weightloss

  • EDUCATION

    • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,New York 2003
      Passed the national exam and became a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

    • New York University, Steinhardt School of Education, New York 2000-2003
      Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition
      Thesis: The effects of American food on the weight of international students who come to study in the U.S.

    • Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 1998-2000
      Coursework in Biology, Chemistry and Nutrition

    • Georgetown University, School of Business, Washington, D.C. 1994-1998
      Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
      Concentration: Finance and International Business

    WORK EXPERIENCE

    • "I will start my DIET tomorrow",Istanbul 2014
      Published the first print of her book about healthy eating habits and dieting tips. In 2017 the third print came out with the extension of a new chapter on "infant and child nutrition". In 2018 the fourth print came out with more information about the link between nutrition and media.

    • Keystone International Schools, Istanbul 2012
      Prepared the school menu composed of all organic and natural products. In each meal children are able to choose from a variety of healthy nutritious foods that will allow them grow up in the healthiest way possible
      www.keystoneschools.com.tr

    • Yeditepe University, Istanbul 2011-2017
      Taught a course called ‘Counseling Applications’ to second-term Junior year students

    • NTV, Istanbul 2009
      Hosted a live TV show called "5 Kere 5" (5 times 5) for 6 months and talked about different aspects of healthy eating

     

    • Vivitro in affiliation with Çapa Hospital, Istanbul 2007
      Took a part in a clinical study about the relation between migraine and food intolerance
      https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0333102410361404

    • Vivitro (Dr. Serdar Eren Health Center), Istanbul 2005-2007
      Interpreted clients’ Imu Pro 300 Food Intolerance Test results and counseled them how to follow a proper diet according to the test results

    • SAYASA, Istanbul 2005-2023
      Founded  and managed the wellness center "SAYASA" (SAğlıklı YAşama SAnatı - The Art of Healthy Living)
    • St. Vincent’s Hospital in affiliation with NYU, New York 2002-2003
      Applied different diet plans for patients with various health problems

    • Van Itallie Center for Nutrition and Weight Management, St Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, New York 2001
      Attended nutrition counseling sessions
      Researched various factors related to obesity

    • Bariatric Surgery Department,St Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, New York 2001
      Counseled patients after the surgery and followed-up with their nutritional status

    • Virgina Department of Health, Virginia 1999
      Performed nutritional assessments of pregnant/breastfeeding women, infants, and children for WIC Program (Women, Infants, Children)

    MEDIA

    • Emel Ozugur Youtube Channel, Istanbul 2025 Talked about "Eating Disorder" 

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-esI56QpA8 

     

    • RadioBir, Istanbul 2022-2023
      Hosted a live radio show every Tuesday between 11:00am and 11:55am  called "Doya Doya Yaşayalım" - Let's Live Life To The Fullest.

     

    • TRT-EBA TV Ministry of Education, Istanbul 2020
      Talked about nutrition for children with special needs.
      https://orgm.meb.gov.tr/meb_iys_dosyalar/2020_04/09202352_eba50.mp4

    • TV5 Bizimhane,Istanbul 2019
      Talked about healthy nutrition at schools and packaged food.


    • Diyet Boy Youtube Channel,Istanbul 2019
      Talked about what the future holds for dietitians and ethical dilemmas in terms of product advertisement with Mustafa Gedik.
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ1PjxE6vBU


    • TV5 Bizimhane,Istanbul 2019
      Talked about healthy living and healthy nutrition. Mentioned especially the media and the social media traps.


