Hellenic Medical Association for Obesity (HMAO)
About HMAO:
Founded in 1991, the Hellenic Medical Association for Obesity (HMAO) is a non-governmental scientific association, operating on a non-profit basis in Athens, Greece. According to its Memorandum, HMAO aims to promote “the scientific research and study of obesity and the metabolic diseases in Greece” as well as “the scientific research in the field of healthy nutrition of the contemporary individual”.
HMAO is a member of the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) and the World Obesity Federation (WOF). It ranks up to 400 members from various areas of professional expertise, such as physicians, dieticians and other healthcare professionals, with scientific integrity, rich clinical experience and high academic and scientific qualifications.
During the last thirty-three years, HMAO has organised numerous scientific and non-scientific events focused on obesity prevention, management and treatment:
- The 14th European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2005), 1-4/6/2005, with 2.500 participants from 85 countries.
- The 17th European Childhood Obesity Group (ECOG) Annual Meeting, 5-7/7/2007.
- National three-day Medical Congresses on Obesity.
- Scientific two-day Symposia
- Clinical Tutorials, Seven (7) Post Educational three-day Meetings.
- Many Scientific one-day Symposia in major cities of the Greek province with broad participation.
- Numerous complex events (including concerts, live performances, exhibitions, lectures) addressed to the public and especially to children.
The Hellenic Medical Association for Obesity has carried out the "First National Epidemiological Large-scale Survey on the Prevalence of Obesity in the Greek Population" based on a nationwide population sample of 35.386 individuals (17.341 adults and 18.045 children and adolescents).
Book publications: The HMAO has published two books on Obesity, authored by respected scientists, intending to offer a comprehensive approach to addressing obesity both from a clinical perspective and by exploring its broader impact on health: "Obesity in Clinical Practice" and "The Consequences of Obesity on Health".
HMAO’S Advocacy for Recognition of Obesity as a Disease: The HMAO consistently works towards the recognition of obesity as a disease at a national level, aiming to reduce stigma and improve the understanding of obesity as a complex health issue.
Greek Guidelines for Obesity: The HMAO is the leading partner in developing the Greek Guidelines for Obesity, in collaboration with reputable scientific organizations and Obesity Canada.
Continuous goals: Professional Awareness & Education, Policy Impact & Advocacy, Research and Publications, Collaboration Expansion, International Collaboration, and Public Education initiatives to raise awareness, provide information, and promote healthy behaviours.
President: Leonidas Lanaras
Vice-President: Georgios Valsamakis
Secretary General: Efthymios Kapantais