Health professionals with experience in Obesity in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Dr. Ioannis Virlos is a General Surgeon who maintains a private practice in Glyfada. He graduated from the Medical School of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, obtaining his medical degree in 1990. In 2000, he earned a Master’s degree in Surgical Sciences (MSc in Surgical Sciences) as well as a Diploma from Imperial College London (Diploma Imperial College), United Kingdom. In 2009, he was awarded a Doctorate (Medical Doctorate) from the University of Manchester, UK.He has been a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCSEd.) since 1998 and of the Intercollegiate Board in Surgery of the United Kingdom (FRCS (Gen Surg)) since 2008. Since 2011, he has been a Fellow of the European Board of Surgery in the field of Colorectal Surgery (FEBS (Coloproctology)).Dr Ioannis Virlos is a specialized colorectal and bariatric surgeon, also trained in minimally invasive surgery — both laparoscopic and robotic. He has received training not only in Greece but also in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Belgium.After completing his military service in 1992, he trained in General Surgery in hospitals in Athens and the United Kingdom between 1992 and 1999, obtaining his specialty title in General Surgery in 1999. From 2002 to 2012, he served as a surgical consultant in hospitals in the UK, Australia, Belgium, and Greece. Specifically, he worked at the following hospitals in the UK: North Middlesex, Arrowe Park, Derriford, Torbay, Exeter, Cheltenham, and North Bristol, as well as at Sir Charles Gairdner University Hospital in Perth, Australia, and Sotiria Hospital in Athens (as Senior Consultant).During the same period, he received advanced training in laparoscopic colorectal surgery and laparoscopic bariatric surgery at Singleton Hospital in Swansea, UK, and Heilighart Ziekenhuis in Roeselare, Belgium.From 2012 to 2021, he worked as a Consultant Surgeon at the following hospitals in the UK: Ealing Hospital, Homerton University Hospital, John Radcliffe & Churchill Hospitals in Oxford, Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Northampton General Hospital, and University Hospitals of Derby and Burton. He returned to Greece in 2021.Since 2023, Mr. Virlos has been the Director of Surgery at Metropolitan General Hospital in Athens. He also serves as the General Secretary of the Hellenic Society of Coloproctology. Finally, for the period 2025–2028, he will represent Greece at the European Society of Coloproctology.

Anna Georgiou BSc, MSc is a Dietitian-Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She holds a degree from the Dietetics department of Queen Margaret University in Scotland and a postgraduate degree in "Applied Dietetics and Nutrition" from Harokopio University of Athens. She has worked as a Clinical Dietitian at the Athens Medical Center, and currently, in addition to her private practice, she works as a Dietitian-Nutritionist at IASIS Medical Diagnostic Centers. Finally, she is a regular member of the Hellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists.

Gkougkoulia Anna is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Vrilissia. She holds a degree in Nutrition (BSc in Human Nutrition) from the University of Westminster, London, and a Master's degree (MSc) in "Applied Dietetics - Nutrition" with a specialization in "Nutrition and Public Health" from Harokopio University of Athens. She is a member of the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists, the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists, and the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society, and has contributed presentations and papers at conferences.

Dr. Panagou Maria MD is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist with private practices in Melissia and Koropi. She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed her specialization in Endocrinology, as well as in Pathology, at the Endocrinology Clinic of the General Hospital of Melissia "Amalia Fleming". Alongside her private practices, she currently serves as the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the Medical Diagnostic Center "Praxis Hygeias," and in the past, she was the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the South East Aigaion Clinic in Mykonos. Finally, Dr. Panagou has extensive experience in thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis.

Karagiorgos Panagiotis is an Endocrinologist and maintains two private clinics in Vrilissia and Atalanti, Fthiotida. He also collaborates with the "IAZO" Polyclinic as the head of the endocrinology department. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has specialized in Endocrinology and Diabetology at the Endocrinology Clinic - Diabetology Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos" and the Athens Children's General Hospital "P. & A. Kyriakou." Additionally, he holds diplomas in Homeopathy from the "Hippocratic Center of Classical Homeopathy," the British School "The School Of Homeopathy," and the Portuguese Homeopathic Society. He possesses significant professional experience, having worked in both the private and public sectors, and also holds teaching experience as head of medical course instruction at the "Hippocratic Center of Classical Homeopathy" since 2007. Finally, in the context of his lifelong education, the doctor has participated in numerous scientific conferences and educational seminars in Endocrinology.

