Emilia Huvinen

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Emilia Huvinen
Emilia Huvinen 1.jpg
Born1978
NationalityFinnish
CitizenshipFinland
Alma materUniversity of Helsinki
Occupation
Organization
  • University of Helsinki
  • Finnish Association for the Study of Obesity (FASO)
  • Painoklinikka,fi
  • Aava Clinic
Websitepainoklinikka.fi

Emilia Huvinen is a Finnish physician,[1] researcher,[2] author, lecturer, and public speaker. A Doctor of Medicine and specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, she has dedicated her career to women’s health, lifestyle medicine, and the complex interplay between hormonal balance and metabolic well-being. Compassionate and deeply patient-centered, Huvinen is known for her ability to combine cutting-edge scientific knowledge with genuine human connection.[3][4]

Early Career and Medical Training

From early in her medical studies at the University of Helsinki, Huvinen felt drawn to the well-being of women at every stage of life. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree and completed her specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology, developing a particular expertise in managing metabolic health challenges during crucial reproductive phases.

Since 2008, her scientific focus has centered on obesity,[5] diabetes—especially gestational diabetes—and the role of lifestyle in shaping women’s health outcomes, and even those of the next generation. Her doctoral research explored the impact of lifestyle factors on metabolic health during pregnancy and beyond, shedding light on how women’s health trajectories are influenced across the lifespan.

Expertise and Clinical Focus

The clinical work of Dr. Huvinen reflects her passion for personalized care. She approaches each patient empathetically and individually, always considering the woman’s life stage and her current needs. Her unique expertise lies in weight management during significant milestones in a woman’s life:

  • Planning a pregnancy
  • Pregnancy itself
  • Postpartum recovery
  • Menopause and the perimenopausal transition

In these sensitive periods, Huvinen combines hormonal expertise with evidence-based strategies for sustainable lifestyle change, helping women navigate both physical health and mental well-being.[6]

Research and Professional Engagement

Huvinen actively contributes to the national and international initiatives aiming at advancing obesity research and care. She serves on the board of the Finnish Association for the Study of Obesity (Suomen lihavuustutkijat ry) and is part of an international expert group redefining meaningful outcomes in obesity treatment, emphasizing patient-centered metrics beyond weight alone (ICHOM).

She has continued research after acquiring her PhD and now holds the title of associate professor at the University of Helsinki. Her research continues to explore how lifestyle interventions can optimize women’s health, particularly in preventing and managing conditions like gestational diabetes and metabolic syndrome and even improving the health of the next generation.[2]

Writing and Science Communication

Huvinen is also an emerging voice in science communication. Her non-fiction book, Paskat geenit? (loosely translated as Crappy Genes), was published by Minerva/Docendo in 2024.[7] The book explores the fascinating relationship between genetics, lifestyle, and personal health, aiming to dismantle myths surrounding genetic determinism and empower readers with knowledge and hope that change is possible regardless of their genetic starting point. An English-language edition of the book is scheduled for release in 2025.

Through articles, interviews, and public speaking, Huvinen has become a vocal advocate for body respect (kehorauha)[8] and holistic well-being, particularly regarding women’s health challenges across different life stages.[9][10]

Together with dietician Hanna Partanen and gynecologist Leena Väisälä she has brought to life in 2025 also a podcast called Naisten vuoro (translated as “Women’s Turn”), focusing on hormones, menopausal transition, lifestyle and weight management - with an end-goal in empowering its listeners with knowledge and support.[11]

Media and Public Speaking

A sought-after speaker, Huvinen regularly addresses medical professionals and public audiences alike. She speaks on topics ranging from hormonal balance and metabolic health to the social and emotional aspects of body image and health care. She frequently appears in Finnish media, participating in discussions on body positivity, obesity treatment, and the nuances of women’s health.[12]

