05/10/2011

On May 10th, 2011, the Cyprus Nutrition Day, a roundtable discussion was held on the subject of "Positive body image: I respect and love my body". The event was held at the UNESCO Amphitheatre of the University of Nicosia / Intercollege, and was co-organized by the Ministry of Health, the Cyprus Dietetic Association, the MAZI Foundation for eating disorders and obesity and the department of Health and Life Sciences of the University of Nicosia / Intercollege.

The discussions began with Dr. Fotini Arvaniti, Clinical Dietician - Nutritionist and a member of the Medical Unit of the Hellenic Parliament, who presented alternative approaches to diet for weight loss. Ms. Christina Sorokou, Psychologist, PCP Psychotherapist and Master Practitioner in ED - NCFED, followed analyzing the issue of body image. Actress, Elena Papadopoulou presented the issue of media and eating disorders.

Extremely important was the presentation by Ms. Despo Loizou, Clinical dietician and home economics teacher, of the research conducted at Latsia High School titled "Love your body".

Mr. Andreas Skouroupates, nutritionist, informed the audience of the development of interactive educational material relating to eating disorders.

The discussion’s moderator was Mrs. Eliza Markidou representing the Ministry of Health and Ms. Eleni Andreou, President of the Cyprus Dietetic Association and Vice president of the MAZI Foundation. Mrs. Eleni Andreou, in her greeting, presented the work of student Elfridi Zea, from the Graphic Design department of the University of Nicosia, who won first prize in the competition ‘Body Image’ which was carried out in a collaboration of the University of Nicosia and the MAZI foundation.