Health professionals for Childhood obesity in Attica

Vlami Mariantzela is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and Molecular Biologist - Geneticist with a private practice in Ampelokipoi, Athens. She graduated with honors from the Universities of Pisa and Trieste in Italy. She holds a master's degree in Dietetics - Nutrition and has also completed the "Clinical Nutrition" program at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Continuing her studies, she successfully completed the Harvard Medical School Course "Genetic Testing and Sequencing Technologies," receiving a scholarship. She specialized in Medical Genetics with a focus on Nutrigenetics (Functional Genomics of Human Nutrition - Clinical Nutrition). She has worked in the Department of Medical Genetics and Clinical Nutrition at the Pediatric Hospital IRCCS B. G. of Trieste, in the Department of Clinical Biochemistry at the University Hospital Cisanello of Pisa, and has extensive experience in counseling and nutritional education. Additionally, she has completed training programs in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Health Coaching. It is noteworthy that she was awarded by the University of Trieste for her experimental master's thesis entitled "Development of new genetic and immunological technologies in the diagnosis of celiac disease." She consistently participates in conferences and seminars, often as an instructor and speaker, staying updated on industry developments. Her method is based on nutrigenetic analysis, detailed history taking, and nutritional education, aiming for the highest possible personalization in nutrition to achieve optimal health and wellness outcomes based on the unique genotype, through the application of contemporary scientific knowledge and personalized approach. She holds a professional license as a Dietitian - Nutritionist in Greece with license number 701171 and a professional license in Italy with license number AA_083267.

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.

Pothoulaki Eleni is a Pediatrician who has maintained a practice for 15 years in the center of Athens. She completed her studies at the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Throughout her career, she has served in various hospital and regional facilities, including the "Elpis" Hospital in Athens, the "Agia Sofia" Children's Hospital, and the Asklipieio Hospital of Voula, as well as completing rural service at the Regional Clinic of Daphni Aigio. She specialized in Pediatrics, actively participating in conferences and scientific activities, and is a member of the Athens Medical Association. Her professional trajectory combines clinical experience, scientific training, and dedication to children's health, and at her practice, she provides specialized services in the field of infant, child, and adolescent development.

Ο Κλήμης Αθανάσιος είναι Διαιτολόγος – Διατροφολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Περιστέρι. Είναι απόφοιτος του τμήματος Διαιτολογίας του Queen Margaret University. Κατά τη διάρκεια της ακαδημαϊκής του πορείας εστίασε στην επιστημονική κατανόηση της διατροφής και στην πρακτική εφαρμογή της στην καθημερινή ζωή. Το 2021 ολοκλήρωσε την πρακτική του άσκηση στο Πανεπιστημιακό Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Αττικόν, όπου απέκτησε σημαντική εμπειρία στη λήψη διατροφικού ιστορικού, στις ανθρωπομετρικές μετρήσεις και στη διατροφική αξιολόγηση ασθενών. Παράλληλα, παρακολουθει συνεχώς σεμινάρια, ημερίδες και επιστημονικά συνέδρια, με στόχο τη συνεχή εξέλιξη και ενημέρωση στο αντικείμενο της διατροφής. Τα τελευταία χρόνια έχει συνεργαστεί με διαιτολογικά γραφεία, ιατρικά κέντρα, αθλητικά σωματεία και γυμναστήρια, αποκτώντας πολύπλευρη εμπειρία στη διατροφική καθοδήγηση διαφορετικών πληθυσμών. Από το 2022 έχει αναπτύξει ένα σταθερό και συνεχώς αυξανόμενο πελατολόγιο, βοηθώντας ανθρώπους να πετύχουν τους στόχους τους μέσα από εξατομικευμένα διατροφικά πλάνα. Η φιλοσοφία του βασίζεται στη δημιουργία ρεαλιστικών και εξατομικευμένων διατροφικών πλάνων, που προσαρμόζονται στις ανάγκες, την καθημερινότητα και τους στόχους του κάθε ανθρώπου. Στόχος του ειδικού δεν είναι απλώς η απώλεια βάρους, αλλά η υιοθέτηση υγιεινών συνηθειών που οδηγούν σε μακροχρόνια αποτελέσματα και καλύτερη ποιότητα ζωής. Παράλληλα, επενδύει συνεχώς στη γνώση, παρακολουθώντας σεμινάρια, ημερίδες και επιστημονικά συνέδρια, ώστε να προσφέρω πάντα σύγχρονες και επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένες υπηρεσίες.

