Health professionals with experience in Childhood obesity

Το διαιτολογικό γραφείο Geothrepsis | Βερλέκη Γεωργία εδρεύει στους Αμπελόκηπους στην Αθήνα από τον Δεκέμβριο του 2022. Η Βερλέκη Γεωργία είναι Διαιτολόγος - Διατροφολόγος και υπεύθυνη του διαιτολογικού γραφείου. Αποφοίτησε από το Ανώτατο Τεχνολογικό Εκπαιδευτικό Ίδρυμα Θεσσαλίας και, έπειτα, προχώρησε σε μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές με κατεύθυνση την Κλινική – Ιατρική Διατροφή, στην Ιατρική Σχολή του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης. Διαθέτει επαγγελματική και κλινική εμπειρία από το 2016, αφού έχει εργασθεί ως Κλινική Διαιτολόγος - Διατροφολόγος στη Γενική Κλινική Metropolitan General, συμμετείχε στο σχεδιασμό της υπηρεσίας, «Υπηρεσία Εξατομικευμένης Διατροφικής Φροντίδας – Advanced Patient Nutrition», του Γενικού και Γυναικολογικού / Μαιευτικού Νοσοκομείου ΜΗΤΕΡΑ και εργαζόταν, παράλληλα, ως Διαιτολόγος - Διατροφολόγος σε ιδιωτικό διαιτολογικό γραφείο των Αθηνών. Την εξάμηνη πρακτική της άσκηση ολοκλήρωσε επιτυχώς στην Γενική Κλινική ΙΑΣΩ General. Είναι μέλος της Ένωσης Διαιτολόγων Διατροφολόγων Ελλάδας (ΕΔΔΕ) από το 2016. Στο ιδιωτικό της γραφείο πραγματοποιεί όλες τις συνεδρίες, για φυσιολογικές και παθολογικές καταστάσεις, ενηλίκων, παιδιών, εφήβων, εγκύων, θηλαζουσών και ατόμων τρίτης ηλικίας. Η εξατομίκευση είναι ο βασικός άξονας στον οποίο στηρίζεται η προσέγγισή της. Βασικό της μέλημα είναι να ανοίξει καινούργιους δρόμους σε όσους την εμπιστευθούν. Κινείται πάντα με γνώμονα την αφετηρία, το παρελθόν και τους στόχους του καθενός και με σεβασμό στη διαφορετικότητα, σχεδιάζει προγράμματα διατροφής που θα οδηγήσουν αργά ή γρήγορα, αλλά κυρίως ανθρώπινα στο επιθυμητό αποτέλεσμα. Εκτός από τη διαχείριση βάρους και τη διατροφική εκπαίδευση, αναλαμβάνει και την διατροφική υποστήριξη κλινικών περιστατικών. Ενίοτε σε πιο αυστηρό πλαίσιο. Όμως πάντα με επίκεντρο τον ασθενή, τα "θέλω" και τα "δε θέλω" του, τις κόκκινες γραμμές του. Με τον εξοπλισμό τελευταίας τεχνολογίας (επαγγελματικό ζυγό και αναλυτή σύστασης σώματος με βιοηλεκτρική εμπέδηση) που διαθέτει το γραφείο εγγυάται πάντα τα πιο ακριβή αποτελέσματα μετρήσεων. Οι συνεδρίες μπορούν να πραγματοποιηθούν και από απόσταση.

Giannopoulou Aggeliki MSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Petroupoli. She holds a degree from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University of Athens and a master's degree from the same university in "Nutrition and Exercise." Since 2009, she has been a Scientific Collaborator with Harokopio University and the Medical School of Athens, participating primarily in European research programs focused on health promotion in the field of nutrition and community interventions. Additionally, since 2009, she provides dietetic services, and since June 2016, she has operated her personal dietetic office in Petroupoli, Attica. Her dietetic practice offers nutrition services tailored to individual needs, aiming to improve health and quality of life. The services provided include assessment and education sessions, personalized nutrition and weight management programs based on detailed medical and nutritional history for: the general population (children, adolescents, adults, elderly), specific groups (pregnancy, lactation, athletes), pathological conditions (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, nephropathies, gastrointestinal diseases, eating disorders), as well as body composition analysis - adipometry (with segmental analysis capabilities), evaluation of fat and muscle mass, hydration levels, visceral fat, and assessment of basal metabolic rate and metabolic age.

