Hilde Kristin Brekke

Hilde Kristin Brekke is a Professor in the Section for Clinical Nutrition at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo. She maintains active research collaborations with institutions including Cornell University, University of Gothenburg, University of Linköping, University of Eastern Finland, Oslo University Hospital, and Chalmers University.

• 2013: Docent in clinical nutrition at Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sweden
• 2004: PhD in clinical nutrition at Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sweden
• 1997: Clinical Nutritionist, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
• 1995: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, University of Oslo, Norway

Professor Brekke's research focuses on maternal and child nutrition with particular emphasis on postpartum weight loss, cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic effects of breastfeeding, body composition, and diet during pregnancy. Her work bridges clinical nutrition with public health implications for maternal and infant health. She has established herself as a leading researcher in postpartum nutrition interventions and their long-term health outcomes.

Her publication record shows consistent high-impact research in nutritional science, particularly examining how dietary interventions affect postpartum women with obesity. Recent work has expanded into understanding metabolic profiles across generations, examining connections between maternal nutrition, infant development, and long-term cardiovascular health. Her research frequently employs randomized controlled trials and leverages large cohort studies like the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study.

• Award for innovation in bachelor's and master's education

Professor Brekke leads multiple significant research projects including the Effect of weight change and breastfeeding (EVA study), The OPTIMIST study, and Pregnancy, breastfeeding and cholesterol (Femina study). Her research group investigates critical intersections between nutrition, cholesterol metabolism, inflammation, and atherosclerosis, with special focus on obesity and cardiovascular disease in women after childbirth. She has secured substantial grant funding to support longitudinal studies examining how nutritional interventions during pregnancy and postpartum affect both maternal recovery and child development.

Her research team actively collaborates across Scandinavian countries and with international partners to address pressing questions in maternal and child nutrition, with particular attention to translating research findings into practical clinical guidelines and public health recommendations.