Health professionals for Obesity in Athens

Η Καψάλη Χαρά είναι Ενδοκρινολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στους Αμπελόκηπους. Σπούδασε στην Ιατρική Σχολή του Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών, με εξάμηνη φοίτηση στην Ιατρική Σχολή του Πανεπιστημίου “Goethe university Frankfurt” στη Φρανκφούρτη της Γερμανίας. Στο πλαίσιο της ειδικότητας, εργάστηκε δύο χρόνια ως ειδικευόμενη παθολογίας στο ΓΝΑ «Σισμανόγλειο-Αμαλία Φλέμινγκ» και, εν συνεχεία, ειδικεύτηκε στην Ενδοκρινολογία στη Μονάδα Ενδοκρινολογίας και Κέντρο Μεταβολισμού και Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη στο ΓΝΑ «Γεώργιος Γεννηματάς». Κατά τη διάρκεια της ειδικότητας εκπαιδεύτηκε επίσης στο Πανεπιστημιακό Τμήμα Κλιμακτηρίου και Εμμηνόπαυσης στη Β΄ Μαιευτική και Γυναικολογική Κλινική του «Αρεταιείου» Νοσοκομείου Αθηνών, στην αντιμετώπιση ενδοκρινοπαθειών κατά την κύηση στο Γ.Ν «Έλενα Βενιζέλου», και στο Ενδοκρινολογικό Τμήμα Αύξησης Ανάπτυξης στο Γ.Ν.Π.Α. «Παναγιώτη και Αγλαΐας Κυριακού». Πραγματοποιεί μεταπτυχιακές σπουδές στη Γυναικεία Αναπαραγωγή στο Εθνικό & Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών και έχει αναλάβει το συντονισμό πολυκεντρικής μελέτης που αφορά στην βλαπτική επίδραση της αλδοστερόνης σε ασθενείς με σακχαρώδη διαβήτη. Διαθέτει, επίσης, πιστοποιήσεις στην προνοσοκομειακή παροχή πρώτων βοηθειών:«ATLS» από το Αμερικάνικο Κολλέγιο Χειρουργών και «ALS» από την Ελληνική Εταιρεία Καρδιοαναπνευστικής Αναζωογόνησης. Έχει εκπαιδευτεί και διαθέτει μεγάλη κλινική εμπειρία σε μεγάλο εύρος ενδοκρινολογικών παθήσεων, συμπεριλαμβανομένων του σακχαρώδη διαβήτη, των νοσημάτων θυρεοειδούς και παραθυρεοειδών αδένων, της οστεοπόρωσης και των νοσημάτων του μεταβολισμού ασβεστίου, των διαταραχών εμμήνου ρύσεως και εμμηνόπαυσης, του υπογοναδισμού, των νοσημάτων των επινεφριδίων και της υπόφυσης, της ενδοκρινικής υπέρτασης, της παχυσαρκίας, των διαταραχών λιπιδίων, και των ενδοκρινοπαθειών κατά την κύηση. Επιπλέον, κατά τη διάρκεια της πανδημίας covid-19, προσέφερε τις ιατρικές της υπηρεσίες με εφημέρευση στο τμήμα Covid της Α΄ Παθολογικής κλινικής του ΓΝΑ «Γ. Γεννηματάς». Έχει συμμετάσχει σε ελληνικά και διεθνή συνέδρια Ενδοκρινολογίας και Διαβήτη και σε δημοσιεύσεις σε έγκυρα ιατρικά περιοδικά. Τέλος, διατελεί μέλος της Ελληνικής Ενδοκρινολογικής Εταιρείας.

Απο το 2022 έως το 2024 είχε αναλάβει ως επιστημονικά υπεύθυνη το ενδοκρινολογικο τμήμα του ιδιωτικού πολυιατρείου "Doctor hall" στην Καλλιθέα. Επίσης από το 2023 διατελεί επιστημονική συνεργάτης της Accurate health auditing and consulting AE.