    • Beykent TV,Istanbul 2018
      An interview with the producer Goksenin Kosar about "Who is Didem Kanca Ustay and her book "I will start my diet tomorrow"”
      https://youtu.be/g2FGSGfmoWw

    • TV5, Bizimhane,Istanbul 2018
      Talked about the effects of media on people's desire to lose weight and the possible fatal effects of weight loss supplements.
      https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GYnj0v_FE0Y

    • TEDx IKU,Istanbul 2017
      Participated as a speaker which Istanbul Kultur University organized. The subject was “Obese Media” The video is on youtube.
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxbU09ZKJu8

    • CNNTurk, Special Agenda ,Istanbul 2017
      Attended a programme with Prof.Dr. Mehmet Ali Yerdel, Dr. Aydin Ugur, Dr. Aysegul Coruhlu, Psychologist Serap Duygulu that Deniz Bayramoglu presented. Discussed new trends in healthy eating habits and the importance of colon as the second brain. Also mentioned the importance of psychology before going on a diet and going through the bariatric surgery.
      https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BEq44qK8L0g

    • TVNET, Health Report,Istanbul 2017
      Answered the presenter Aysenur Asuman Ugur's questions about how cartoons affect the way kids eat and the unhealthy subliminal messages they give. Also talked about the importance of parents as role models.


    • CNNTurk,Istanbul 2017
      Discussed about various reasons of obesity and alternative solutions with Faculty of Medicine Assistant Professor Oytun Erbas, General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Turkcapar, Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Yavuz Yorukoglu, Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Gurkan Kubilay, Heart and Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Murat Kinikoglu and Dr. Fevzi Ozgonul in a live TV programme hosted by Deniz Bayramoglu.
      http://www.cnnturk.com/video/tv-cnn-turk/programlar/gundem-ozel/didem-kanca-ustaydan-annelere-dikkat-ceken-uyari
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRqnNx9Ys_w



    • Beykent TV, Interview with Isilay Gedik,Istanbul 2016
      Talked about what to watch out for after a month-long fasting during Ramadan and afterwards during the Eid. Also highlighted the importance of danger of open-buffet during the holidays
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FEtz3_nMCY

    • Beykent TV, Interview with Isilay Gedik,Istanbul 2016
      Main points to watch out for when fasting during Ramadan. The importance of how to introduce solid foods to the babies when they are ready and the major mistakes mothers make.
      https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FwWAKpLBTzQ

    • Fox TV, Morning news with , Ismail Kucukkaya,Istanbul 2016
      Presentation of the book called "I Will Start My Diet Tomorrow'

    • TV5, Interview with Ishak Beyazay on TV, "Reflection from the screen",Istanbul 2016
      The fatal effects of weight loss pills, the negative effects of food advertisements, baby health magazines that are not controlled by the Ministry of Health which leads to blogger writers who don't have scientific background and give wrong advice to parents
      https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Qvv3Wr69czs

    • Beykent TV, Interview with Isilay Gedik on TV "The Two of Us",Istanbul 2016
      The important mistakes people make while losing weight. The essential points on child and pregnancy nutrition
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhRhCJeDj_M

    • Cine5 - Interview with Rana Cetin on TV "The Real Deal",Istanbul 2015
      The advantages and disadvantages of detoxing and low-calorie diets

    • Show TV - 8 pm News with Ece Uner on TV, Istanbul 2015
      Quick weight loss and pilates sessions 3 weeks after pregnancy

