Health professionals for Obesity in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Skoulidi Virna BSc, MSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Nea Ionia. She holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and has attended a clinical nutrition and dietetics seminar at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she possesses a master's degree in Nutrition, Public Health & Policies from the Agricultural University of Athens and in Nutritional Psychology from the CNP (Center for Nutritional Psychology). The specialist has worked as a Dietitian - Nutritionist at SALAS Catering Company and Fitpal Healthy Meals Company, as well as at the Elegance Aesthetic Center. Furthermore, she has worked in a Pulmonologist and Dietitian office, providing nutritional education to patients, body composition assessment, and designing individualized nutrition programs. Since 2016, she has been a contributor to magazines and websites related to wellness & fitness (Shape, Savoir Ville).

Kiousi Katerina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains private practices in Paiania and Cholargos. She holds a degree in Nutrition Science from the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom and a postgraduate degree in Education and Public Health Promotion from King’s College London. Additionally, she holds a Diploma in Basic Clinical Practice and Health Investigation from seminars attended at the International Academy of Health Investigation, Brookwood. She has gained significant professional experience and currently serves as the scientific director of the dietetics center at Voulioukaleio Clinic in Aigaleo and as an External Associate of boarding schools. In her private practices, she provides comprehensive nutrition programs tailored to individual needs. Finally, she has attended numerous industry conferences and is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists.

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.

Keydiet - Katerina Vamvouka and Associates are based in Chalandri. Katerina Vamvouka is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, graduate of Harokopio University and holder of a postgraduate degree in Public Health and Health Services Administration from the Medical School of the University of Crete. Since 2006, she has maintained a private dietetic office in Chalandri, while in the early years of her career, she served as the scientific head of the dietetic unit at the private hospital "Hygeia" and later at the rehabilitation and recovery center "Filoktitis," gaining extensive experience in predominantly clinical cases with specific nutritional needs. Subsequently, she decided to focus exclusively on managing obesity cases in both adults and children at her private practice, as well as providing counseling and proper guidance for balanced nutrition and exercise, thereby helping many people change their relationship with food and adopt healthier habits and lifestyles. In recent years, she established the Keydiet dietetic unit, where, together with a highly qualified team, she continues to provide dietetic services to an even broader range of cases. Together with her team and always prioritizing the individuality of people and their needs, she personalizes dietary and exercise instructions and strives, through proper guidance, to educate them to adopt a healthier dietary approach that they will maintain over a longer period.

Oikonomou Nansy is a Specialist Pathologist and maintains private practices in Peristeri and Neo Psychiko, where she provides high-quality medical care. She has many years of experience and specialization in the field of pathology. She completed her specialty at the General Hospital of Attica "Sismanoglio," has served as a collaborator in the Oncology Clinic at the private clinic 'Iaso,' as well as in the Oncology Clinic of 'Hygeia' Hospital, managing a wide range of medical issues such as the nutrition of oncology patients. Additionally, she has served as a scientific collaborator in the Psychiatric Clinic "Panagia I Grigorousa," handling the management of pathological problems of psychiatric patients. Committed to the quality of healthcare, she is a reliable choice for those seeking meticulous medical care, including home care services, as she also undertakes home hospitalization cases upon request.

Kourgia Vasiliki is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and operates the dietary office "Diet for you" in Neo Iraklio. She studied in the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics at A.T.E.I Sitias, specializing in Eating Disorders at the postgraduate level. She has collaborated with the Central Clinic of Athens, with the obesity team of surgeon Mr. Grigoropoulos, and works systematically as a nutrition consultant in gyms and aesthetic centers. She has participated in various informative programs on state and private television as well as radio productions. Her articles have been published in magazines such as Vita, Armonia, as well as on several websites. In September 2014, she participated in the Stavros Niarchos Foundation program in remote areas involving anthropometric measurements in adults and children and providing information on promoting healthy nutrition for adults and children. She has taken part in various talks and conferences as a speaker on topics related to nutritional behaviors of adults and children, childhood obesity, and people with osteoporosis issues. She has attended various seminars on nutrition topics and conferences concerning new developments in nutrition and obesity. Her continuing education is ongoing through conferences and seminars on nutrition and psychology.

Meladaki Dimitra Kai Synergates is a Dietitian - Nutritionist maintaining a private practice in Nea Ionia. She holds a master's degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, and a bachelor's degree in Dietetics - Nutrition Science from Harokopio University of Athens. Additionally, she has specialized in Obesity and Weight Management at the University of Glasgow. Throughout her career, she has provided voluntary dietetic services to the municipalities of Cholargos and Papagos, and currently collaborates with Harokopio University on research projects as well as with mednutrition to educate the public on nutrition-related topics. Furthermore, she is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists of Greece and has attended numerous conferences and workshops on Nutrition and Dietetics held in Greece.

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.

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.

Poulis Arsenios is a Specialist in Internal Medicine, a collaborator of the Diagnostic Therapeutic Center of Athens "HYGEIA" for many years, and maintains a private practice in Alsoupoli, Nea Ionia. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Ioannina. He completed his specialty in Internal Medicine and trained in Medical Acupuncture, Chinese Acupuncture, Auricular Neuromodulation (auriculotherapy), and New Cranial Acupuncture according to YAMAMOTO (YNSA). During his professional career, he served for 17 years as a Chief Consultant in the 1st Pathological Oncology Clinic of the "HYGEIA" Hospital. Currently, he is a collaborator at "HYGEIA" Hospital with extensive experience in managing pathological diseases and applying Medical Acupuncture. Finally, he is a member of the Hellenic Institute of Acupuncture Education as well as a founding member of the Academy of Auricular Neuromodulation.

Piki Eirini works as a psychologist, psychotherapist, family therapist, lecturer and supervisor. She is a member of the ‘Greek Psychological Association’ as well as the ‘Hellenic Association of Systemic Therapy (HELASYTH). She has also obtained the European Certificate in Psychology (EuroPsy), and a work license as a psychologist (No. 5522/07). She completed her undergraduate degree (BSc) at the University of North London and her postgraduate (MA) and doctoral (PhD) studies at Goldsmiths University of London. Furthermore, she completed a training in individual, group and family psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Study of Human Relations. She has worked for several years in different contexts in the field of psychology, such as in prisons, nursing homes and orphanages. She has given lectures at Goldsmiths University of London (UK) and at Mediterranean College (Greece). Since 2002, she has taken part in several seminars, with the aim of informing either the laymen or specific groups, such as parents, teachers and/or mental health care professionals. Since 2005, she has been working in private practice at her office in Agia Paraskevi, Athens, as a psychologist-psychotherapist for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, as a group therapist, and also as a supervisor. Moreover, since 2005, she has been cooperating with a number of nurseries and, since 2012, she is in collaboration with the European Network of Women, which is an NGO dealing with issues of interfamilial violence and racial discrimination.

Andreas Thomopoulos is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist with a private practice in Marousi. He holds a degree from the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Naples, Italy, and specialized in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Attica "Amalia Fleming," in Endocrinology at the Endocrinology Department of the General Hospital "Elena Venizelou," and in Endocrinology and Diabetology at the Endocrinology and Diabetology Department of the Regional General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas." Additionally, he specialized in ultrasound imaging of endocrine glands at the Radiology Department of the Specialized Anti-Cancer Hospital of Piraeus "Metaxas." He is the head of the Endocrinology Department at the Bioclinic of Athens and has served as the head of the Endocrinology - Diabetology Department at IKA Marousi. He regularly attends numerous postgraduate seminars and conferences as part of his continuous education and has published papers in both Greek and international scientific journals. He is a member of European and Greek associations, as well as scientific societies.