Dr. Koutsaki Maria is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Kaisariani. She is undertaking postgraduate studies in Female Reproduction at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specializes in Gynecological Endocrinology, Thyroid Disorders, and Diabetes Mellitus. Additionally, she has extensive experience in conditions such as gestational diabetes, osteoporosis, calcium and vitamin D metabolism, Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, menstrual disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, metabolism, growth disorders, endocrine hypertension, adrenal diseases, pituitary adenomas, neuroendocrine tumors, and endocrine aspects of pregnancy. Furthermore, she has participated in numerous diabetes and endocrinology conferences both at the European and national levels, presenting clinical research studies and case reports aimed at continuous education and professional development in endocrinology. Finally, she is a member of the Athens Medical Association and the Hellenic Endocrine Society and is proficient in English, Italian, and German.

Dr. Margaritopoulos Dimitrios is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Petralona. He graduated from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed postgraduate studies in Applied Dietetics - Nutrition at Harokopio University of Athens. Additionally, he is a PhD candidate at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has received training in Gestational Diabetes at the General Hospital of Athens "Alexandra". He possesses significant clinical experience having worked as an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist at the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos", at the 2nd University Internal Medicine Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens "Hippocration", as well as at the Centre Hospitalier du Centre du Valais in Switzerland. Finally, the physician specializes in diabetes mellitus, thyroid and parathyroid glands, and osteoporosis.

Florou Athina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in the Zografou area. She graduated from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University of Athens in 2022, successfully completing her undergraduate studies. During her internship at the 251 General Airforce Hospital, she gained valuable knowledge and experience in nutrition support, designing personalized diet plans, nutritional counseling, and assessing patients' nutritional status. She continued her studies at University College London (UCL), where she obtained a master's degree in Eating Disorders and Clinical Nutrition with distinction. As part of her postgraduate education, she worked at St Ann’s Hospital/Eating Disorder Service, making a significant contribution to the rehabilitation of patients with eating disorders. Athina is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists (PSDΔD), the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), and the Association for Nutrition (AfN) in the UK. She has experience in managing clinical cases through collaboration with physicians of various specialties in both hospital and private settings. She applies individualized nutritional interventions based on scientific evidence, aiming for the holistic support of health.

As part of her active involvement in international scientific networks, she participates as a member of the Working Group of the European project HEALTH UP! of EFAD (European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians), contributing to the scientifically substantiated evaluation and updating of the Guide on Eating Disorders, aiming to enhance dietetic care practice at the European level.

Η Αγγέλα Πριμικύρη είναι Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας με εκπαίδευση στην Προσωποκεντρική και Focusing – Βιωματική Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχοθεραπεία, καθώς και στη Focusing Τραυματοθεραπεία. Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Παγκράτι, όπου παρέχει συνεδρίες συμβουλευτικής, ψυχοθεραπείας και τραυματοθεραπείας σε ενήλικες, τόσο δια ζώσης όσο και διαδικτυακά.

Έπειτα από μια δεκαπενταετία εκπαιδευτικής και επαγγελματικής ενασχόλησης με την Αρχιτεκτονική, ολοκλήρωσε την 4ετή βιωματική εκπαίδευση στην Προσωποκεντρική και Focusing – Βιωματική Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχοθεραπεία και, στη συνέχεια, το εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα βασικής εκπαίδευσης και το εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα πιστοποίησης στην Focusing Τραυματοθεραπεία, στο Ελληνικό Κέντρο Focusing (HFC). Έχει επίσης ολοκληρώσει τη βασική εκπαίδευση στη Μη Βίαιη Επικοινωνία (NVC) με τον πιστοποιημένο εκπαιδευτή από το διεθνές Κέντρο Μη Βίαιης Επικοινωνίας (CNVC) Γιώργο Τσιτσιρίγκο, και το ετήσιο σεμινάριο Ψυχοπαθολογίας του Κέντρου Δια Βίου Μάθησης ΕΥΔΟΚΙΜΟΣ. Στο παρόν, βρίσκεται σε διαδικασία φοίτησης στο πρόγραμμα σπουδών Ψυχολογίας στη Σχολή Κοινωνικών-Ανθρωπιστικών Επιστημών του Aegean College σε συνεργασία με το University of Essex. Έχει συμμετάσχει στην εθελοντική ομάδα «Emfasis», με streetworks και ψυχολογική υποστήριξη σε ανθρώπους χωρίς στέγη και άτομα με εξαρτήσεις και το διάστημα 2015-2020, έχει υπάρξει ενεργό μέλος του εθελοντικού δικτύου ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης και κοινωνικής αλληλεγγύης «Συνύπαρξη», προσφέροντας ατομικές συνεδρίες συμβουλευτικής και ψυχοθεραπείας και ομαδικές συναντήσεις ως συντονίστρια και διευκολύντρια ομάδας θεραπείας και ανάπτυξης. Είναι μέλος της Ελληνικής Εταιρίας Συμβουλευτικής (Ε.Ε.Σ.) και της Ελληνικής Προσωποκεντρικής και Βιωματικής Εταιρείας (Ε.Π.Β.Ε.), παραμένει διαρκώς ενεργή επιμορφωτικά, συμμετέχοντας σε ποικίλα επιστημονικά σεμινάρια, συνέδρια και ημερίδες και βρίσκεται σε συνεχή διαδικασία προσωπικής θεραπείας και επαγγελματικής εποπτείας.