    • NTV - Interview with Sedat Kucukay on TV "Vegetarians & Vegans", Istanbul 2012

    SPEECHES AND TALKS

    • Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun 2025 Talked about "Women's Rights" at a presentation called "Great Women, Great Work"
    • FMV Isik Kindergarten, Istanbul 2023 Presented a fun theater show for the little kids called "I love you with all my liver." 
    • FMV Isik Primary School, Istanbul 2022 Presented to second grade students. Talked about how to read package labes and to stay away from packaged foods full of additives and chemicals.
    • FMV Isik High School, Istanbul 2022 Talked about the effect of media/social media on young generation in terms of their eating habits. 
    • ALEV Schools, Istanbul 2022 https://alev.k12.tr/haberler/saglikli-beslenme-seminerinde-didem-kanca-ustay-ile-ogrencilerimiz-bulustu/ Talked about the importance of label reading and staying away from packaged foods full of additives and chemicals.
    • KTO Karatay University, Konya 2021
      Conducted an interview with Prof. Dr. Nurhan Unusan "The Head of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department" for the career day. Talked about how Didem Kanca Ustay transformed her weight problem into a career in dietetics and the key to be successful in life. 
    • Terrakki Foundation Schools, Istanbul 2020
      A panel discussion about “Healthy Eating” took place with the fourth grade students. Taught the students how to read and interpret the package labels.
    • Mugla Sitki Kocman University,Mugla 2019
      There is a special program at the university for students who are 60 years old and above. Talked about the importance of “healthy nutrition” later in life and the power of media.
    • Agri Ibrahim Cecen University,Agri 2019
      Presented to Nutrition and Dietetic Department students. Talked about “Obese Media” and how to add “Meaning” to their career path.
    • Martyr Cemal Demir Religious Anatolian High School, Canakkale 2019
      Gave suggestions to the students about their career choices in the future and what kind of a path to follow.
    • Darica Kindergarten,Kocaeli 2019
      The questions of kindergarten parents about healthy eating and how to feed their kids in the healthiest way are answered.
    • Gerede District Governorship - National Education Ministry,Bolu 2019
      Talked about the effects of social media in teenagers' nutrition and food advertisements by using examples. Informed students about the possible job opportunites after they get a nutrition degree in college.
    • Soho House,Istanbul 2019
      The expert panellists discussed the history of coffee and how it has shaped our lives. The panellists were: Chef Elif Tapan, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Didem Kanca Ustay, Dietitian Busra Oruc, Dr. Alp Sirman and Istanbul Coffee Festival Organizer Ilker Akar.
    • Terrakki Foundation Schools,Istanbul 2019
      A panel discussion about “Healthy Eating” took place with the fourth grade students. Taught the students how to read and interpret the package labels.
    • Bezmialem Foundation University,Istanbul 2019
      Didem Kanca Ustay’s "career road and the relationship between media and nutrition" is presented.
    • Istanbul Coffee Festival,Istanbul 2019
      Attended a panel with Dr. Alp Sirman, Chef Elif Edes Tapan and the Dietitian Busra Oruc. Talked about the specific “Caffeine Gene” and its effects on humans.
    • Kdz. Eregli Final Schools,Zonguldak 2019
      Presented to the students and the parents: “Why do we always think about food? Did you ever give it a thought?”
    • ENKA Schools,Istanbul 2019
      Presented to the parents. The topics included:
      Healthy Nutrition Habits
      Eating Disorders
      Sports Nutrition
      Nutrition During Puberty
      Negative Effects of Media
      The Importance of Parents
    • KTO Karatay University,Konya 2019
      Talked about how Didem Kanca Ustay transformed her weight problem to a career in dietetics. Also the effects of social media on appearance and eating habits and the mistakes people make in terms of nutrition are discussed.
    • Basaksehir Cahit Zarifoglu Elementary School,Istanbul 2019
      Attended the school’s “Nutrition Friend” programme. Answered parents’ all kinds of questions about nutrition and healthy eating.
    • Bayburt University, Bayburt 2019
      Presented to the Faculty of Health Sciences and the students of Bayburt University. Talked about the media traps in nutrition and how to become good and effective dietitians in the future.
    • Association of Science Ambassadors,Istanbul 2019
      The World Through Didem's Eyes. Talked sincerely about everything from education life to dieting.
    • Bakırkoy Anatolian High School,Istanbul 2019
      Presented only to the teachers. Talked about the effects of media and social media in terms of eating habits in young generation.
    • Hasan Sadoglu Middle School,Istanbul 2019
      Talked about the requirements of basic needs for healthy eating and healthy living. Had an interactive presentation with the students.
