Liisa Tolvanen

I am a registered dietitian with specialist competence in adult obesity and basic training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I defended my doctoral thesis titled "It's not a quick fix" consequences of weight loss during life and experiences of weight regain after bariatric surgery October -23. My research interests include obesity, weight management, nutrition, obesity management medications, weight recurrence and follow-up after metabolic and bariatric surgery. I use both qualitative and quantitative research methods. I do my clinical work as a dietitian at the Center for Obesity, Academic Specialist Center in Region Stockholm. I supervise students and give lectures on obesity management to students and healthcare providers. I am the Education Officer for the educational activities run by the Centre for Obesity.

Committee work

• National Obesity Care Working Group (NAG Obesitas)
• Swedish Association of Registered Dietitians (DRF), Board Member of the Sections for Obesity and Bariatric Surgery
• European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD), Member of the European Specialist Dietetic Network for Obesity Committee (ESDN Ob),
• International Federation for the Surgery and Other Therapies for Obesity – European Chapter, Member of the Integrated Health Committee (IFSO-EC IH)
• International Federation for the Surgery and Other Therapies for Obesity, Member of the Scientific Committee (IFSO)
• Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg), Member of the Steering Committee

Awards and Scholarships

2026 IFSO IH Observership

2026 Global Bridges (SFO-V)

2025 SCOPE National Fellow by the World Obesity Federation 

2025 IRIS Scholarship

2024 Health and Behavior International Collaborative (HBIC) Award by the International Society of Behavioral Medicine.