Health professionals for Childhood obesity

Vandorou Anastasia is a Clinical Dietitian – Nutritionist, MSc and maintains a private practice in Kallithea (within the polyclinic Doctor Hall). She is a graduate of Harokopio University, holding a Master's degree in Applied Dietetics – Nutrition with a specialization in Clinical Nutrition. She has extensive experience with cases such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, childhood obesity, thyroid diseases, and metabolic disorders, and has collaborated with both private and public health institutions. She has participated in research programs and publications in international scientific journals, as well as in health education initiatives. With scientific expertise and a patient-centered approach, she provides personalized nutritional support aimed at prevention and health improvement.

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.

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.

Isaakidis Akritas - NutriOn is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Neapoli, Thessaloniki. He holds a degree from the International Hellenic University in Thessaloniki, specializing in Sports Nutritional Guidance from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Through concurrent practical training abroad and in hospitals, as well as attending seminars and conferences, he has gained extensive experience and education as a nutrition professional. We focus on a Healthy Lifestyle, and therefore, we invite you to become a member of the "NutriOn" family! Let us start with the goal of changing dietary habits, taking into account your individual needs and analyzing your body composition (fat, muscle mass)! We will develop a personalized nutrition program tailored to your specific needs, fully covering you and providing all the nutrients necessary for your body to function properly! Whatever your nutritional goal is, we have the solution and tools to achieve it!

Η Παρωτίδη Χαρά MSc είναι Διαιτολόγος - Διατροφολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στον Άλιμο. Απέκτησε το πρώτο της πτυχίο στην Τεχνολογία Τροφίμων, όπου ανακάλυψε τη βαθιά σχέση ανάμεσα στα τρόφιμα και την υγεία. Η επιθυμία της να μάθει περισσότερα, την οδήγησε στο δεύτερο πτυχίο της ως Κλινική Διαιτολόγος - Διατροφολόγος, όπου μελέτησε το πώς η διατροφή επηρεάζει τις λειτουργίες του σώματος. Η έρευνά της συνεχίζεται μέχρι σήμερα, με το μεταπτυχιακό της στο μικροβίωμα του εντέρου, έναν συναρπαστικό κόσμο που αποκαλύπτει συνεχώς νέες πτυχές της υγείας.

Ένα σημαντικό κομμάτι της πορείας της αφορά τις διαταραχές πρόσληψης τροφής και τη διαταραγμένη σχέση με το φαγητό, το σώμα και την εικόνα του. Αυτό περιλαμβάνει τόσο το λεγόμενο συναισθηματικό φαγητό, όσο και πιο σοβαρές κλινικές καταστάσεις όπως η ανορεξία, η βουλιμία ή η υπερφαγία. Πρόκειται για σύνθετες και απαιτητικές προκλήσεις που συχνά αντικατοπτρίζουν την προσπάθεια του ατόμου να κατανοήσει τον εαυτό του, να βρει ισορροπία και να βρει τη θέση του στον κόσμο.

Η προσέγγισή της δεν εστιάζει σε αριθμούς στη ζυγαριά, αλλά στη δημιουργία ουσιαστικών αλλαγών που μπορούν να διαρκέσουν στον χρόνο. Η αλλαγή δεν έρχεται με στέρηση και πίεση, αλλά με υπομονή και σταδιακή αποκατάσταση της σχέσης με το φαγητό και το σώμα.

Μαζί με την ομάδα της, είναι σε θέση να βοηθήσουν το άτομο να αγκαλιάσει τον εαυτό του με περισσότερη φροντίδα, κατανόηση και αποδοχή. Στόχος της είναι να υποστηρίξει το κάθε άτομο από όλες τις πλευρές, για να βελτιώσει την ποιότητα της ζωής του.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Anna Kolokotroni is a Clinical Dietitian based in Thessaloniki. She studied Nutrition and Dietetics at the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki and specialized in Clinical Nutrition with a postgraduate degree from the International Hellenic University. She gained experience in hospitals such as Theageneio and AHEPA, and has participated in the WHO's COSI program for childhood obesity. She holds a Diploma in Eating Disorders and Obesity from the United Kingdom. Since 2021, she has been operating a dietetic practice in the center of Thessaloniki, helping individuals improve their health and quality of life through nutrition.

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.

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.

