Health professionals for Childhood obesity

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.

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."

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.

Paulou Xristina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Chalkida. She holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics of the School of Health Professions and Welfare at the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and completed her internship at the General Regional Hospital of Chalkida, with additional involvement in the Diabetes department aimed at dietary compliance of patients. The dietitian specializes in clinical nutrition (diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, etc.), as well as techniques from the field of psychology for the management of chronic obesity. In her dietetic practice, she provides individualized nutrition programs for both normal and pathological conditions, as well as for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Additionally, nutritional genetic testing is conducted at the office. This method involves a genetic examination (saliva sample), based on the most current scientific data, which facilitates the extraction of extensive information through the unique genetic profile of each patient and significantly modifies the patient’s lifestyle. Finally, she actively participates in conferences on nutrition, clinical dietetics, obesity, and food, aiming at continuous professional development.

Prekas Xristos is a Clinical Dietitian – Nutritionist, BSc, and has operated two dietetic offices since 2011, located in Petralona and Santorini. He holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics at Harokopio University of Athens and is a member of the Hellenic Dietitians – Nutritionists Association. He has participated in numerous research studies, organizes seminars and lectures for adults and children on nutrition and childhood obesity, and regularly contributes articles to nationwide websites and newspapers.

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.

Mat Nutrition - Matatsi Euaggelia is a Dietitian - Nutritionist who maintains her private practice in Edessa and also holds appointments in Athens, in the area of Dafni. She is a graduate of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Higher Technological Educational Institute of Larissa and completed her internship at the University General Hospital of Athens "Alexandra," where she gained experience with clinical cases as well as in the areas of breastfeeding and nutrition during pregnancy. Additionally, she successfully completed the Specialization Program in Eating Disorders and Obesity (Master Practitioner Programme in Eating Disorders & Obesity) at the Center for Education and Treatment of Eating Disorders (KEADD), under the auspices of the National Center for Eating Disorders of Great Britain (NCFED). She attended the training seminar: "Specialist in Sports Nutrition" by the scientific team of the Ergometric Center for Nutrition & Exercise "Peak Performance," as well as the Educational Seminar "FODMAP Diet Regimen" by the scientific team of epimorfosi.eu. Since then and up to the present, she has been actively involved in the field of nutrition, delivering educational presentations on nutritional education to groups of children and sports clubs primarily in the Edessa area. Since 2019, she has maintained her private practice "maΤ.Nutrition" in Edessa, and from 2025 she also holds appointments in Athens. Ms. Matatsi believes that balanced nutrition is a lifestyle change and not simply a “magic” solution that will make you thin or muscular. Every individual is unique, and only when they find what suits them will they be able to achieve their goal. Nutritional education is the key to a healthy mind and body.

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.

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.

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.

Giannitsopoulou Kallia MSc, MBA, SRD is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, practicing continuously since 2003. In 2005, she established the Scientific Dietetic Center "Healthy Body," where she has helped over 3000 individuals find solutions to body weight issues to date. She graduated with honors from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom (2002) and obtained two postgraduate degrees: a Master's in Clinical Nutrition (MSc) from the University of Surrey with distinction (2003) and an MBA (2011) from the University of Leicester. Additionally, she has studied Life Coaching (Dip in Coach.) and successfully applies self-improvement techniques in nutrition sessions. The combination of coaching knowledge and clinical nutrition optimizes results in weight management as it aids in a better psychological approach to the individual. Ms. Giannitsopoulou has a rich portfolio of publications since 2005 in health magazines and newspapers and is intensively engaged in weight loss, clinical nutrition, eating disorders, and nutrition across life stages.

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.

Ioanna Xatziemmanouil is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Nikaia. She holds a degree from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University, specializing in Pediatric Nutrition, having completed the educational program “Master Nutritionist in Pediatric Nutrition.” She possesses clinical and scientific experience and is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists. Additionally, she has attended numerous workshops and conferences.

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.

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.