Our research
Improved prevention of non-communicable disease by combining population-based epidemiological research with clinical intervention studies
The main purpose of our research is enhanced understanding of cardiovascular risk factors and how cardiovascular health can be strengthened. There are various opinions and advice about obesity and lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity and diet. We need to establish scientific knowledge coupled with clinical expertise to integrate modern technology into the daily processes of healthcare. Our aim is that the research that we conduct results in knowledge which can be transferred into practical use for self-care and health care.
The research group is multiprofessional and includes physicians, nutritionists, physiotherapists, dietitians, physiologists, statisticians, and others. We conduct research in close collaboration with health care providers. We have research collaborations both nationally and internationally, primarily with Italy, Germany, and the United States. We also frequently welcome master students and doctoral candidates from other countries into our group.
Obesity – from molecules to populations
Globally, obesity is a more important public health issue than hunger. We conduct epidemiological studies in the field of obesity; clinical trials and intervention studies, but also more preclinical work about the tissue-specific adaptations to weight loss interventions, as well as qualitative studies about the experiences of health care personnel and patients.
Physical activity and diet – important parts of lifestyle
We study the role of lifestyle behaviors and their association with disease. Data sources include for example the large Swedish National March Cohort with over 40 000 participants followed since 1997. We also have an ongoing large cohort of treatment seeking adolescents and young adults with obesity (Swedish Youth with Obesity Cohort, SYO). In addition, we evaluate new methods to assess physical activity and diet.
Digitalization of healthcare
In order to improve lifestyle behaviors, we work with digital interventions. For example, we have carried out several randomized controlled trials to evaluate if smartphone apps can improve lifestyle behaviors. We also study the use of digital communication and AI for lifestyle guidance. To better understand the use of telemedicine in primary care, we conduct research projects evaluating the use and experience of digital vs in-person primary care.
Teams in our research group: