Dr. Dimitris T. Papadimitriou
Pediatric Endocrinologist - Pediatric Diabetologist DIU, DU, CCU,
former Lecturer at Joseph-Fourier University, Grenoble, France
Visiting Professor of Neonatal - Peditaric - Adolescent Endocrinology at the University of Thessaly Medical School, as of the academic year 2023-2024
Dietitian's role
Who are the diet services for?
Dietary services are aimed at children, adolescents, adults and the elderly who aim to change the way they think and consequently the way they eat.
What does the dietitian-nutritionist do?
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Receives a detailed medical and nutritional history
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Performs somatometric (fat measurement) and anthropometric measurements (measurement of height, weight, circumference).
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Receives a history of body weight
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Records daily habits (working hours, activities, preferences)
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Gathers information from 24-hour recall / Food Frequency Calendar
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Performs body composition analysis (adipose tissue, lean mass, bone, water)
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If there are recent blood tests, they are asked to be given in the first session to be taken into account in shaping the diet plan. Otherwise, it is requested that some tests be performed with the consent of the doctor.
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Applies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques where needed (eg Food and Emotion Diary)
The evaluation is regular and adapted in each case in order to achieve the desired result.
What dietary services are provided? In what cases can a dietitian help?
Weight management: weight loss or gain
This service is aimed at people aiming to lose or gain weight. It is also suitable for people who have tried in the past to manage their weight by choosing various diets to no avail.
Our goal is to design together a flexible program tailored to your personal needs, but mainly to find such a balance, so that weight management is no longer a matter of concern. Adopting new eating habits beyond the classic diet plan, using various techniques, is our main concern as we give weight to the person and not to the scales
Nutrition during childhood and adolescence
This service is aimed at children / adolescents who:
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have a problem with their weight (increased / decreased). In cases of increased weight and depending on the age and developmental stage of the child / adolescent, more emphasis is given to the adoption of good eating habits and secondarily to weight management. At the same time, instructions are given for the increase of physical activity, within the family, either in the form of leisure or in the form of structured sports.
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There is a suspicion of an eating disorder or when a nutritional deficiency is found (eg lack of iron, vitamin D).
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There is a chronic condition (eg celiac disease, type 1 diabetes) or when a child is exercising it is beneficial to visit a dietitian-nutritionist to ensure the intake of all the necessary nutrients that lead to the normal development of the child.
There is a discussion of the problems and concerns of parents about their child's diet, issues are developed for the way of cooking, the planning of the optimal flow of meals during the day, the appropriate choice of food according to international recommendations, the ways of dealing with of emotional hunger etc.
The cooperation of the parents as well as their proper guidance is considered necessary, since the changes in the child's diet mean a change in the lifestyle of the whole family.
Clinical diet
Nutrition can play a key role in both the intake and treatment of various diseases resulting in improved quality of life for patients.
Type 1 diabetes: In the case of juvenile diabetes there is extensive training in equivalents and carbohydrate counting, the right choice of meals, low glycemic index foods etc. so that the parents but above all the child himself not only handles empirically0-0-0-0, but to acquire the knowledge and skills required to be able to become fully autonomous in the management of diabetes.
Eating Disorders: The most common eating disorders that occur are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. The collaboration with a dietitian aims to improve the relationship with food but also to restore the nutritional status of the individual. The interdisciplinary approach here is considered necessary (psychologist, endocrinologist) to achieve the desired result.
Type 2 diabetes: In the case of a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, diet can be useful in regulating blood sugar levels and thus achieving good glycemic control.
Cardiovascular Disease: If someone develops high blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides or other cardiovascular problems, diet can go a long way in managing these indicators.
Gastrointestinal problems: Cases such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, the patient needs to be educated nutritionally to reduce the complications that occur from the above conditions.
Liver disease: Good nutritional management of diseases such as fatty liver, liver disease, bile removal is of utmost importance so that the person can handle the current condition and also function as a prevention of possible complications.
Kidney Diseases: Impaired kidney function or diseases such as kidney failure require proper nutritional guidance to achieve proper kidney function.
Cancer: Diet can be extremely useful in various forms of cancer both to correct cancer cachexia and to support the body during chemotherapy.
Nutrition in pregnancy and lactation
The period of pregnancy includes significant changes both in the woman's body and in her psychology. A balanced diet can ensure that the woman receives all the necessary nutrients for her and the baby. Also, treating any complications during this period (eg gestational diabetes, high blood pressure) and weight management are cases where they need nutritional monitoring.
Breastfeeding is the only method of feeding the baby during the first six months of life. To ensure better milk quality and correct possible nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy as well as to restore weight to normal range