Nutrifit - Tsimpou Maria is a Dietitian - Nutritionist operating a private practice in Nea Artaki. She graduated from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Crete and holds a certification in "Clinical Nutrition" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she possesses a Master Practitioner certification in Eating Disorders and Obesity for adults, children, and adolescents from the Centre for Education and Management of Eating Disorders (CEAMED), under the guidance of the British Psychology Society. She subsequently pursued postgraduate studies in Psychology at the University of East London. Her practical training was completed at the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos," where she assessed and developed dietary plans for both healthy and clinical patients. In recent years, she has been working as CEO and founder of the website nutri-fit and collaborates with the Biomedical Diagnostic Company Genosophy, specializing in genetic testing analysis and personalized nutrition. She is a member of the Hellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists and contributes articles to the website Diatrofi. Finally, as part of her ongoing professional development and specialization, she attends numerous seminars on nutrition, clinical dietetics, obesity, and food science.

Kalentakis Dimitrios is a Pediatrician and maintains a private practice in Petroupoli. He studied at the Democritus University of Thrace, obtaining a degree from the Medical Department, and holds a degree in Biology from the University of Crete. He has worked as a Pediatric Resident at the General Children's Hospital of Penteli, gaining extensive experience, as well as a Family Pediatrician at the Local Health Unit of Petroupoli. In his fully equipped clinic, he addresses issues related to allergy assessments, gastroesophageal reflux, dyslipidemias, eczema, jaundice concerns, management of childhood obesity, and also performs vaccinations from the neonatal period through adolescence, aiming at the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of all relevant conditions.

Vlaxos Thomas is a Dietitian-Sports Nutritionist based in Pallini. He is a top graduate of the Dietetics department at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Scotland, and holds a master's degree in "Applied Sports and Exercise Nutrition" from Oxford Brookes University, Oxford. He has obtained anthropometry certification from ISAK GLOBAL, certification as an anti-doping advisor from the UKAD organization in England, holds the title of Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders and Obesity under the auspices of the National Centre for Eating Disorders (NCfED) in the UK, and has been trained in Life and Executive Coaching. He has a record of publications, lectures, and presentations at scientific conferences and continuously updates his knowledge of advancements in the field of nutrition by participating in relevant seminars and conferences held both in Greece and abroad. He contributes articles to reputable Greek websites related to exercise and nutrition and delivers lectures in municipalities, schools, children's institutions focused on nutrition, and sports clubs aimed at maximizing athletic performance. On a daily basis, he helps both adults and children adopt a healthier lifestyle without deprivation through modification of dietary behavior, thereby contributing to the reduction of the risk of various diseases, as well as assisting athletes through optimal sports nutrition to enhance their athletic performance.

Aggeli - Kilitsian Maria is a Nutritionist - Dietitian and maintains a private practice in Elliniko, Attica. She is a graduate of the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and holds a Master's degree (MSc) titled "Food, Nutrition, and Microbiome" from the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace in Health Sciences. Her master's thesis focused on the "Correlation of the Microbiome with Depression and the Role of the Mediterranean Diet." Additionally, she is a graduate of the "Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders & Obesity" program, certified by the British NCfED (National Centre for Eating Disorders). She works as a freelancer with a professional practice license and has over 20 years of experience. From 2017 to 2020, she served as the head of the Dietetic Department at the Municipal Clinics of the Municipality of Agios Dimitrios, Attica, managing numerous cases of adult and pediatric obesity, diabetes mellitus, kidney diseases, hypercholesterolemia, pregnancy, etc. Her practical training took place at the General Hospital "Asklipieio" of Voula. As part of her research thesis, she investigated the quality of life of hemodialysis patients, which she presented at the EFAD conference in Barcelona in 2011 and was ranked among the top 10 presentations. Furthermore, her work has been published in the EFAD e-journal: Angeli-Kilitsian M., Meintani J. Quality of Life in Greek Hemodialysis Patients Correlated with Anthropometric Evaluation, EFAD e-journal 2015;2(1):13-14. Within the framework of continuing education, she has attended seminars on topics such as "Diabetes Mellitus," "Genetics," "Special Education and Training," "Evidence-Based Medical Nutrition," and "Metabolomics and Clinical Application in Autoimmune and Chronic Diseases" at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, as well as participation in workshops, conferences, and webinars.

