Health professionals for Obesity in Attica

Giannitsopoulou Kallia MSc, MBA, SRD is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, practicing continuously since 2003. In 2005, she established the Scientific Dietetic Center "Healthy Body," where she has helped over 3000 individuals find solutions to body weight issues to date. She graduated with honors from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom (2002) and obtained two postgraduate degrees: a Master's in Clinical Nutrition (MSc) from the University of Surrey with distinction (2003) and an MBA (2011) from the University of Leicester. Additionally, she has studied Life Coaching (Dip in Coach.) and successfully applies self-improvement techniques in nutrition sessions. The combination of coaching knowledge and clinical nutrition optimizes results in weight management as it aids in a better psychological approach to the individual. Ms. Giannitsopoulou has a rich portfolio of publications since 2005 in health magazines and newspapers and is intensively engaged in weight loss, clinical nutrition, eating disorders, and nutrition across life stages.

Marilena Petrakou is a Dietitian-Nutritionist who maintains a private practice in Keratsini. She holds a degree from the School of Dietetics and Nutrition of the Technological Educational Institute of Crete. As part of her continuing education, she completed a Personalized Nutrition Training Seminar at the Metropolitan College of Athens, as well as Clinical Nutrition studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she worked as a Nutritionist during her internship at the General Hospital of Piraeus "Tzaneio." Notably, she is specialized in Clinical Dietetics, Nutritional Counseling, and the management of Metabolism and Obesity. Furthermore, she has attended training seminars on the nutritional management of intestinal diseases (irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease) and contributes articles as an external scientific collaborator to the leading nutrition and health portal MedNutrition, the largest nutrition and fitness website Fitness Motivation Hellas, and the site Monopoli.gr.

Η Ζωή Μαυρίδου είναι Διαιτολόγος – Διατροφολόγος, απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Επιστήμης Διαιτολογίας και Διατροφής του Χαροκοπείου Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Με πάθος για την επιστημονική ακρίβεια και την εξατομικευμένη προσέγγιση, δημιούργησε το Κέντρο «Διατροφή Ζωής», με στόχο να παρέχει προσωποποιημένη καθοδήγηση βασισμένη στις ανάγκες και τις ιδιαιτερότητες του κάθε ανθρώπου.

Πιστεύοντας στην αξία της δια βίου μάθησης, έχει εξειδικευτεί περαιτέρω σε σημαντικά πεδία της διατροφής όπως:

• Διατροφή στην κύηση, το θηλασμό και τη γονιμότητα, μέσω προγράμματος του ΚΕΔΙΒΙΜ του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης.
• Διατροφικές διαταραχές (βουλιμία, ψυχογενής ανορεξία, συναισθηματική υπερφαγία) με εξειδίκευση επίσης από το ΕΚΠΑ.
• Health Coaching, ολοκληρώνοντας σχετική εκπαίδευση στο Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών, ώστε να ενισχύσει τη βιωσιμότητα των διατροφικών αλλαγών στην καθημερινή ζωή των συμβουλευόμενων.
• Εκπαίδευση στο πρόγραμμα “Πέρα από τα όρια της δίαιτας”, από το Κέντρο Ψυχολογικών Εφαρμογών (ΚΕ.Ψ.ΕΦ), που επικεντρώνεται στη σχέση με το φαγητό και τη βελτίωση της διατροφικής συμπεριφοράς χωρίς περιοριστικές δίαιτες.

Έχει επίσης ενεργή παρουσία σε εκπαιδευτικά και επιστημονικά δρώμενα, όπως:

• Παρακολούθηση συνεδριών, ημερίδων και ιατρικών συμποσίων που αφορούν την παχυσαρκία, τις τροφικές αλλεργίες, τις ΙΦΝΕ, την οστεοπόρωση και άλλα συναφή θέματα.
• Είχε συνεργασία με το Ινστιτούτο Prolepsis για εκπαιδευτικές δράσεις σε σχολεία με θέμα τη διατροφική εκπαίδευση παιδιών.
• Πραγματοποίηση πολλών ομιλιών σε παιδικές και εφηβικές αθλητικές ομάδες.

Παράλληλα, εμπλουτίζει συνεχώς τις γνώσεις της μέσω της παρακολούθησης μαθημάτων της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης Κλινικής Διατροφής και Μεταβολισμού (ESPEN LLL) και του World Obesity Organization (SCOPE), για την απόκτηση της πιστοποίησης “Specialist Certification of Obesity Professional Education”.