Εργάζεται ιδιωτικά με ενήλικες, παρέχοντας συνεδρίες συμβουλευτικής/ψυχοθεραπείας και τραυματοθεραπείας, προσωποκεντρικής και focusing-βιωματικής προσέγγισης, δια ζώσης και διαδικτυακά, και παραμένει βαθιά αφοσιωμένη στη συντρόφευση ανθρώπων στο προσωπικό τους ταξίδι αυτογνωσίας, ενδυνάμωσης, ίασης και ανάπτυξης. Κύριο μέλημά της είναι η δημιουργία ασφάλειας τόσο στη θεραπευτική σχέση όσο και στον εσωτερικό κόσμο των θεραπευόμενων καθώς έχει διαπιστώσει πως μόνο από μια θέση ταυτόχρονης εσωτερικής και εξωτερικής ασφάλειας και εμπιστοσύνης μπορούν να προσεγγιστούν ευάλωτα και πληγωμένα κομμάτια των ανθρώπων, ώστε να επουλωθούν οι πληγές και να καλλιεργηθεί η ανάπτυξη.

Apostolakis Mixail MD, MSc, PhD is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. He graduated with honors with a doctorate and holds a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He also holds a postgraduate diploma specializing in "Metabolic Bone Diseases" from the same university, awarded with distinction. Furthermore, he is a Scientific Postdoctoral Associate at the 2nd Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the University of Athens at Aretaieio Hospital and an External Associate of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic "Rea," while he has served as a Consultant in the Endocrinology and Diabetes Department at "Hygeia" Hospital. Additionally, he has received training in pediatric endocrinology in Hungary and has participated in international research studies on the safety and efficacy of new drugs for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Finally, the doctor is a member of the Hellenic Endocrine Society, the Hellenic Society of Climacteric and Menopause, as well as the European Menopause and Andropause Society.

Mpaltas Ioannis is a General Surgeon with a private practice in Nea Erythraia. He specializes in Minimally Invasive, Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery as well as Colorectal Surgery. Additionally, he has expertise in modern proctologic surgery (hemorrhoids, anal fissure, pilonidal cyst). He has extensive experience in the effective and safe surgical management of obesity, hiatal hernia, digestive system disorders, and abdominal wall hernias. Furthermore, alongside his private practice, he collaborates with major private clinics in Attica, including Mitera, Athens Medical Group (Peristeri clinic), Mediterraneo, Doctor's Hospital, and Attiko Hospital.