Anna Gavrieli is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and operates a dietetic office, the Nutrition Studio, in Ampelokipi (Athens Tower / Hippocrates) in Athens. She is a graduate and PhD holder from Harokopio University, with postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School/BIDMC. Additionally, she is a former research lead for Compass (BAMCO) at Google. She provides a wide range of nutritional support services for health, various conditions, and different life stages, but focuses on habit change for weight loss and weight loss maintenance. She firmly believes that lifestyle habit changes are the key for individuals to take control of their weight and health. Her philosophy is that in order for someone to achieve long-lasting results, they must change the habits that lead to problematic behaviors and consequently weight gain. Her goal is to investigate problematic habits and pleasantly restructure new ones based on existing behaviors. In this way, long-term maintenance of results can be achieved, allowing the individual to enjoy a healthy weight and an improved lifestyle.

Dr. Karagkouni Ioanna Maria is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with private practices in Marousi and Markopoulo, Attica. Having completed her studies in Biology at Ruhr University Bochum and her doctorate in Molecular Physiology at the Max Planck Institute in Dortmund, she combines profound scientific knowledge with a passion for health promotion. Her subsequent training as a nutritionist at BTB, as well as specialization in food intolerance and nutritional psychology at HSD University of Applied Sciences, have enhanced her multifaceted profile. She actively collaborates with leading scientific organizations, such as the German Nutrition Society, the German Society for Nutritional Medicine, and the Hellenic Nutrition Society, and is a member of organizations including QUETHEB. Through continuous education and practical experience, she offers personalized nutritional solutions that improve health, metabolism, and the overall well-being of those who trust her.

Mpagiazidou Elli BSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She is a graduate of the BSc Hons Dietetics program from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland. During her studies, she completed internships in various fields to familiarize herself with different conditions and settings. Specifically, she undertook her practical training at three major hospitals in Thessaloniki: the AHEPA University General Hospital, the Euromedica Cyan Cross Clinic, and the AROGI Rehabilitation Center, where she managed a wide range of clinical cases such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, among others. Additionally, she worked in a dietetic office, gaining hands-on experience with everyday dietetic practice. Throughout her studies, she attended numerous seminars and training sessions on topics including diabetes mellitus, childhood obesity, sports nutrition, supplements, and more. After completing her basic studies, she specialized in Mediterranean Nutrition and Cardiovascular Disease Management at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as in Pediatric Nutrition. Currently, she is continuing her education in Clinical Nutrition through a postgraduate program at the University of Essex. She has attended and continues to attend numerous seminars and training courses to constantly learn and stay updated in the field of nutrition science. Her passion for the science of nutrition continues to grow, and her goal is to help an increasing number of people achieve their individual nutritional goals, discovering through this journey the wellness that a healthy and balanced diet offers.

Pardali Eleni is a graduate Dietitian - Nutritionist, licensed to practice, and a PhD candidate in the Department of Medicine at the University of Thessaly.

She graduated from the Department of Nutrition Science & Dietetics at the International Hellenic University (IHE) in Sindos. Her undergraduate thesis, which was graded Excellent, focused on the damage to 5’,8-cyclo-2’-deoxypurines of DNA, the diseases associated with them, and the potential protective effects of antioxidant compounds against such damage.

Subsequently, supported by a scholarship, she completed her Master's studies specializing in “Nutrigenomics and Personalized Nutrition” at the University of the Balearic Islands (Universitat de les Illes Balears, UIB) in Mallorca, Spain. She graduated with distinction, as well as her diploma thesis, which addressed the epigenetic effects of maternal nutrition on the fetus during pregnancy, as well as nutritional components of breast milk that may contribute to the potential reversal of alterations in hepatic lipid metabolism. During her stay in Mallorca, she served as a research intern at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition, and Biotechnology (LBNB) at UIB, where she completed her practical training.

Since 2022, she has been a member of the Immunonutrition Unit of the Rheumatology & Immunology Clinic at the University General Hospital of Larissa (PGNL) and an external collaborator of the private clinic “Thessalia General Clinic.”

