Fit for service. Fit for life.

A challenge for health and for security

The functional capacity of young adults in Finland is declining. That affects public health, and it affects Finland's comprehensive security.

NutFinForce responds with a digital, AI-powered solution that helps conscripts adopt healthy lifestyle habits. It strengthens the role of nutrition as an element of military capability, alongside physical exercise. The project was announced on 12 August 2026 by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the University of Helsinki and the Centre for Military Medicine of the Finnish Defence Forces.

“The functional capacity of those liable for military service is a key element of Finland's defence capability. NutFinForce provides a new tool designed to develop performance systematically and over the long term.”

Delivered through Metabite

NutFinForce is delivered through the Metabite platform and its AI-based health technology. Conscripts receive coaching through a mobile app. The content is based on scientific evidence and supports personalised, lasting changes to how they eat and live.

The platform builds on a database of more than 8 million detailed meal classifications, gathered over ten years of work with nutrition therapists and clients ranging from elite athletes to people living with chronic conditions.

The pilot: Hattula, October 2026

A large-scale pilot study will be carried out at the Armoured Brigade in Hattula in October 2026, with incoming conscripts taking part on a voluntary basis. Coaching starts before military service, continues throughout the service period, and carries on after discharge.

The study is separate from the Defence Forces' catering services. All research activities take place during participants' own time.

“The aim is not only to improve performance in the short term but to achieve lasting lifestyle changes with a wide impact on public health and the resilience of society.”

From one brigade to a whole age group

The model is scalable and personalised, with potential benefits that reach from the individual to the population as a whole. NutFinForce is dual-use technology that works in both military and civilian settings. The long-term goal is to introduce it on a broad scale and improve the performance of an entire age group as part of Finland's comprehensive defence.

Built for international cooperation

The project is building international cooperation through NATO Defence Performance networks and with research partners in Europe and the United States. A digital, personalised and cost-effective model answers a growing need to improve population performance in both defence systems and civil society.

How it started

NutFinForce was already in preparation in April 2025, when the Centre for Military Medicine, the University of Helsinki, the City of Riihimäki and Metabite brought Lifestyle & Performance Medicine experts from Finland, the US, the UK and Lithuania together in Riihimäki. Read the summit story

Partners

• Ministry of Social Affairs and Health: funds the NutFinForce pilot
• University of Helsinki: research collaboration
• Centre for Military Medicine, Finnish Defence Forces: research collaboration
• Metabite: AI coaching platform and mobile app

SEE HOW METABITE SUPPORTS DEFENCE Metabite for military readiness