Dr. Kiortsis Dimitrios, Endocrinologist - Diabetologist, is a Professor at the Medical School of the University of Ioannina. He maintains private clinics in Athens and Ioannina. He specialized in Paris at the university hospitals Pitie-Salpetriere, Saint Louis, Hotel Dieu, Trousseau, and Cochin. He holds a three-year diploma in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases (DU Paris V). He earned his PhD through collaboration between the Universities of Paris (Paris VI) and Athens. He has 35 years of experience across the full spectrum of endocrinological disorders, with particular expertise in obesity and metabolic diseases. He is a European-certified specialist and trainer of new physicians in obesity (European Scope). He has served as President of the Hellenic Medical Society for Obesity and is currently President of the Hellenic Society of Metabolism, Nutrition, and Well-being. His original research work includes over 200 publications in international journals, and he has authored numerous chapters in international and Greek books. His work has received multiple awards. He continues his research in collaboration with leading institutions in Europe and the USA. His clinic offers a fully personalized approach to all endocrinological disorders, with an emphasis on the contemporary therapeutic management of metabolic diseases and obesity. Combining academic research with extensive clinical experience, his goal is to improve patient quality of life through scientifically substantiated knowledge.

Konstantina Eksarxopoulou MSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Athens. She holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Harokopio University of Athens and completed the postgraduate program "Stress Management and Health Promotion" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is a Scientific Associate at the "Agia Sofia" Children's Hospital and an external collaborator at the multidisciplinary physiotherapy rehabilitation and physical wellness center "Physiopolis". Additionally, she serves as the Lead Dietitian for the "Alliance for Health - Nutrition" program and as a Dietitian - Nutritionist at the Athens General Hospital "Laiko" and at the Nursing Foundation of the Army Share Fund (NIMTS). Finally, she is a member of the Scientific Society for Stress Management and Health Promotion.

Anastopoulou Filippa is a Psychologist (MSc) offering online sessions. She holds a degree from the Department of Applied Psychology at the University of Derby and a postgraduate qualification in Clinical Psychology and Counseling. She continually enhances her knowledge through specialized seminars on mental health and psychotherapy topics, while also undergoing training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She is a member of the Cyprus Association of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapists (S.G.S.P.K.) and the EABCT. She possesses significant clinical experience, having worked in mental health facilities, including a Psychiatry department, providing support to individuals with various psychological difficulties. Her work focuses on the management of anxiety, somatoform and depressive disorders, grief, addictions, and other mental health issues. With scientific training and a person-centered approach, she delivers high-quality psychological support and therapy services.

Katerina Xrysoulaki is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, BSc, MSc, and she operates a private practice (Thought for food) in Exarchia, where she provides personalized nutrition services. She holds a degree from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University of Athens and possesses a bachelor's and master's degree (BSc - MSc) in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the Agricultural University of Athens. Furthermore, she holds a "Master Practitioner" certification in Eating Disorders and Obesity from KEADD in collaboration with NCFED of the UK. She completed her internship at selected nutrition centers, as well as at the General Hospital of Athens "Alexandra," gaining valuable experience in clinical and preventive settings. She continuously attends specialized seminars and educational programs, staying updated on the latest developments in Nutrition Science, clinical practice, and nutritional behavior. Her primary goal is to help people feel better and improve their lifestyle through nutrition. Based on scientific data, each program is tailored to the needs, daily routine, and lifestyle of each individual. Change does not come through restrictions but through conscious choices that respect the body and the needs of each person.

Bampili Angeliki is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in the center of Athens (near Panepistimiou and Omonia). She holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. As a Psychotherapist, she has been trained in the Cognitive Behavioral model at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling (three-year training). Additionally, she has completed two years of training in Eating Disorders Therapy at the First University Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in collaboration with the Research University Institute of Mental Health (E.P.I.P.S.Y). As part of her continuous education, she attends a basic training seminar in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, an approach belonging to the third generation of cognitive behavioral therapies, while in the past she has attended postgraduate seminars related to mindfulness. In the context of her clinical internship, she conducted psychotherapeutic sessions at the Eating Disorders Unit of Aeginiteio Hospital. Furthermore, she has undergone postgraduate training in Clinical Psychopathology at E.P.I.P.S.Y. Previously, she worked as a Psychologist at the National Psychosocial Support Line 10306. Within the scope of volunteering and internship, she has been employed in psychosocial rehabilitation structures of E.P.A.P.S.Y. Currently, she provides specialized therapeutic interventions at her private office for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, specific phobias, and eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder). Additionally, she undertakes psychotherapeutic requests concerning sleep problems, anger management, life changes, low self-esteem, interpersonal difficulties, assertive behavior, and the development of social skills.