Dr. Chryssoula Driggopoulou is a board-certified paediatrician with extensive clinical experience and specialized training in paediatric nutrition, infectious diseases, and neonatology. She has studied and practiced both in Greece and the United Kingdom, and she remains fully committed to continuous scientific development and delivering high-quality care to children and their families.She completed her specialty training in Paediatrics between 2015 and 2019 at the East of England Deanery in the United Kingdom. She then pursued postgraduate studies in Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine at the Democritus University of Thrace (2019–2021), followed by an MSc in Paediatric Nutrition at Boston University in 2021.Her professional experience began in 2013 at the Medway Maritime Hospital (UK), where she worked in a Level 3 Neonatal Unit. In 2014, she continued at Broomfield Hospital in a Level 2 Paediatric and Neonatal Unit. Since 2020, she has been working as a paediatrician at the General Hospital of Serres in Greece, providing comprehensive care to the children of the region.In parallel with her clinical work, Dr. Driggopoulou has participated in numerous seminars and scientific conferences. These include the Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS Hellas, 2021), the Neonatal Life Support Course organized by the Hellenic Society of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (2022), the Panhellenic Paediatric Pulmonology Conference (2024), and training in emotional resilience and mental health in children and adolescents during the Covid-19 pandemic, in collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has also taken part in multiple National Paediatric Congresses and in the Continuing Paediatric Education Program by the University of Ioannina.She is an active member of the General Medical Council (UK) since 2013, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (UK) since 2014, the Medical Association of Serres since 2006, the Hellenic Paediatric Society since 2020, and the Volunteer Academy HELPHELLAS since 2022.With scientific competence, international experience, and a human-centered approach, Dr. Driggopoulou provides high-quality paediatric care with an emphasis on prevention, empathy, and building trust with families.

Konstantina Eksarxopoulou MSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Athens. She holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Harokopio University of Athens and completed the postgraduate program "Stress Management and Health Promotion" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is a Scientific Associate at the "Agia Sofia" Children's Hospital and an external collaborator at the multidisciplinary physiotherapy rehabilitation and physical wellness center "Physiopolis". Additionally, she serves as the Lead Dietitian for the "Alliance for Health - Nutrition" program and as a Dietitian - Nutritionist at the Athens General Hospital "Laiko" and at the Nursing Foundation of the Army Share Fund (NIMTS). Finally, she is a member of the Scientific Society for Stress Management and Health Promotion.

Η Κοκολοπούλου Αλεξάνδρα είναι Διαιτολόγος – Διατροφολόγος, MSc με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος και πραγματοποιεί επισκέψεις κατ' οίκον και online . Είναι πτυχιούχος του τμήματος Διατροφής και Διαιτολογίας του Ανώτατου Τεχνολογικού Εκπαιδευτικού Ιδρύματος Καρδίτσας και κάτοχος του μεταπτυχιακού τίτλου «Διατροφή στην υγεία και την νόσο» από το τμήμα Ιατρικής του Πανεπιστημίου  Θεσσαλίας. Έχει πιστοποιημένη επιμόρφωση στην Γνωστική Συμπεριφοριστική Θεραπεία από το Εθνικό & Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών. Στη διάρκεια των σπουδών της πραγματοποίησε την πρακτική της άσκηση σε ιδιωτικό διαιτολογικό γραφείο των Αθηνών όπου απέκτησε εμπειρία πάνω σε φυσιολογικές και παθολογικές καταστάσεις περιστατικών. Ύστερα από την πρακτική της άσκηση συνέχισε να εργάζεται στο ίδιο διαιτολόγιο γραφείο ως διατροφολόγος – διαιτολόγος. Η φιλοσοφία της βασίζεται στην πεποίθηση ότι η ψυχική υγεία παίζει πρωταρχικό ρόλο στην προσπάθεια για σωστή διατροφή και την υιοθέτηση νέων διατροφικών συνηθειών γιαυτό το λόγο δίνει ιδιαίτερη βάση στην ψυχολογική υποστήριξη και ενδυνάμωση των περιστατικών της μέσω της συμβουλευτικής. Στις συνεδρίες της προσφέρει έπειτα από την πλήρη λήψη διατροφικού και ιατρικού ιστορικού, διατροφική  εκπαίδευση, συμβουλευτική διατροφή, ανάλυση σύστασης σώματος, λιπομέτρηση και σωματομετρήσεις  σε  περιστατικά φυσιολογικών (παιδιά, έφηβοι, αθλητές, εγκύους, θηλάζουσες, άτομα τρίτης ηλικία κ.α) και παθολογικών καταστάσεων (παχυσαρκία, δυσλιπιδαιμία, αναιμία, διαβήτη, νόσο εντέρου κ.α). Τα προγράμματα  διατροφής είναι εξατομικευμένα και σχεδιάζονται με γνώμονα την καθημερινότητα και τις συνήθειες του διαιτώμενου. Τέλος αναλαμβάνει οικογενειακές συνεδρίες με στόχο την διατροφική εκπαίδευση για νέες υγιεινές διατροφικές συνήθειες  και διατροφική  παρακολούθηση όλων των μελών της οικογένειας, ιδιαίτερα των πιο μικρών μελών της.