Thomopoulou Aleksia is a Dietitian - Nutritionist who operates two private dietetic clinics, located in the Marousi area and Neos Psychiko. She completed a postgraduate program in International and Public Health and Nutritional Program Design at the University of Westminster in London, having previously studied at the Department of Nutrition of the University of Surrey, United Kingdom. Her extensive professional experience is noteworthy, as she has worked as a Dietitian in hospitals, companies, medical centers, and associations across Greece. Specifically, she was employed in the Oncology Department of the Medical School of Athens at the General Thoracic Diseases Hospital "Sotiria," where she specialized in the nutritional support of patients with neoplastic diseases. Additionally, she collaborated with the Home Care company “Medella” as a Scientific Advisor on issues related to cancer and the nutritional support of oncology patients. Simultaneously, she voluntarily provided her services as a Dietitian for the Hellenic Society of Palliative and Symptomatic Care for Cancer Patients (PARI.SY.A.) and the cancer patients’ association "K.E.F.I." Finally, she has been a collaborator of the Gastroenterology Department of the Athens Medical Center and the "THORAX" Institute. Throughout her career, she has participated in conferences—many of which she has addressed as a speaker—focusing on the nutrition of oncology patients.

Valia Xristopoulou - Theranous is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist based at the private TheraNous office in Drosia. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Ioannina and is a postgraduate student at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in the "Early Intervention in Psychosis" program. She specializes in stress management, with a particular focus on early intervention in forms of psychopathology, mental, and emotional disorders. She has completed the Clinical Psychopathology Postgraduate Seminar "Panagiotis Oulis" of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of NKUA and the Interdepartmental Training Program of the Hellenic Society of Group Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, focusing on group dynamics. She has worked as a Psychologist at KETHEA Epirus and the Psychiatric Clinic of the General Hospital of Argolida, where she gained valuable experience supporting individuals with addictions as well as managing severe mental disorders in a hospital setting. Simultaneously, she is training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy through the five-year program of the Hellenic Society of Group Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (HSGPP), strengthening her theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. Her goal is to provide meaningful psychological support, both through individual and group sessions, tailored to the needs of each person seeking help and change in their life.

Kalliampakos Dimitris is a Military Doctor – Specialist in Internal Medicine and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. Simultaneously, he serves as the Deputy Director at the 4th Internal Medicine Clinic of "HYGEIA" (building 2). He is a graduate of the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and specialized in Internal Medicine at the University Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko." Subsequently, he served for several years as an attending physician at the 1st Internal Medicine Clinic of the 401 Military Hospital of Athens while also working for 8 years at the emergency outpatient medical company "SOS IATROI." Additionally, he received further training in Diabetes Mellitus at the Diabetology Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Hippokration" and is a regular member of the Hellenic Diabetology Society. He has extensive experience in managing infections, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, rheumatic diseases, chronic systemic diseases, geriatric patients, as well as home-based emergency outpatient care. Finally, preventive medicine is thoroughly practiced in the private clinic, where rapid tests, electronic prescription, electrocardiogram, and spirometry are performed.

Dalakoura Stella is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Chalandri. She holds a degree from the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace and a Master's Degree in "Molecular & Applied Physiology" from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specialized in Endocrinology-Diabetology in the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the General Hospital of Athens "Korgialenio-Benakeio" E.E.S. During her specialization, she also gained expertise in the management of patients using insulin pumps. In her practice, she handles cases covering the entire spectrum of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism. She is a member of the Hellenic Endocrine Society, the Athens Medical Association, and the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom. In 2022, she obtained the SCOPE certification from the World Obesity Federation, following a scholarship award from the Hellenic Endocrine Society.

Mr. Eksarxakos Mixail is an Internist and maintains a private practice in Kifisia, Attica. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Athens and has specialized in Internal Medicine. His clinical and research interests include arterial hypertension, dyslipidemias, oncological diseases, diabetes mellitus, and infections. He has accumulated over 30 years of professional experience, having worked in major hospitals across the country. From 2016 to 2021, he served as the Director of the Pathology Clinic at Euroclinic Athens, and since 2003, he has been a Scientific Collaborator at Hygeia Hospital and the head of a medical team. He has participated in many international conferences and has published numerous research papers. Finally, he is the Vice President of the Primary Care Society, a member of the Board of Directors of the Prostate Focal Therapy Society, and a member of the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine.

Miliordou Kristi MBA, MSc, MBPsS is a Psychologist, Psychotherapist - Sports Psychologist - Psychotherapy for Adolescents and Adults and maintains a private practice in Marousi. She is a Psychology graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with further training in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy at Aiginiteio Hospital and in Health Psychology, holds a Certificate in Psychology for High Performance Sports, and a Professional Diploma in Neurobiology and Psychology in Team Sports from Barca Innovation Hub, Universitas. Additionally, she has specialized in Health Unit Management, Sports Management, and Marketing. Currently, she works as an independent professional psychologist at her office in Marousi, as a Sports Psychologist at the Olympiacos BC Academy, and as an external collaborator-psychologist for employees through the company Hellas EAP. Furthermore, she participates in conferences related to Mental Health and has created the asynchronous seminar "Small Movements - Big Changes, The Beginning of a New Life," focusing on integrating exercise and movement into daily life.

Together with her colleagues at the office, they operate as a Team with continuous collaboration and supervision, offering scientifically substantiated and high-quality care.

