Health professionals for Childhood obesity

Louraki Mara MD, PhD, IBCLC is a Pediatrician, Doctor of Medicine from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She maintains a private practice in Paiania. Concurrently, she works as a scientific associate at the Diabetes Clinic of the 2nd University Pediatric Clinic of the General Children’s Hospital "P. & A. Kyriakou" and as a consultant pediatrician at "Euroclinic Children’s Hospital." She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her pediatric specialization took place at the Children's Hospital "P. & A. Kyriakou," the General Hospital "Asklipieio Voulas," and the Neonatal Unit of the General Hospital - Maternity "Elena Venizelou." She has particular expertise in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes mellitus, having worked as a scientific associate in the Endocrinology Department of the Children's Hospital "P. & A. Kyriakou" and in the Diabetes Clinics of the 1st and 2nd University Pediatric Clinics (at the Children's Hospitals "Agia Sofia" and "P. & A. Kyriakou," respectively), where she completed her doctoral dissertation. She holds certifications in advanced neonatal and pediatric life support (NLS, APLS) and an international certification as a Breastfeeding Counselor. Additionally, she has been trained in administering the Standardized Screening Test for Autism Spectrum Disorders ("pais"). As part of her continuous professional development, she participates in numerous conferences. She has presented scientific papers at both Greek and international conferences, and her authorship includes publications in Greek and international journals.

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.

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.

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.

Kontogianni Eirini is a Pediatrician with 10 years of experience in managing acute and chronic cases and maintains a private practice in Charilaou, Thessaloniki. She handles the full age spectrum from neonatal to adolescent stages.

She graduated from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and since 2021 has been serving as a Pediatrician at the "Agios Loukas" Clinic in Thessaloniki. Upon completion of her medical studies, she worked at the Skiathos Health Center, fulfilling her mandatory rural service. She worked as a resident physician at the General Hospital of Giannitsa, the General Hospital of Piraeus "Tzaneio," and completed her specialty training at the General Children's Hospital "Agia Sofia" in Athens. During her specialty, she underwent training in the Adolescent Medicine Department, the Endocrinology Department focused on Metabolism - Diabetes Mellitus - Obesity, the Pediatric Neurology and Development Department, the Allergy Unit, and the Hematology - Oncology Department. The 6-month neonatal observation took place at the "Elena Venizelou" Maternity Hospital. The doctor collaborated with the Athens Medical Center and worked as a Pediatrician at the National Poison Control Center. Additionally, she served as an Auxiliary Registrar B' at the Children's General Hospital of Athens "P. & A. Kyriakou."

At her private practice, she undertakes the monitoring of growth and development of infants, children, and adolescents. She places particular emphasis on preventive medicine, proper parental guidance, and building a relationship of trust, offering personalized and scientifically substantiated care.

Xiotelis Ignatios is a Dietitian - Nutritionist who maintains a private practice in Ilioupoli while also conducting remote counseling sessions. He graduated from the University of Greenwich with comprehensive studies in Human Nutrition and Dietetics and has completed an Integrated Master’s degree in Food Science and Nutrition at the Agricultural University of Athens. Combining his studies, he possesses a strong scientific background in both the biochemistry and physiology of nutrition as well as applied clinical practice. He has professional experience as a Dietitian - Nutritionist, providing personalized nutrition programs and comprehensive dietary support based on the individual needs and medical history of each person. He specializes in pediatric and adolescent nutrition, nutritional management of diabetes mellitus, clinical dietetics, nutritional counseling, obesity management, and metabolism regulation. Additionally, he works with nutrition and exercise, supporting individuals seeking to improve their body composition and overall health through a scientifically grounded approach. His goal is to develop realistic and sustainable dietary habits tailored to each person’s lifestyle, emphasizing nutritional education, prevention, and the long-term maintenance of results.

Dimitrios Tzirarkas is a Dietitian - Nutritionist who maintains a private practice in Aigaleo. He has 27 years of professional experience and has handled thousands of cases. He is a graduate of the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition of the Thessaloniki Higher Technological Educational Institute. He specialized in Clinical Nutrition at the General Hospital "Asklipieio" in Voula, acquiring valuable knowledge with greater emphasis on Diabetes cases. In the past, he served as Head Dietitian at Weight Loss and Aesthetic Centers and worked at Avgirinopoulou IEK as an instructor in the field of Nutrition. He is a member of the Hellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists (HADN) and regularly attends specialized seminars and conferences in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Recently, he successfully completed the University of Thessaly's educational program entitled "Nutrition and Mental Health," obtaining specialization (master practitioner) in cases of Eating Disorders (Bulimia, Anorexia Nervosa, Night Eating Syndrome).