Με γνώμονα ότι «η διατροφή δεν είναι ίδια για όλους», η Ζωή Μαυρίδου εργάζεται με σεβασμό στη μοναδικότητα κάθε ατόμου, προσφέροντας ουσιαστική, εφαρμόσιμη καθοδήγηση και υποστήριξη. Όραμά της είναι η βελτίωση της σχέσης με το φαγητό και η ουσιαστική αλλαγή τρόπου ζωής, μέσα από επιστημονική γνώση, ενσυναίσθηση και ρεαλισμό.

Theodorou Marigo is a psychologist-psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Ilisia. She holds a degree in psychology from the University of Central Lancashire and is a trainee group psychotherapist at the S. H. Foulkes Institute of Group Analysis. She provides her services at the 7th municipal clinic of the Municipality of Athens, and has previously collaborated with various agencies and organizations such as the Society for Regional Development and Mental Health (EPAPSY), METAdrasi, and the digital platform "Speak to Me." Additionally, during her internship, she worked with the supportive and counseling 24-hour SOS hotline "By Your Side" of the Greek Network of European Women for women who have experienced violence. After completing her internship, she also provided counseling and psychotherapy services.

Ermioni Margariti is a Psychologist – Psychotherapist who conducts sessions at her private office located at 15 Laodikeias Street (opposite the Athens Concert Hall) as well as online. She graduated from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences – Department of Psychology and has specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Adults, Children, and Adolescents at the Institute for Research and Therapy of Behavior (I.E.TH.S. – a four-year study program) leading to European certification from the EABCT. She has attended numerous seminars and training programs, including the Postgraduate Seminar in Clinical Psychopathology "PANAGIOTIS OULIS" and the Postgraduate Seminar in Clinical Skills in Psychopathology "PANAGIOTIS OULIS" at Aeginiteio Hospital – 1st Psychiatric Clinic. She has clinical experience in municipal clinics of the Municipality of Athens, school units of all levels, in streetwork of the Municipality of Athens, and at the Institute for Research & Therapy of Behavior. Since 2021, she has been providing private psychotherapy to adolescents and adults while continuing her clinical training.

Papadopoulou Elina is a physician specializing in General Family Medicine. She operates her private practice, “FamilyMed Center,” in Argos and Kiveri. She specialized at the General Hospital of Athens “G. Gennimatas.” She has received additional training in emergency prehospital medicine, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and infections. She is also trained in medical acupuncture. She holds a Master of Science degree in Occupational and Environmental Health from the National School of Public Health. She worked for 20 years in the National Health System (ESY), the last 12 years as a Consultant at the Lygourio Health Center, with on-call duties at the Nafplio and Argos Hospitals. She held the positions of coordinator of the 1st Local Health Unit (TOMY) of Argos and supervisor for the National Public Health Organization (EODY) for the Argolis Prefecture (KOMY) during the pandemic. She has attended numerous conferences and has produced a significant number of papers related to the broader field of primary health care.

Lyrarakis Konstantinos has a private practice in Pallini, Attica. He holds a diploma as a Mental Health Counselor from the Athens Synthesis Centre, recognized by the internationally renowned Counselling and Psychotherapy Organization COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland). He has been awarded the "COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate," recognized by Napier University of Edinburgh. He has completed a one-year training program focused on Parent-Adolescent relationships. He has extensive experience working with couple relationships aimed at finding solutions. He has contributed articles to an online health newspaper, offering opinions and solutions on contemporary issues. He has authored and published a book related to relationships. He collaborates with companies to address issues concerning employee relationships and communication. He organizes and delivers seminars for company executives with the goal of improving workplace communication. He applies an approach tailored to the needs of executives. Focused on improving relationships, he develops communication methods at the workplace, family, and individual levels. He implements an integrative therapeutic model, identifying the needs of each individual. With acceptance, non-judgment, and empathy, he accompanies the client on their journey of personal development. Targeting the strengthening of mental and overall physical health, he supports clients in managing their fears and concerns. His areas of practice include anxiety management, separation, low self-esteem, depression, panic attacks, employee relations, support and empowerment for business executives, family businesses, succession management, and more. He offers individual and couples therapy daily at his private office. Online sessions are also available.

Anastasopoulos Vasilis is an Internist at the General Hospital of Attica KAT with the rank of Senior Registrar and maintains a private practice in Nea Filadelfeia. He holds a Medical Degree and specialized in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Attica KAT and the General Oncology Hospital "Agioi Anargyroi," as well as in Diabetes Mellitus at the University General Hospital "Attikon." He holds a postgraduate diploma in Occupational and Environmental Health from the National School of Public Health. He has received further training in emergency pre-hospital medicine at the National Center for Emergency Care (EKAB), as well as in the 2nd Propaedeutic Internal Medicine Clinic of the University General Hospital "Attikon," focusing on lipid disorders and cardiovascular disease prevention. He has served as the scientific director at the Local Health Unit in Petroupoli and at the Health Center of Peristeri. He is a member of the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine, the Society for the Study of Risk Factors for Vascular Diseases, and the Hellenic Lipidology Society. As part of continuous medical education, he has attended numerous scientific conferences and has contributed to the writing of scientific papers.