    • Istanbul Girls Technical and Vocational High School,Istanbul 2019
      Talked about the effect of media on new generation's eating habits and the positive influence of physical activity on academic performance. 
    • The Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Ankara 2018
      Met with Congressman Mr. Sefer Aycan. Talked about the situation of Nutrition and Dietetic Departments at the universities whether they are sufficient in terms of giving the proper education or not. Also mentioned the difficulties of finding a job in this area. Handed in a detailed report to be examined by the congressman.
    • G&A Healthy Life Center,Bursa 2018
      Talked about how to be a smart media follower. 
    • Health Sciences University,Istanbul 2018
      Talked about how physical activity and healthy eating can affect academic performance. 
    • Martyr Ilhan Sezer Religious Middle School,Bolu 2018
      Talked about how our eating habits can be directed by our parents and the possible side effects of eating in front of the screen. 
    • Eyup Ozdemir Religious Middle School,Bolu 2018
      Talked about hidden advertisements and the TV programmes and their effects on our eating habits. 
    • Orhan Cemal Fersoy Anatolian High School,Istanbul 2018
      Talked about the traps of media in nutrition and the hidden advertisements.
    • Gelisim University,Istanbul 2018
      “True Talks About Nutrition’18” organized by Biotechonology and Life Sciences Club. Attended as a speaker to talk about the traps of media in nutrition and the hidden advertisements.
    • Okan University,Istanbul 2018
      Who is responsible for healthy cooking? The dietitians or the chefs?” Talked about the importance of co-operation between the dietitians and the chefs. Presented to the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts.
    • Tokat Oku-Yorum Club,Tokat 2018
      Was invited by the women's book club of Tokat. Talked about the book called "I will Start My Diet Tomorrow."
    • Bodrum Science Schools, Bodrum 2018
      Was invited for the "World Diabetes Day". Talked about the connection between obesity and diabetes.
    • Bahcesehir Kindergarten,Istanbul 2018
      The questions of kindergarten parents about healthy eating and how to feed their kids in the healthiest way are answered.
    • Artvin Coruh University,Artvin 2018
      Presented to the Nutrition and Dietetic students on Career Day. Talked about the importance of media in terms of nutrition around the world. Gave tips on “how to be successful.”
    • Rustu Akin Technical Anatolian High School,Istanbul 2018
      Talked about the effects of media on young generation’s appearance and eating disorders.
    • New York University Alumni Club, Istanbul 2018
      Talked about the effects of hidden and seen food advertisements on the public’s eating habits and what people should watch out for when working in high-rise buildings. Presented with Alp Sirman, M.D.
    • Akyazi Anatolian High School,Sakarya 2018
      Talked about how students should question the news about nutrition in media and social media. 
    • Bosphorus University,Gastronomy and Degustation Club, Istanbul 2018
      The students asked all kinds of questions about healthy eating and living.
    • Kucukyali ECA Elginkan Elementary School,Istanbul 2018
      Presented a speech titled “The children are the reflection of their caregivers.”
    • Yenilevent Anatolia High School,Istanbul 2018
      Talked about the possible traps of media and social media in terms of healthy eating and what to watch out for when they are getting ready for the university entrance exams. 
    • Maltepe Feyzullah Turgay Ciner Middle School,Istanbul 2018
      Talked about what the students should watch out for when they eat in the cafeteria of the school and the possible negative effects of media about healthy eating. 
    • Galatasaray High School, Istanbul 2017
      “The effects of Social Media on the young generation.” 
    • Gumushane University,Gumushane 2017
      “The Media traps in nutrition” Presented a detailed information about how the media change the perception of people when it comes to nutrition.
    • Ustay Construction,Istanbul 2017
      Talked about the truth behind the media and the environmental effect of the food we consume.
    • Rotary Club, Istanbul 2017
      Talked about food perception management by giving various detailed examples.
    • Bosphorus University,Istanbul 2017
      Gave a presentation to the Professors of the Bosphorus University and the teachers of the kindergarten at the university. Talked about infant-child nutrition.
    • SAYASA,Istanbul 2017
      Performed a special presentation to 30 mothers who have babies aged between 4 and 12 months about transition to solid foods.
    • United Nations,Istanbul 2017
      Talked about nutrition and its effect on the environment. 
    • Mudanya District Governorship - National Education Ministry,Bursa 2017
      Talked about the effects of social media in teenagers' nutrition and food advertisements by using examples.
    • ZUBİZU Kids Bazaar, Istanbul 2017
      Talked about the importance of childhood nutrition. Mentioned the mistakes that most parents make when feeding their kids. Warned the parents about the mistakes of the mom bloggers and children's cookbook writers and that they shouldn't take their advise. Highly emphasized the importance of our cultural cuisine.
    • Suadiye Haci Mustafa Tarman Anatolia High School,Istanbul 2017
      Talked about how media and social media affect teenagers’ nutritional habits and change their perception of food.
    • Atakoy Ataturk Middle School, Istanbul 2017
      Presented to middle school parents. Talked about the basic principles of healthy nutrition habits. Talked about the negative effects of media and social media by using visuals such as videos, photos.
    • Atakoy 60.Yil Middle School, Istanbul 2017
      Presented to middle school children the negative effects of media on healthy nutrition habits. Also emphasized that there shouldn't be any advertisements of any kinds of food since it is not ethical.
    • Martyr Muhir Alkan Science High School,Istanbul 2017
      Talked about how media and social media affect teenagers’ nutritional habits and change their perception of food.
    • Gurpinar Azime Yilmaz Elementary School,Istanbul 2017
      Talked about the basic principles of nutrition to primary school students and their parents. The negative effects of media and social media are discussed by using visuals such as videos and some photographs.
    • Kastamonu University,Kastamonu 2017
      In the “Dietitians do not only help you lose weight” presentation, the roles of the dietitians from a different perspective were discussed.
    • FMV Isık High School,Istanbul 2017
      In the “Should we eat or not to have a six-pack and a zero-fat body?” presentation, the negative effects of media and social media in teenagers’ nutrition habits and physical appearance were discussed.
    • Maltepe Hasan Sadoglu Middle School,Istanbul 2017
      Talked about the effects of social media in child nutrition and food advertisements by using examples.
    • Pinar Karsiyaka Basketball School, Istanbul 2017
      Talked about the basic principles of sports nutrition in teenagers; especially, the side effects of synthetic protein supplements.
    • PUMA, Istanbul 2016
      Presented a talk about the basics of sports nutrition and nutrition in general.
    • Bosphorus University,Istanbul 2016
      Gave a presentation to the Professors of the Bosphorus University and the teachers of the kindergarten at the university. Talked about infant-child nutrition.
    • Gumushane University, Gumushane 2016
      Talked about the basic principles of nutrition. Also mentioned how the media affect the way people eat and why they should not believe everything the media say with examples from real life.
    • Georgetown Alumni Club of Turkey, Istanbul 2016
      The negative effects of big food industries on food choices and the importance of eating with awareness.
    • Koc (Koç) Schools, Istanbul 2016 
      Informed students about the possible job opportunites at the "Career Day" after they get a nutrition degree in college.
    • SAYASA,Istanbul 2015 - Presented with Binnur Zaimler, astrologist
      Talked about the effects of a person's astrological chart in terms of her/his eating habits and the importance of consuming natural/organic food
    • Koc (Koç) Schools,Istanbul 2015 
      Talked about eating disorders, vegetarian diet, the effects of high dose of protein supplements on the body, the importance of consuming natural/organic food, mindful eating, unhealthy addictions (alcohol, cigarettes and so on...), the negative effects of social media in teenagers in terms of unhealthy eating habits and the importance of outlook
    • Aci (Açı) Schools, Istanbul 2015
      Talked about eating disorders, vegetarian diet, the effects of high dose of protein supplements on the body, the importance of consuming natural/organic food, mindful eating, unhealthy addictions (alcohol, cigarettes and so on...), the negative effects of social media in teenagers in terms of unhealthy eating habits and the importance of outlook https://www.facebook.com/AciLise/photos/pcb.1664774257122869/1664774043789557/?type=3&theater
    • DeltaRubis, Istanbul 2014
      Offered healthy options for the employees who work in office buildings and making their lives easier in this aspect
    • Keystone International Schools,Istanbul 2012-2013
      The good effects of preparing & serving "healthy meals" at school
    • Sabancı University,Istanbul 2011
      The mistakes made when dieting and their pyschological and physical effects
      web.sabanciuniv.edu/oryantasyon/news_detail/37300
    • Finansbank Headquarters,Istanbul 2010
      Offered healthy options for the employees who work in office buildings and making their lives easier in this aspect
    • Plus International School, Istanbul 2009
      The good effects of preparing & serving "healthy meals" at school