Η Τσικρικού Ηλιάνα είναι Κλινική Διαιτολόγος - Διατροφολόγος και επιστημονική υπεύθυνη του Πρότυπου Κέντρου Διατροφής Nutriheal στην Νέα Σμύρνη. Σπούδασε στο τμήμα Επιστήμης Διαιτολογίας - Διατροφής του Χαροκοπείου Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και έπειτα παρακολούθησε το μεταπτυχιακό πρόγραμμα σπουδών με τίτλο Αρτηριακή Υπέρταση και Συνοδά Καρδιαγγειακά και Νεφρικά Νοσήματα της Ιατρικής Σχολής Αθηνών. Έχει ολοκληρώσει την μετεκπαίδευση στις Διατροφικές Διαταραχές μέσω του Κέντρου Εκπαίδευσης & Αντιμετώπισης Διατροφικών Διαταραχών (ΚΕΑΔΔ) καθώς και την μετεκπαίδευση στην Αθλητική Διατροφή του PeakPerformance. Έχει παρακολουθήσει πλήθος συνεδρίων και ενημερώνεται τακτικά για τις εξελίξεις στο χώρο του μεταβολισμού και διαφόρων νοσημάτων που χρήζουν διαιτολογικής εκτίμησης. Στη διάρκεια των σπουδών της πραγματοποίησε την πρακτική της άσκηση στο διαιτολογικό τμήμα του Γενικού Στρατιωτικού Νοσοκομείου Αθηνών 401 όπου και απέκτησε εμπειρία πάνω σε κλινικά περιστατικά. Στη συνέχεια, εργάστηκε ως διαιτολόγος-διατροφολόγος σε μεγάλη αλυσίδα γυμναστηρίων και σε διαιτολογικά γραφεία βοηθώντας άτομα να αποκτήσουν υγιές σωματικό βάρος και να βελτιώσουν τη σωματική τους σύσταση. Στο παρελθόν έχει προσφέρει τις υπηρεσίες της σε ειδικό κέντρο για καρκινοπαθείς με στόχο τη διατροφική υποστήριξη αυτών κατά τη διάρκεια και μετά τις αντικαρκινικές θεραπείες. Στόχος της είναι η καθοδήγηση των διαιτώμενων να αποκτήσουν υγιή σχέση με το φαγητό και νέες συνήθειες τα οποία θα τους βοηθήσουν να πετύχουν ένα υγιές σωματικό βάρος. Στο γραφείο παρέχονται υπηρεσίες εξαιρετικής ποιότητας με στόχο τη διατροφική εκπαίδευση. Πραγματοποιούνται σωματομετρήσεις και δίνονται εξατομικευμένα προγράμματα διατροφής βάσει των αναγκών και των προτιμήσεων του κάθε διαιτώμενου. Απευθύνεται σε άτομα όλων των ηλικιών που αντιμετωπίζουν δυσκολίες με το σωματικό τους βάρος, σε άτομα που χρειάζονται διαιτολογική παρακολούθηση λόγω προβλημάτων υγείας αλλά και σε άτομα που θέλουν απλώς να βελτιώσουν τις διατροφικές τους συνήθειες.

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.

Kleiasios Panagiotis - Nutriedition is a Clinical Dietitian-Nutritionist with the private dietetics and metabolism center Nutriedition in Ilisia. He holds a master's degree in applied dietetics with a specialization in nutrition and exercise from Harokopio University of Athens and a degree in dietetics-nutrition from the same university. At his private practice, personalized nutrition programs are provided for athletes as well as for children and adolescents. Additionally, nutritional programs are offered following specialized measurements aimed at reducing body fat, increasing muscle mass, as well as reducing, increasing, or maintaining body weight. Furthermore, nutrition programs are provided to address pathological conditions such as gestational diabetes, neurological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, and gastrointestinal problems. Finally, the primary goal of the center is to offer prevention and management services, as well as a decisive contribution to improving the quality of life for individuals of all ages through specialized programs and reliable dietary advice from the nutritionist.