Trophee Mourati Eirini MSc is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, founder of the dietary unit “Trophee” in Kolonaki. She graduated from Harokopio University of Athens, where she also completed her postgraduate studies in Applied Dietetics and Nutrition with a specialization in Clinical Nutrition. Her professional focus is on addressing obesity using sustainable, realistic, and easily maintainable methods. Additionally, she has worked with a wide range of clinical cases as the chief dietitian at a group of diagnostic centers, and previously served as the head dietitian for a large gym chain.

Markada Al Xasount Aleksandra is a Dietitian practicing in Galatsi. She studied at the University of Hertfordshire and has worked as a Dietitian at the Cardiology Clinic of the University General Hospital "Attikon" and at Metaxa Hospital. She possesses extensive experience and manages issues such as the management of diabetes mellitus, obesity, eating disorders, nutritional counseling, clinical nutrition, and more.

Tsizanou Xaralampos - Fernant is a General Surgeon-Proctologist and maintains his private practice in Ampelokipoi. He is an honor graduate Doctor of the University of Athens and holds a Master of Proctology (USA), while also serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Notre Dame. For surgeries, he utilizes advanced and innovative techniques such as the use of Laser and ultrasound, allowing the patient to return immediately to their daily routine after surgery. He manages: Proctological conditions (hemorrhoids, anal fissure, perianal abscess, perianal fistula, pilonidal cyst, condylomas, anorectal malignancy), laparoscopic hernia repair, laparoscopic gallbladder diseases (cholelithiasis, cholecystitis), skin conditions (lipoma, sebaceous cyst, nevi, hidradenitis), and diseases of the colon (diverticula, polyps, cancer). Finally, it is noteworthy that the doctor engages in research and regularly publishes in international journals (in English and French) and collaborates with numerous hospitals and clinics abroad. To this day, he is the personal advisor to the President of the People's Republic of Congo and cooperates with the Congo mission (Patriarchate of Alexandria).

Lampros Kontogiannis is a Dietitian - Nutritionist - Pediatric Nutritionist - Metabolism Specialist and operates a private dietetic office: "Scientific Metabolism Center" in Sepolia, next to the Attiki metro station. He holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Higher Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki. In 1997, he moved to the United Kingdom, where he attended specialized seminars at the Department of Clinical Psychology, "Eating Disorder," with a project titled “Anorexia Nervosa” at the private British College "British College." Simultaneously, he participated in a postgraduate program specializing in Counseling and Integrative Psychotherapy, MSc in "Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy" at the University of Derby. Currently, he has completed his specialization in systemic family therapy and couples therapy. He expanded his studies in childhood obesity at the Agia Sophia Children's Hospital - Panagiotis & Aglaia Kyriakou and, as a pediatric dietitian, participated in a four-year research study by the World Health Organization, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education in 2011, undertaking the study and documentation of anthropometric data of children from various primary schools in Athens to produce results related to childhood obesity in Greece. Subsequently, he completed the pediatric dietetics program and earned the title of Master Nutritionist in Pediatric Nutrition. He has been trained in quality control and taste evaluation and apprenticed under a specialized Tibetan teacher, knowledgeable in Tibetan medicine, focusing on neuropathy and chiropractic. Finally, the dietitian-nutritionist combines two disciplines, offering a holistic approach and solution by investigating psychological, physical, and spiritual factors, providing a comprehensive assessment and advice tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Lemonidou Anastasia is a General Practitioner maintaining a private practice in Kolonaki. She is a certified trainer from the University of Crete (health coach) specializing in chronic respiratory conditions, with postgraduate studies in Emergency Medicine from the University of West Attica. Additionally, she holds certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. She possesses extensive clinical experience, having served as an Assistant General Medicine Physician at the Alexandra Health Unit, a collaborator with the Piraeus Football Federation, the scientific director of medical and pharmaceutical companies, and a collaborator with surgical clinics at the 251 Air Force General Hospital.