Professional Memberships and Positions

  • Board Member, Finnish Association for the Study of Obesity (Suomen lihavuustutkijat ry)
  • Member, Finnish Medical Association
  • Member, Finnish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Member, Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group
  • Member, European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO)
  • Member, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO)

Selected Publications

  • Huvinen, E. Paskat geenit? Minerva, 2024. (English edition forthcoming in 2026).
  • Huvinen E, Koivusalo SB, Meinila J, et al. Effects of a Lifestyle Intervention During Pregnancy and First Postpartum Year: Findings From the RADIEL Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(4):1669-1677.
  • Huvinen E, Grotenfelt NE, Eriksson JG, et al. Heterogeneity of maternal characteristics and impact on gestational diabetes (GDM) risk—Implications for universal GDM screening? Ann Med. 2016;48(1-2):52-58.
  • Huvinen E, Eriksson JG, Koivusalo SB, et al. Heterogeneity of gestational diabetes (GDM) and long-term risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome: findings from the RADIEL study follow-up. Acta Diabetol. 2018;55(5):493-501.
  • Huvinen E, Eriksson JG, Stach-Lempinen B, et al. Heterogeneity of gestational diabetes (GDM) and challenges in developing a GDM risk score. Acta Diabetol. 2018;55(12):1251-1259.
  • Huvinen E, Holopainen E, Heikinheimo O. Norethisterone and its acetate – what’s so special about them? BMJ Sex Reprod Health. 2020;0:1–8. doi:10.1136/bmjsrh-2020-200619
  • Huvinen E, Engberg E, Meinilä J, et al. Lifestyle and glycemic health 5 years postpartum in obese and non-obese high diabetes risk women. Acta Diabetol. Epub ahead of print 7/2020. DOI: 10.1007/s00592-020-01553-1.
  • Emilia Huvinen, Anna-Kaisa Tuomaala, Paula Bergman, et al. Ascending early growth is associated with offspring adiposity in pregnancies complicated with obesity or gestational diabetes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2021 Apr 23;106(5):e1993-e2004. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa979. PMID: 33524144.
  • Huvinen E, Lahti J, Klemetti MM, Bergman PH, et al. Genetic risk of type 2 diabetes modifies the effects of a lifestyle intervention aimed at the prevention of gestational and postpartum diabetes. Diabetologia. 2022. doi: 10.1007/s00125-022-05712-7
  • Wekker V, Huvinen E, van Dammen L, et al. Long-term effects of a preconception lifestyle intervention on cardiometabolic health of overweight and obese women. Eur J Public Health. 2019;29(2):308-314.
  • Tuomaala AK, Huvinen E, Kallio M, Cederberg-Tamminen H. Äidin tyypin 1 diabeteksen vaikutus sikiön ja vastasyntyneen terveyteen. Lääketieteellinen Aikakauskirja Duodecim. 2020.
  • Koivusalo SB, Rono K, Klemetti MM, Roine RP, Lindstrom J, Erkkola M, Kaaja RJ, Poyhonen-Alho M, Tiitinen A, Huvinen E, Andersson S, Laivuori H, Valkama A, Meinila J, Kautiainen H, Eriksson JG, Stach-Lempinen B. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Can Be Prevented by Lifestyle Intervention: The Finnish Gestational Diabetes Prevention Study (RADIEL): A Randomized Controlled Trial. Diabetes Care. 2016;39(1):24-30.
  • Rönö K, Stach-Lempinen B, Klemetti MM, Kaaja RJ, Pöyhönen-Alho M, Eriksson JG, Koivusalo SB; RADIEL group. Prevention of gestational diabetes through lifestyle intervention: study design and methods of a Finnish randomized controlled multicenter trial (RADIEL). BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2014 Feb 14;14:70. doi: 10.1186/1471-2393-14-70. PMID: 24524674; PMCID: PMC3928878.
  • Rono K, Stach-Lempinen B, Eriksson JG, Poyhonen-Alho M, Klemetti MM, Roine RP, Huvinen E, Andersson S, Laivuori H, Valkama A, Meinila J, Kautiainen H, Tiitinen A, Koivusalo SB. Prevention of gestational diabetes with a prepregnancy lifestyle intervention - findings from a randomized controlled trial. Int J Women Health. 2018;10:493-501.
  • Rono K, Grotenfelt NE, Klemetti MM, Stach-Lempinen B, Huvinen E, Meinila J, Valkama A, Tiitinen A, Roine RP, Poyhonen-Alho M, Andersson S, Laivuori H, Kautiainen H, Eriksson JG, Koivusalo SB. Effect of a lifestyle intervention during pregnancy—findings from the Finnish gestational diabetes prevention trial (RADIEL). J Perinatol. 2018;38(9):1157-1164.