Panagiotakopoulou Xristina is a Psychologist - Systemic Family Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Papagou, where she provides individual sessions for adults, couples, and families. She studied Psychology at the Open University of the United Kingdom and subsequently specialized in Systemic Psychotherapy at SKEPSYS (Systemic Center for Training and Psychotherapy). Additionally, she has been trained in the Systemic Appreciative Approach, which is a method for exploring people's strengths, abilities, and resources. She has also received training in psychological support for children, adolescents, families, and communities in bereavement. She possesses notable experience as well as voluntary contributions, having collaborated voluntarily with SYNYPARXI to provide counseling support services. She voluntarily cooperates with the Municipal Polyclinics of Papagou - Cholargos to provide counseling support services and organizes and coordinates adult education groups aimed at their empowerment. Finally, she publishes monthly articles on relevant topics in the magazine Asfalistiki Agora.

Iliopoulos Dimitrios MD, PhD is a Specialist in Internal Medicine - Diabetology with a private practice in Marousi. He holds a PhD from the Medical School of the University of Crete. He has specialized training in diabetology and serves as a scientific collaborator at the diabetes center of the 2nd University Clinic at the General Hospital of Athens "Hippokration." He is also an internal medicine collaborator at the "Mitera" Hospital. His primary goal is a patient-friendly approach, thorough clinical examination, and timely diagnosis and management of medical issues. In a simple and explanatory manner, patients fully understand their condition, are informed about the latest medical data, and have any questions addressed. The practice manages a wide range of conditions such as infections, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and hyperlipidemia (cholesterol). Preventive screening is also conducted, including clinical examinations and the prescription of laboratory and imaging tests. Finally, the physician provides health certificates for sports and work, as well as medical reports for submission to KEPA committees.

Η Μαρκούση Μαριέττα είναι Κλινική Διαιτολόγος-Διατροφολόγος, απόφοιτη του Χαροκοπείου Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών με μεταπτυχιακό τίτλο στην Αθλητική Διατροφή. Ασκεί το επάγγελμα του διατροφολόγου για τουλάχιστον 16 έτη. Από το 2013 διατηρεί διαιτολογική μονάδα στη περιοχή της Νέας Ερυθραίας ενώ από το 2020 διατηρεί ακόμα μία στην περιοχή της Νέας Φιλαδέλφειας.

Κατά την πρακτική της άσκηση, παρείχε διαιτολογική υποστήριξη σε πολλά δημόσια νοσοκομεία της Αττικής ενώ έχει εργασθεί και εθελοντικά με το νοσοκομείο «Ερυθρός Σταυρός», στην Ενδοκρινολογική Κλινική, στο τμήμα Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη & Παχυσαρκίας, στα πρώτα χρόνια της επαγγελματικής της καριέρας. Έκτοτε, έχει συνεργασθεί ως υπεύθυνη διαιτολόγος σε Ιδιωτικά γραφεία της Αθήνας. Το 2013 ίδρυσε το πρώτο διαιτολογικό της γραφείο στην περιοχή της Νέας Ερυθραίας ενώ το 2020 εγκαινιάστηκε η λειτουργία του γραφείου στη Νέα Φιλαδέλφεια.

Στην πολυετή πορεία της έχει συνεργασθεί με πολλούς elite αθλητές διαφόρων Εθνικών ομάδων και αθλημάτων (ενόργανη γυμναστική, ρυθμική γυμναστική, στίβος, επαγγελματικό μπαλέτο/ επαγγελματικός χορός, δρομείς μεγάλων αποστάσεων, καταδύσεις, κολύμβηση, καράτε, ποδόσφαιρο). Έχει συμβάλλει στην βελτίωση διατροφικών συνηθειών και της σχέσης του ανθρώπου με τη τροφή και το σώμα του (mindfulness). Με μεγάλη αποτελεσματικότητα, σε πλήθος ασθενών, συνεισέφερε στην βελτίωση κλινικών δεικτών. Ως προς τα περιστατικά με διαταραχές λήψης τροφής (ψυχογενή ανορεξία, ψυχογενή βουλιμία, υπερφαγία) εφαρμόζει τεχνικές διατροφικής συμβουλευτικής (γνωσιακή συμπεριφορική) προκειμένου να επιτυγχάνεται η έννοια της ισορροπημένης διατροφής βιωματικά! Άξονας του επαγγελματισμού της είναι η εξατομίκευση!

Τα γραφεία πλαισιώνονται και από άρτια καταρτισμένους συνεργάτες, πτυχιούχους Κλινικούς Διαιτολόγους- Διατροφολόγους του Χαροκοπείου Παανεπιστημίου. Μιας και η επιστήμη της διατροφής είναι μια συνεχώς εξελισσόμενη και ερευνητικά επικαιροποιημένη επιστήμη τόσο η ίδια όσο και οι συνεργάτες της φροντίζουν να επιμορφώνονται διαρκώς μέσα από μετεκπαιδεύσεις, συνέδρια και ομιλίες προκειμένου να παρακολουθούν όλα τα νέα επιστημονικά δεδομένα.