Athanasia Pagoni MD, MSc, PhDc is a Pediatrician with a private practice in Chalandri. She is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has extensive experience in the field of pediatrics and obstetric care, having worked for five years at the General Children's Hospital "Agia Sofia," and since 2022, she has continued her professional career at the Maternity Hospital "Mitera." She has been an active member of the Athens Medical Association since 2012 and approaches her work with dedication, consistency, and a strong sense of responsibility towards her patients.

Roussaki Eirini is a Pediatrician with a private practice in Ilioupoli. She studied at the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and specialized in Pediatrics at the Pediatric Clinic of the General Hospital of Nikaia Piraeus. During her specialization, she spent 2 years in the Neonatal Unit. She has extensive clinical experience, having served as a Pediatrician in the Primary Health Care sector of IKA in Ilioupoli for 17 years. She participated in the pediatric dermatology clinic for emergency dermatological cases at the 1st University Pediatric Clinic for three years and actively supported the pediatric department of MKEI (Hellenic). Noteworthy is her voluntary contribution through the Aegean Team to the residents of remote islands for over a decade. Finally, she has regularly participated in Greek and international pediatric conferences and has attended numerous seminars related to family counseling and pediatric psychology.

Η Ζωή Μαυρίδου είναι Διαιτολόγος – Διατροφολόγος, απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Επιστήμης Διαιτολογίας και Διατροφής του Χαροκοπείου Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Με πάθος για την επιστημονική ακρίβεια και την εξατομικευμένη προσέγγιση, δημιούργησε το Κέντρο «Διατροφή Ζωής», με στόχο να παρέχει προσωποποιημένη καθοδήγηση βασισμένη στις ανάγκες και τις ιδιαιτερότητες του κάθε ανθρώπου.

Πιστεύοντας στην αξία της δια βίου μάθησης, έχει εξειδικευτεί περαιτέρω σε σημαντικά πεδία της διατροφής όπως:

• Διατροφή στην κύηση, το θηλασμό και τη γονιμότητα, μέσω προγράμματος του ΚΕΔΙΒΙΜ του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης.
• Διατροφικές διαταραχές (βουλιμία, ψυχογενής ανορεξία, συναισθηματική υπερφαγία) με εξειδίκευση επίσης από το ΕΚΠΑ.
• Health Coaching, ολοκληρώνοντας σχετική εκπαίδευση στο Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών, ώστε να ενισχύσει τη βιωσιμότητα των διατροφικών αλλαγών στην καθημερινή ζωή των συμβουλευόμενων.
• Εκπαίδευση στο πρόγραμμα “Πέρα από τα όρια της δίαιτας”, από το Κέντρο Ψυχολογικών Εφαρμογών (ΚΕ.Ψ.ΕΦ), που επικεντρώνεται στη σχέση με το φαγητό και τη βελτίωση της διατροφικής συμπεριφοράς χωρίς περιοριστικές δίαιτες.

Έχει επίσης ενεργή παρουσία σε εκπαιδευτικά και επιστημονικά δρώμενα, όπως:

• Παρακολούθηση συνεδριών, ημερίδων και ιατρικών συμποσίων που αφορούν την παχυσαρκία, τις τροφικές αλλεργίες, τις ΙΦΝΕ, την οστεοπόρωση και άλλα συναφή θέματα.
• Είχε συνεργασία με το Ινστιτούτο Prolepsis για εκπαιδευτικές δράσεις σε σχολεία με θέμα τη διατροφική εκπαίδευση παιδιών.
• Πραγματοποίηση πολλών ομιλιών σε παιδικές και εφηβικές αθλητικές ομάδες.

Παράλληλα, εμπλουτίζει συνεχώς τις γνώσεις της μέσω της παρακολούθησης μαθημάτων της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης Κλινικής Διατροφής και Μεταβολισμού (ESPEN LLL) και του World Obesity Organization (SCOPE), για την απόκτηση της πιστοποίησης “Specialist Certification of Obesity Professional Education”.

Με γνώμονα ότι «η διατροφή δεν είναι ίδια για όλους», η Ζωή Μαυρίδου εργάζεται με σεβασμό στη μοναδικότητα κάθε ατόμου, προσφέροντας ουσιαστική, εφαρμόσιμη καθοδήγηση και υποστήριξη. Όραμά της είναι η βελτίωση της σχέσης με το φαγητό και η ουσιαστική αλλαγή τρόπου ζωής, μέσα από επιστημονική γνώση, ενσυναίσθηση και ρεαλισμό.