  • Valkama A, Koivusalo S, Lindstrom J, Meinila J, Kautiainen H, Stach-Lempinen B, Rono K, Klemetti M, Poyhonen-Alho M, Tiitinen A, Huvinen E, Laivuori H, Andersson S, Roine R, Eriksson JG. The effect of dietary counselling on food intakes in pregnant women at risk for gestational diabetes: a secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial RADIEL. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2016;70(8):912-917.
  • Grotenfelt NE, Wasenius N, Eriksson JG, Huvinen E, Stach-Lempinen B, Koivusalo SB, Rönö K. Effect of a maternal lifestyle intervention on metabolic health and adiposity of the offspring—findings from the Finnish gestational diabetes prevention trial (RADIEL). Diabetes Metab. 2019. Epub ahead of print.
  • Poulsen H, Meurman JH, Kautiainen H, Heikkinen AM, Huvinen E, Koivusalo S, Eriksson JG. Oral Health in Women with a History of High Gestational Diabetes Risk. Dent J (Basel). 2019;7(3).
  • Engberg E, Koivusalo SB, Huvinen E, Viljakainen H. Bone health in women with a history of gestational diabetes. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2019.
  • Meinilä J, Klemetti M, Huvinen E, et al. Macronutrient intake during pregnancy and offspring anthropometric indicators at 5 years of age. Int J Obes. 2021;45(5):1030-1043.
  • Kivelä J, Sormunen-Harju H, Girchenko PV, Huvinen E, et al. Longitudinal metabolic profiling of maternal obesity, gestational diabetes and hypertensive pregnancy disorders. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2021.
  • Johanna Saarikko, Anna Axelin, Emilia Huvinen, Iman Azimi, Miko Pasanen, Hannakaisa Niela-Vilén. Supporting Lifestyle Change in Obese Pregnant Mothers through the Wearable Internet-of-Things (SLIM) intervention for overweight pregnant women: Study protocol for a quasi-experimental trial. PLOS ONE. 2023;18(1):e0279696.
  • Sormunen-Harju H, Huvinen E, Girchenko PV, Kajantie E, Villa PM, Hämäläinen EK, et al. Metabolomic Profiles of Nonobese and Obese Women With Gestational Diabetes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023;dgad288.
  • Elina Blanco-Sequeiros, Anna-Kaisa Tuomaala, Rubina Tabassum, Paula H Bergman, Saila B Koivusalo, Emilia Huvinen. Early ascending growth is associated with maternal lipid profile during mid and late pregnancy and in cord blood. Int J Obes. August 2023.
  • Gonzalez M, Ellfolk M, Reponen J, Huvinen E, Malm H. Safety of Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy—The Finnish TIS experience. Neurotoxicology and Teratology. 2023;98:107237.
  • Sim Tieu, Saila B Koivusalo, Jari Lahti, Elina Engberg, Hannele Laivuori, Emilia Huvinen. The genetic risk of type 2 diabetes modifies the association between lifestyle and glycemic health at 5 years postpartum among high-risk women. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2024;12:e003942. doi: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2023-003942.
  • J. Saarikko, A. Axelin, E. Huvinen, A. M. Rahmani, T. Kolari, H. Niela-Vilén. Effectiveness of supporting lifestyle change in pregnant mothers with obesity through the wearable internet-of-things (SLIM) intervention on self-efficacy in weight management in pregnant women: A quasi-experimental trial. Midwifery. 2025;140:104235.
  • Poulsen H, Meurman JH, Kautiainen H, Huvinen E, Koivusalo S, Eriksson JG. Periodontal Disease and Metabolic Syndrome in Women at Prior High Risk for Gestational Diabetes. Clin Exp Dent Res. 2024 Dec;10(6):e70053.
  • Francesca Filippi-Arriaga, Nidhi Agarwal, Diana Rodrigues-Martins, Mariana P. Monteiro, Emilia Huvinen, Sara G I Suliman, Barbara McGowan, Andreea Ciudin. EASO Position Statement: Women with Obesity Across the Reproductive Life—Fertility, Preconception, Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Breastfeeding. Accepted for publication in Obesity Facts, May 2025.
  • Heidi Sormunen-Harju, Polina V Girchenko, Eero Kajantie, Pia M Villa, Esa K Hämäläinen, Emilia Huvinen, Marius Lahti-Pulkkinen, Hannele Laivuori, Katri Räikkönen, Saila B Koivusalo. Associations Between Maternal Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Maternal and Cord Blood Metabolome. Under review.
  • ICHOM obesity working group. International Consensus on Patient-Centered Outcomes for Adults living with Obesity: A unified approach from the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Adult Obesity Working Group. Submitted to Lancet eClinical Medicine.

