National defence capability is linked to the performance of those serving in military roles. Physical, mental and cognitive performance are interconnected. Nutrition, physical fitness, mental health and sleep are key factors through which both the individual’s and the whole unit’s capacity to perform can be significantly improved. The Finnish Defence Forces play a significant role in promoting public health, as our defence is based on a trained reserve and comprehensive security.

The Centre for Military Medicine of the Finnish Defence Forces (SOTLK), the University of Helsinki and the City of Riihimäki will host an international top-level event on 7–10 April 2025 focusing on the importance of performance-enhancing, healthy lifestyles in supporting military readiness as part of defence capability. The event brings together experts from Finland, the United States Air Force, the British Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, and Lithuania, among others. The event promotes international, multidisciplinary cooperation in the areas of defence sector actors, academic research and health technology.

The declining health and well-being of young Finns is a major challenge for public health, the national economy and national security. Physical and mental health challenges directly affect working capacity and performance, which is reflected throughout society and thus also in the Defence Forces. Capable reservists and citizens form the foundation of defence and of performance in emergency conditions. Our food environment has changed, and although young people have good basic knowledge about health, new kinds of means are needed to support young people in making healthier choices in everyday life. Globally, excess weight has become a challenge for military training and defence capability in various countries.

“Maintaining defence capability requires more than traditional healthcare, which is why military medicine is increasingly focusing on maintaining performance and on preventive measures such as nutrition, sleep and physical training,” says the Director of SOTLK, Chief Physician Ilkka Laaksi.

The University of Helsinki and the Centre for Military Medicine are preparing the NutFinForce study, which aims to investigate the strengthening of defence capability through digital, AI-assisted nutrition coaching. The preparation of the study involves the United States Air Force Lifestyle&Performance Medicine Working Group, Metabite and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. The goal is to improve the performance of conscripts through tailored nutrition guidance before, during and after service, using personalised coaching solutions. “We need effective and scalable solutions that appeal to young people and provide support
for adopting healthy lifestyles,” says the director of the study, Professor Kristiina Patja from the University of Helsinki.

“Developing defence and security innovations requires strong networks. Riihimäki wants to serve as a platform that connects domestic and international actors and promotes the creation of new solutions. The DEFINE innovation ecosystem and top-level events like this are a key part of the city’s investment,” says Jouni Eho, Mayor of Riihimäki.

Further information:
SOTLK, Ilkka Laaksi tel. 0299 575 100
University of Helsinki, Kristiina Patja tel. 050 4392175
Riihimäki/DEFINE: Teemu Seppälä tel. 050 374 4589

In brief:
● The Centre for Military Medicine of the Finnish Defence Forces: The Centre for Military Medicine looks after the health of conscripts and Finnish Defence Forces personnel. The centre also organises field medicine training and conducts military medical research.
● University of Helsinki, Department of Public Health: Focuses on promoting population health, preventing diseases and reducing health inequalities. NutFinForce: The Impact of Digitally Delivered Lifestyle Performance Medicine intervention on Defense Performance in Finland. The study assesses the feasibility, acceptability and cost-effectiveness of health coaching, as well as its effects on the adoption of healthier dietary and lifestyle habits. The aim is to promote long-term health benefits for public health and to improve national defence capability.
● Metropolia University of Applied Sciences: Metropolia’s motion laboratory performs walking and running analyses, isokinetic muscle strength measurements and other assessments of mobility and functional capacity. In the NutFinForce research collaboration, the experts of Metropolia’s motion laboratory carry out both the physical and the cognitive follow-up measurements.
● Metabite is a Finnish health technology company specialising in AI-based nutrition coaching. The company offers scalable and cost-effective solutions for promoting health and enhancing nutrition guidance worldwide.
The company’s development draws on a unique database of over 7 million meals, accumulated over ten years in collaboration with dietitians and a wide range of clients – from elite athletes to people living with chronic illnesses. Thanks to this, Metabite is able to provide individualised and automated nutrition coaching for a wide variety of needs.
● The United States Air Force Lifestyle & Performance Medicine Working Group integrates the principles of lifestyle and performance medicine into military healthcare to improve the readiness and long-term health of service personnel. Focusing on six pillars – nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, social connections and avoiding harmful substances – the group conducts research, provides training and implements clinical and community-based initiatives. By promoting evidence-based measures, it supports soldiers’ performance, disease prevention and holistic well-being.