Konstantoulaki Eleni MSc, MA is a licensed Psychologist - Systemic Psychotherapist specialized in the Systemic - Existential approach, with experience in the treatment of adolescents, young adults, adults, couples (EFT | Emotionally Focused Therapy) and families. She provides psychotherapy both individually and in group settings, with sessions available online. Her goal is to create a safe therapeutic environment where each individual or group can feel acceptance and trust, having the space to explore thoughts, feelings, and relationships, progressing with awareness towards a more conscious, meaningful, and authentic life.

Dr. Peirounaki Eleutheria, MD, is an Endocrinologist and holds a PhD from the Medical School of Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Germany, with a private practice in Ilioupoli. She is also an External Endocrinology Collaborator at Mitera Hospital. She studied at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism at TU Munich University and Duisburg-Essen University in Germany. She has worked as a Specialist Endocrinologist-Diabetologist at the Endocrinology Center of Munich, Endokrinologikum München, and as a Specialist Endocrinologist-Diabetologist and Head of regular Endocrinology clinics at Klinikum Bogenhausen in Munich, Germany. Finally, Dr. Peirounaki is specialized in osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, thyroid, and parathyroid glands.

Dr. Xouzouris Ilias is an Internist who maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni. He graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds EKAE - OAKA certification for pre-competition athlete screening. He completed his specialty in Internal Medicine at the 401 General Military Hospital of Athens and the General State Hospital of Athens. He has served as a family physician for IKA for a decade. Finally, Dr. Xouzouris is a member of the Athens Medical Association.

Zaxariadis Konstantinos is a Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni. He holds a degree in Medicine and Pharmacy from the University of Craiova and has specialized in general medicine at the General State Hospital of Nikaia. Additionally, he continues to attend numerous national and international conferences to ensure his ongoing education. He is a member of the Hellenic Diabetological Association, the Hellenic Society of General Medicine, the American Diabetes Association, and the Hellenic Society of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Protection. The doctor has experience in blood pressure regulation, management of obesity and asthma, as well as smoking cessation assistance. Through his professional experience in major and renowned hospitals in Greece, he is capable of managing a wide range of conditions in his private practice.

Valsamidou Foteini is a General and Homeopathic physician with private practices in Glyfada and Pangrati. She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a diploma from the International Academy of Homeopathy. She specialized in general medicine at the General Hospital of Athens "Korgialenio - Benakeio" and at the Markopoulo Health Center. The doctor provides individualized treatment for each case using classical homeopathy. In her private practice, she treats conditions such as allergic diseases, constipation, dysmenorrhea, polycystic ovary syndrome, headaches, menstrual problems, irritable bowel syndrome, and psoriasis.

Marinakis Euaggelos is an Internal Medicine Specialist and Health Coach maintaining a private practice in Chalandri, bordering Psychiko (area of Agia Varvara, Chalandri). He studied Medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He has extensive experience and certified training in metabolic and nutritional disorders, including Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus, as well as specific conditions such as Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, and Emotional Eating. He served for many years as an instructor in Advanced Life Support, with certified training and extensive experience in Emergency Medicine, in hospitals in Greece and abroad [The Royal Surrey County Hospital, UK], and holds certified training in Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, and Gestational Diabetes (General Hospital of Athens "Laiko" and the Endocrinology-Diabetes department in a private clinic). Marinakis Euaggelos applies modern, individualized, comprehensive-holistic methods based on continuous education in areas such as health coaching and life coaching, behavioral psychology, and fundamental principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy, aiming to achieve personal goals in nutrition and body weight management, management of chronic diseases such as obesity, bulimia, binge eating, emotional eating, restrictive eating, anorexia, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (elevated cholesterol), and lifestyle improvement, with the ultimate goal of achieving substantial health and well-being. With long-term work experience in two university clinics, Marinakis Euaggelos has an extensive educational role in lecture halls, seminars, and conferences, as well as participation in the authorship of scientific texts. Finally, he collaborates with reputable private clinics for emergency cases and situations requiring hospitalization.

Mata Eirini BSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kolonaki. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a professional license to practice. She is currently undertaking postgraduate training in Relational Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy at the Institute of Relational and Group Psychotherapy (ISOP). She has been in personal therapy since 2010 and under supervision since 2023. She is a member of the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP) and the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA). As part of her personal development and professional training, she participates in conferences, workshops, and educational seminars. Her aim is to enhance psychological resilience, facilitate the patient’s adaptation to new challenges and situations with flexibility and confidence, and ultimately, to promote self-awareness and personal integration.