Personal Life

Outside her professional life, Emilia Huvinen enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly hiking and cross-country skiing, finding these activities both physically invigorating and mentally restorative. She has a passion for all kinds of art and music, often relaxing by playing the piano and singing or knitting something for her family and friends.

Emilia is also known among friends for her love of cooking healthy, flavorful meals, and she appreciates quiet moments with good coffee and a thought-provoking book.The thing that lights up her face, however, is adventures to new exciting countries, breathtaking sceneries and authentic encounters with local people.

Gallery

  • Emilia Huvinen 2.jpg
  • Emilia Huvinen 3.jpg
  • Emilia Huvinen 4.jpg
  • Emilia Huvinen 5.jpg

In the media

           

References

  1. ↑ "Syyllisyyden lihavuudesta on loputtava – lääkäri Emilia Huvinen". Helsingin Sanomat (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Emilia Huvinen". University of Helsinki (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  3. ↑ "Emilia Huvinen – Lääkärit ja muut asiantuntijat". Mehiläinen Aava (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  4. ↑ "Lääkäri Emilia Huvinen haluaa lopettaa syyllistämisen". Helsingin Uutiset (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  5. ↑ "Emilia Huvinen: Syyllistäminen ei auta painonhallinnassa". Yle (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  6. ↑ "Lääkäri Emilia Huvinen kritisoi lihavuuden syyllistämistä". Länsi-Uusimaa (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  7. ↑ "Syyllisyys lihavuudesta on loputtava – Lääkäri Emilia Huvisen kirja". STT Info (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  8. ↑ "Emilia Huvinen: Viihteellä, mutta vakavasta aiheesta". Ilta-Sanomat (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  9. ↑ "Raskausdiabeteksen tutkija tarttui painonhallinnan haasteisiin". Suomen Diabetestutkimussäätiö (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  10. ↑ "Emilia Huvinen: Painonhallinta ilman syyllistämistä". Iltalehti (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  11. ↑ "Terveysaiheinen podcast – Emilia Huvinen". Spotify. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  12. ↑ "Gynekologi Emilia Huvinen tietää, miten vaikeaa on käsitellä tätä asiaa". Kauppalehti (in suomi). Retrieved 2025-07-08.

External links

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