Efthymiou Theodora, is a pediatrician and maintains a private practice located in Chalandri since 2006, while she is also collaborating with SOS DOCTORS as a fully active member. SOS DOCTORS is the first Greek organization of freelance medical specialists dedicated in providing home medical services in emergencies 24/7. They have carried out very important research work, which includes presentations at scientific conferences and publications in recognized international medical journals and their philosophy is that it is an obligation of every SOS doctor to be immediately at the patient’s side, any time any day. In September 1990, Mrs. Efthymiou entered the medical faculty of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and graduated in 1996 with honors and an overall grade “Excellent”. Further, she specialized in the University B Pediatric Clinic of "AGIA SOFIA" Children's Hospital in Athens for four consecutive years (2002-2006). During her studies, she specialized in the department of pediatric cardiology, pediatric allergology and pediatric otolaryngology. Doctor Efthymiou also provides regular monitoring of infants from the day they return home until the age of 18 with respective concern and friendliness. After many years of experience as an SOS pediatrician, she offers medical services at home, where the child feels comfortable and safe. With the same state of mind and approach when entering her office in Chalandri, the waiting room has a playground area where the child has the opportunity to have a fun time until the exam.

Ο κύριος Λάιος Παναγιώτης είναι Παιδίατρος - Ομοιοπαθητικός - Αναπτυξιολόγος με ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στη Νέα Σμύρνη. Είναι πτυχιούχος της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Δημοκριτείου Πανεπιστημίου Θράκης και υπ. Διδάκτωρ της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Πανεπιστημίου LMU Μονάχου. Κατά την διάρκεια των σπουδών διεξήγε με υποτροφίες πρακτική άσκηση σε μεγάλα νοσοκομεία όπως Karonlinska στην Στοκχόλμη , Meyer στην Φλωρεντία, στην μοναδική ιδιωτική ιατρική σχολή Witten - Herdecke της Γερμανίας και στο μεγαλύτερο νοσοκομείο της Ευρώπης AKH Wien στην Βιέννη. Έχει εκπαιδευθεί σε μεγάλα παιδιατρικά κέντρα σε Αγγλία, Γερμανία, Ελβετία, στην Πανεπιστημιακή Κλινική του Νοσοκομείου Παίδων "Παναγιώτη & Αγλαϊα Κυριακού" και στο Ογκολογικό Νοσοκομείο Παίδων "Ελπίδα". Επίσης, έχει διεξάγει πρωτότυπη έρευνα στο αντικείμενο της Μοριακής Νεογνολογίας στο Πανεπιστήμιο LMU του Μονάχου, στα πλαίσια της Διδακτορικής του Διατριβής. Οι ποικίλες μετεκπαιδεύσεις του αφορούν στους τομείς της Παιδιατρικής Γαστρεντερολογίας (Πανεπιστήμίο Χαϊδελβέργης), αναγνωρισμένη από το ΚΕΣΥ, του Παιδιατρικού Υπερήχου (πανεπιστήμιο Χαϊδελβέργης & Ιένας), αναγνωρισμένη από το ΚΕΣΥ, της Παιδοκαρδιολογίας & Αναπτυξιακών διαταραχών, μέσα από την εμπειρία του σε ιδιωτικά παιδιατρικά ιατρεία σε Γερμανία και Ελβετία και της Παιδοπνευμονολογίας & Αλλεργιολογίας, ως συνεργάτης της πανεπιστημιακής κλινικής του Δημοκρίτειου Πανεπιστημίου Θράκης. Έχοντας πολύχρονη εμπειρία σε νεογνολογικές κλινικές της Ευρώπης και στο μαιευτήριο Λητώ και παρακολουθώντας σεμινάρια μητρικού θηλασμού έχει συμμετάσχει στην διαδικασία πιστοποίησης ως σύμβουλος γαλουχίας IBCLC . Ακόμα, έχει μεγάλη εμπειρία σε παιδιά προσχολικής ηλικίας μέσα από την εκτενή συνεργασία του ως παιδίατρος σε 9 δήμους της επικράτειας αλλά και σε παιδιά με χρόνιες παθήσεις δουλεύοντας μέχρι και σήμερα σε δομές αρωγής ατόμων ΑμΕΑ. Ο γιατρός έχει λάβει μέρος σε πλήθος συνεδρίων σε Ελλάδα και Ευρώπη και ενημερώνεται συνεχώς πάνω στις εξελίξεις του αντικειμένου του ώστε να παρέχει εξειδικευμένες υπηρεσίες στις ιδιαίτερες κι εξελισσόμενες ανάγκες των παιδιών. Στο πλήρως εξοπλισμένο & ανακαινισμένο παιδιατρικό ιατρείο του στην Νέα Σμύρνη παρέχει εξειδικευμένες υπηρεσίες για την παρακολούθηση παιδιών από τη νεογνική μέχρι και την εφηβική ηλικία καθώς και για τη διάγνωση, παρακολούθηση και αντιμετώπιση κάθε παιδιατρικής πάθησης και επείγοντος περιστατικού, καθώς και συμβουλευτική στους γονείς για θέματα εμβολιασμού, ανάπτυξης παιδιών και νεογνών, διατροφής κ.α. Παρέχει συμβουλευτική μητρικού θηλασμού. Τέλος, πραγματοποιεί και επισκέψεις κατ’ οίκον.

