some interventions can simultaneously curb excessive appetite and boost a slowed metabolism – offering powerful mechanisms to support our patients.”

Her recent findings on mitochondrial activation following weight-loss surgery have spurred ongoing international research to develop drugs that mimic the effect as a mechanism to increase energy combustion and cause weight loss.

Professor Pietiläinen’s work has also earned her research group a place within the prestigious designation of Center of Excellence in research on Mitochondria, Metabolism and Disease (FinMIT) by the Research Council of Finland, the highest recognition for research in the country. Her recent findings on mitochondrial activation following weight-loss surgery have spurred ongoing international research to develop drugs that mimic the effect as a mechanism to increase energy combustion and cause weight loss.

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In addition, her work at the Healthy Weight Hub has offered valuable insights into digital coaching, patient-reported outcomes and long-term weight loss. She also uses unique Finnish registries to study the economic burden of obesity, including healthcare costs, treatment cost–effectiveness and societal impacts, describes Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Four New Investigator Awards

In addition, the EASO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation have also awarded four New Investigator Awards, each including a research grant of DKK 300,000.