ABOUT US
The Armenian Association of Obesity Prevention (AOP) is Armenia's leading professional organization dedicated to addressing one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time: the obesity epidemic and its associated metabolic diseases.
Founded in 2023, AOP represents a unified voice of medical professionals, researchers, and allied health specialists committed to advancing the prevention, treatment, and understanding of obesity in Armenia and the surrounding region.
Our Recognition
In 2024, AOP achieved a significant milestone by becoming a member of the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), positioning our organization within the global network of obesity research and clinical excellence. This membership reflects our commitment to international standards and collaboration in the field of metabolic medicine.
Meet the Team
Haykanush Hambardzumyan
Founder and President of the AOP,
Endocrinologist
Levon N. Grigoryan
Board Member
Laparoscopic surgeon, bariatric surgeon, coloproctologist, oncologist, head of the endoscopic service, "SLAVMED" MC, lecturer at the Department of General Surgery, YSMU.
Renata L. Markosyan
Board Member
PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of Endocrinology, YSMU, Endocrinologist, Pediatric Endocrinologist, Head of the Endocrine Service of the “Wigmore” hospital
David Gevorgyan
Board Member
Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist. Executive Director of the Center for Applied Psychology, YSMU. Founding Member of the “Armenian Mental Health Association”
Sofya Zoryan
Board Member
Lecturer at the Department of Military Field Therapy, YSMU. Gastroenterologist-hepatologist, Vardanants Medical Center
Armen Mkrtchyan
Board Member
Associate Professor of the Department of Hygiene and Ecology, YSMU
Lilith Vardanyan
Clinical psychologist
Mariam Chalabyan
Research coordinator
OUR MISSION
To prevent and reduce the burden of obesity in Armenia through:
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Education: Providing evidence-based knowledge to healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public
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Professional Development: Advancing clinical skills and expertise through continuous medical education
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Research: Contributing to the scientific understanding of obesity and metabolic diseases
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Advocacy: Promoting policies and initiatives that support healthy lifestyles and obesity prevention
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Collaboration: Fostering multidisciplinary partnerships across medical specialties and international borders
International Partnerships
European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO)
As a member organization since 2024, AOP participates in EASO's mission to facilitate research, education, and treatment of obesity across Europe and beyond. This partnership provides our members access to:
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International scientific conferences and congresses
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Collaborative research opportunities
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Evidence-based clinical guidelines and resources
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Global network of obesity specialists and researchers