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.

My name is Maria Athanasopoulou and I hold a degree in Dietetics – Nutrition from the University of Crete. After many years of professional experience in the private sector, I decided to specialize by combining my knowledge of nutrition with my passion for children. I attended pediatric nutrition seminars and, seeking a more comprehensive education, I chose to pursue postgraduate studies in pediatric nutrition through the first accredited postgraduate program in Greece, offered by the University of Essex.

My philosophy as a nutritionist is to build strong and stable foundations in your relationship and your children's relationship with food. My primary goal is to provide guidance and education on new dietary habits to become a lifestyle, achieved through personalized and scientifically substantiated approaches.

Artemis Kyrka, MSc., RD., is a registered Dietitian and founder of the dietetic office WellPlate in Pangrati. She offers modern dietetic services (in person and online) to patients of all ages, with the primary goal of changing their dietary behaviors and improving their relationship with food.

She works with cases such as weight management through intuitive eating programs and behavior change techniques, women's health, fertility, gut health, and pediatric & adolescent nutrition. She provides evidence-based and practical guidance tailored to each individual's needs.

She holds an MSc in "Women & Children's Health" from King's College London and has trained in diabetes clinics serving the general population, pregnant women, children, and young people at Guy's & St Thomas' Foundation Trust.

She brings years of experience from voluntary work in South Africa, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom, delivering nutrition and hygiene education to children from diverse populations. She collaborates with SLP, OT, IVF units, gynecologists, and pediatricians to provide holistic, personalized care.

Her mission is to provide flexible, evidence-based nutritional support that empowers patients to transform their dietary behaviors and improve their relationship with food, enhancing overall health and well-being.

Meladaki Dimitra Kai Synergates is a Dietitian - Nutritionist maintaining a private practice in Nea Ionia. She holds a master's degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, and a bachelor's degree in Dietetics - Nutrition Science from Harokopio University of Athens. Additionally, she has specialized in Obesity and Weight Management at the University of Glasgow. Throughout her career, she has provided voluntary dietetic services to the municipalities of Cholargos and Papagos, and currently collaborates with Harokopio University on research projects as well as with mednutrition to educate the public on nutrition-related topics. Furthermore, she is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists of Greece and has attended numerous conferences and workshops on Nutrition and Dietetics held in Greece.

Makaratzi Viky is a Dietitian-Nutritionist and operates her private practice in Korydallos. She has worked in dietetic offices as a lead Dietitian and has attended numerous postgraduate seminars and conferences. Her philosophy is summarized as follows: "Our body is our home, and only we can take care of it, providing it with energy, mood, psychology, and health. All of this is achieved through a balanced diet. The number of kilograms is not important, but the weight that makes each individual feel comfortable with themselves. I am a companion on this journey to help each of you reach the best version of yourself."

Maria Mpalla is a Pediatrician - Child Neurologist and maintains a private practice in Psychiko, Athens. Concurrently, she collaborates with the Pediatric Clinic at the "MITERA" Children's Hospital and serves as a Scientific Associate in pediatric neurology at the 1st Pediatric University Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, at the "Agia Sofia" Children's Hospital. Additionally, she has worked as a Pediatrician at the Aristotle Corinthian Educational Institute. She possesses extensive experience in pediatric dermatology, counseling and techniques for proper breastfeeding, child nutrition, developmental pediatrics, and pediatric neurology.

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.

Olga Kakoulidi is a Dietitian - Nutritionist who maintains a private practice in Neos Kosmos. She holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Thessaloniki Higher Technological Educational Institute. She has completed further training with an emphasis on communication skills, participated in the counseling skills program "Beyond the Limits of Diet," as well as in the program for the investigation, identification, and treatment of eating disorders at the Psychoanalytic Research Center of Athens. Additionally, the Dietitian - Nutritionist regularly attends conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay informed about the latest developments in her field. In her private practice, she provides specialized dietary programs for adults, the elderly, athletes, children, and adolescents, and is capable of managing numerous conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Finally, her primary concern is to achieve the visitor's goal without the feeling of deprivation.