Zeinentin Subchia is a Pediatrician and maintains a private practice in Melissia. She was born in Athens and graduated from the Medical School of the University of Thessaly. She completed his compulsory field service at the General Hospital of Chalkida and specialized in pediatrics at the General Hospital of Penteli Children's Hospital. She was trained in Paediatric Dermatology at the Athens Aphrodisiac and Dermatological Diseases Hospital "Andreas Syngros" and in Neonatology at the General Hospital "Elena Venizelos" and at the Neonatal Unit of the General Children's Hospital of Athens "P. & A. Kyriakou". She holds a Master's degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with the title "Clinical Pediatrics and Nursing - Research" and a thesis entitled "Predisposing factors of obesity in children with ADHD and in children without ADHD". She is certified in the use of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, "Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development", at Churchill College, Cambridge and is certified in the use of the PAIS test for early detection of autism. In addition, she holds a Postgraduate Certificate in "Fundamentals of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrics", from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has participated in numerous pediatric conferences with talks and posters. He has taken part in several voluntary activities, such as blood donations, immunizations of needy children, pediatrician in national examinations of children with special needs. Finally, he is proficient in English, French and Arabic.

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.

Η Αρετή Δήμητρα Παινέση είναι Διαιτολόγος – Διατροφολόγος και εδρεύει στο Χαλάνδρι, πτυχιούχος του Τμήματος Διατροφής και Επιστήμης Τροφίμων από το Πανεπιστήμιο του Reading του Ηνωμένου Βασιλείου, και κάτοχος δύο μεταπτυχιακών τίτλων (MSc Med Sci): στην Κλινική Διατροφή από το Πανεπιστήμιο της Γλασκώβης και στον Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη & την Παχυσαρκία από την Ιατρική Σχολή Αθηνών.

Είναι επί σειρά ετών επιστημονική συνεργάτιδα στο ΙΑΣΩ Παίδων, όπου ασχολείται με τη διατροφική υποστήριξη παιδιών και εφήβων, τόσο για την απώλεια βάρους, όσο και για τη διαχείριση κλινικών περιστατικών, όπως αλλεργίες, δυστροφία και άλλες διατροφικές ή ιατρικές καταστάσεις που απαιτούν εξειδικευμένη υποστήριξη. Παράλληλα, διαθέτει πολύχρονη εμπειρία στη διαχείριση ατόμων με νοσογόνο παχυσαρκία που έχουν υποβληθεί σε βαριατρική επέμβαση καθώς συνεργάζεται με ομάδα εξειδικευμένων χειρουργών, όπως ο Καθηγητής Χειρουργικής Λέανδρος Εμμανουήλ και η Χειρουργός Μαρία Νατούδη, συμβάλλοντας ουσιαστικά στη διατροφική τους αποκατάσταση και στη μακροχρόνια διατήρηση της απώλειας βάρους τους. 

Επίσης έχει ασχοληθεί εκτενώς με άτομα με Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη Τύπου 1 και Τύπου 2, εγκυμονούσες με διαβήτη κύησης, καθώς και άτομα με μεταβολικές και ενδοκρινικές διαταραχές (δυσλιπιδαιμίες, παθολογικές καταστάσεις του θυρεοειδούς).

Η φιλοσοφία της βασίζεται στην εξατομικευμένη, ρεαλιστική και επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένη προσέγγιση, με στόχο τη δημιουργία βιώσιμων συνηθειών και τη βελτίωση της σχέσης του ατόμου με τη διατροφή.

Οι συνεδρίες πραγματοποιούνται δια ζώσης ή online, με πλήρη αξιολόγηση και καθοδήγηση, πάντα με σεβασμό στις ανάγκες, το ιατρικό ιστορικό και τον τρόπο ζωής κάθε ατόμου.

Στο πλαίσιο των δια ζώσης συνεδριών, γίνεται χρήση σύγχρονου λιπομετρητή, για ακριβή ανάλυση της σύστασης σώματος (λιπώδης μάζα, μυϊκή μάζα, σωματικά υγρά), που επιτρέπει πιο στοχευμένη και αντικειμενική παρακολούθηση της προόδου.

Sali Ioanna MSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist - Sports Dietitian and operates a dietetic office in Chalkida. She holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the International Hellenic University and a postgraduate degree from Harokopio University. She is currently a Scientific Collaborator at Harokopio University and participates in the "National Action Against Childhood Obesity", a program of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNICEF. She has experience with a wide range of cases, focusing on clinical nutrition (diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, etc.) and sports nutrition in both adults and children. Additionally, she provides personalized nutrition plans for breastfeeding women, pregnant women, and individuals with eating disorders. Her goal is to promote lifestyle changes, the adoption of healthy habits without deprivation, and the improvement of individuals' relationship with food. She regularly participates in nutrition conferences and seminars and frequently speaks on nutrition topics in schools and sports teams.

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.

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.

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.

Artemis Kyrka, MSc., RD., is a registered Dietitian and founder of the online clinic WellPlate. She offers modern online dietetic services to patients of all ages, with the primary goal of changing their dietary behaviours and improving their relationship with food.

She works with cases such as weight management through intuitive eating programmes and behaviour change techniques, women's health, fertility, gut health, and paediatric & 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, gynaecologists, and paediatricians, offering holistic and personalised care to her patients.

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