    CERTIFICATES AND TRAINING

    • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, USA, Virtual 2021 Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo - The latest clinical research and developments in the area of nutrition science around the world.

    • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, USA, Philadelphia 2019 Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo - The latest clinical research and developments in the area of nutrition science around the world.

    • 3rd Annual World Congress on Pediatric Nutrition, Gastroenterology and Child Development,USA, New York 2018 - The latest clinical research and developments in Pediatric nutrition around the world

    • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,USA, Boston 2016 Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo - The latest clinical research and developments in the area of nutrition science around the world.

    • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,USA, Colorado 2016
      "Hearth to Health" Teaching food as medicine

    • First 1000 Days - From Infancy to Childhood & Pregnancy & Child Nutrition,Turkey, Ankara 2016

    • World Summit on Pediatrics - Probiotics, Functional & Baby Food Edition,Bulgaria, Sofia 2015

    • 6th International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition, USA, California 2013

    • Stott Pilates Instructor Training Certification Programme, USA, California 2013

    • 11th Nordic Meeting of Dietitians, Finland, Helsinki 2011

    • Ist International Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health Congress, Turkey, Antalya 2011

    • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, USA, Connecticut 2010
      'Field to Plate' Interpreting the Journey from the Farm to the Plate

    • 28th American Overseas Dietetic Association Conference, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 2009

    • 9th Nordic Nutrition Conference, Denmark, Copenhagen 2008

    • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, USA, Hawaii 2006
      Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo

    • Formmed Healthcare, Germany, Frankfurt 2005
      The International Distributor’s Meeting for Imupro 300 Food Intolerance Test

    • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,USA, Virginia 2005
      Certificate of Training in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management

    • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, USA, Virginia 2005
      Certificate of Training in Adult Weight Management

    • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, USA, New York 2003
      Commission on Dietetic Registration, Registered Dietitian

    WEIGHT LOSS and DETOX CENTERS Attended & Evaluated:

    • Canyon Ranch, USA, Arizona 2014
      Healthy nutrition supported by both outdoor and indoor physical activities and personal enhancement programmes

    • Czapielski Mlyn, Poland, Gdansk 2012
      Low-calorie diet and detox programme accompanied with various spa treatments

    • Heilsu Hotel, Iceland, Keflavik 2011
      Follows vegan detox programme

    • Capri Palace, Italy, Capri 2010
      Low-calorie Mediterranean Diet accompanied with an excellent spa program

    • Buchinger Klinik, Germany, Cologne 2007
      Follows an organic vegetarian fasting program
      Has a special program for diabetics

    • Incosol, Spain, Marbella 2005
      Applies a weight loss program together with special theraupetic spa treatments

    • Hippocrates Institute, USA, Florida 2004
      Specializes in a diet consuming only raw organic vegan food and juices
      Helps sick individuals to stop taking medication and improve their health

    • Green Mountain at Fox Run, USA, Vermont 2004
      Focuses only on diabetic women and women with weight concerns

    • Structure House in affiliation with Duke University, USA, North Carolina 2004
      Applies a weight loss program for diabetic people and individuals with weight problems

    • Pura Vida, Costa Rica, Alajuela 2003
      Intense yoga program to relax the body, mind and spirit accompanied with healthy natural foods

  • Welcome to SAYASA - The Art of Healthy Livingkiss Life is full of surprises and so is SAYASA!

    Didem Kanca Ustay MS, RDN