Tsilipakou Despoina is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist and has operated a certified dietetic practice since 2015 in Thessaloniki. She graduated from the Department of Nutrition – Dietetics at the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki. She is also a final-year student of the postgraduate program "Applied Dietetics and Nutrition, specializing in Clinical Nutrition" at Harokopio University – Department of Dietetics & Nutrition Science. She completed a postgraduate specialization program in Pediatric Nutrition "Master Nutritionist in Pediatric Nutrition" at EL.DE Studies and a training program in "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" at the University of the Aegean, within the Mental and Community Health Program. During her training, she conducted scientific research on the measurement of basal metabolic rate and its correlation with physical activity and appetite. She has attended specialized conferences in clinical nutrition, nutrition for chronic diseases, pediatric nutrition, nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and sports nutrition. She holds a professional license to practice as a Dietitian - Nutritionist from the General Directorate of Public Health and Social Welfare, Department of Health Services and Professions. Finally, she has many years of experience and is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists.

Natalia Syrimi is a Pediatrician - Military Doctor and maintains a private practice in Pallini. She graduated with honors from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and graduated as Head of School from the Military Officers School of Corps. She specialized in Pediatrics in Greece at the 1st University Pediatric Clinic of the Children's Hospital "Agia Sofia" and in the United Kingdom at Southmead Hospital in Bristol and Great Western Hospital in Swindon, where she completed her training. She holds a postgraduate diploma in pediatric infections from the University of Oxford. Previously, she worked as a Trainee in Neonatology in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, England, and as a Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist in the Pediatric Department of Great Western Hospital in Swindon, England. Currently, she also works as a Consultant Pediatrician in the Pediatric Department of the 251 Air Force General Hospital and is a member of the Hospital Infection Control Department with an active role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic and a strong research interest. She is a member of the European Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID) and has participated in numerous Greek and international conferences. Finally, she has specialized expertise and experience in neonatology, breastfeeding, and pediatric infectious diseases.

Anna Georgiou BSc, MSc is a Dietitian-Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She holds a degree from the Dietetics department of Queen Margaret University in Scotland and a postgraduate degree in "Applied Dietetics and Nutrition" from Harokopio University of Athens. She has worked as a Clinical Dietitian at the Athens Medical Center, and currently, in addition to her private practice, she works as a Dietitian-Nutritionist at IASIS Medical Diagnostic Centers. Finally, she is a regular member of the Hellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists.

Iordanidou Katerina is a Pediatrician in Thessaloniki. She is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Thessaly and obtained her Pediatric specialization title in September 2019 following examinations. She began her specialty in the Pediatric Clinic of the General Hospital of Kavala and subsequently moved to the United Kingdom. She initially trained in the Neonatal Unit at Barnet Hospital in London and later at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, where she acquired extensive experience in general pediatrics, pediatric cardiology, and the emergency department. She received further training in pediatric endocrinology at the Royal London Hospital, working as a Senior Endocrine Fellow. She also worked as a Senior Registrar at Barnet Hospital and Royal Free Hospital, covering the Pediatric Department and the Neonatal Unit. Since 2013, she has been a certified ERC instructor in Neonatal Life Support (NLS Instructor). Since January 2023, she has maintained a private practice with modern equipment in the center of Thessaloniki, in a space designed to meet the needs of both children and mothers, including a breastfeeding area. With responsibility and scientific expertise, she undertakes the care of children from the neonatal period through adolescence.

Papavasileiou Georgia is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice at Mavili Square. She holds a degree from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University and graduated with honors from postgraduate studies in the "Science of Stress and Health Promotion" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

She specialized in nutritional intervention with a psycho-educational approach and in modifying dietary behavior in adults living with obesity. In 2017, she obtained the Adult Educator Educational Adequacy title from EOPPEP. Furthermore, she continues her postgraduate education in the field of Clinical Nutrition through the lifelong learning program of ESPEN "Life Long Learning Programme on Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism" and possesses extensive experience in clinical cases.

She collaborated and trained for three years in the Diabetology Department of the Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes Unit of the 1st Pediatric Clinic of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens at the "Agia Sofia" Children's Hospital. She worked on the Endorse program collaborating with families of children with Type 1 Diabetes. Currently, she follows several families of children with obesity and diabetes mellitus.