Health professionals for Obesity

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.

Makrogianni Vitalioti Mariantzela is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as in Biothymia Clinical Hypnosis. She maintains a private practice in Peristeri. She is certified by the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. She is the Director of the Damala Foundation, a contributing writer, and has worked at KETHEA in action and street work, gaining extensive experience in Anxiety Disorders and addictions. Additionally, she attends numerous seminars on eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and holistic medicine as part of her continuous professional development.

Pantazis Xristos is a psychologist with a degree in Psychology from Middlesex University in the United Kingdom. In 2009, he attended an annual seminar at Aeginiteio Hospital titled "Clinical Psychopathology." His interest in the functioning of the subconscious led him, in 2011, to obtain a diploma in "Clinical Hypnotherapy" and later a diploma in "Advanced Practice in Clinical Hypnotherapy."

In 2020, he participated in the training program "Adult Educators Training," as well as the program "Management of Parental Separation - Divorce" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Since 2017, when he was licensed to practice as a psychologist, he has worked in his private practice, where he exclusively conducts individual sessions, addressing cases based on the personalized needs of each individual.

Mr. Pantazis states, “When someone arrives at a psychologist's office, they are often ready to approach the prospect of change in certain situations that concern them. In most cases, change arises through the adoption of a different way of thinking. Thinking is a form of listening – an internal listening. Who is the one speaking? Why do we listen to them? What are the reasons behind our actions or reactions to what we hear? To achieve a desired outcome, it is important to understand that the goal is to change the way we listen to ourselves.” If the way of thinking is repetitive and leads to specific outcomes, it is considered a mechanism.

In his office, you will observe these mechanisms and aim to negotiate or reconsider their usefulness. His invitation to clients is clear:

“Talk to me so I can negotiate with the one trying to be heard!”

Anastasia Skliva is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Keratsini. She holds a degree in psychology from the Metropolitan College, has been trained in counseling psychotherapy at the Universal Training lifelong learning center, and specializes in systemic psychotherapy through her studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has experience managing mental health issues through counseling programs as well as her involvement with the NGO IASIS. She undertakes psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and couples facing difficulties, and also conducts parent counseling sessions. Sessions are held either in person or online.

Manolaraki Marina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains her private practice in Heraklion, Crete. She holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Higher Technological Educational Institute of Sitia, Crete. During her career, she worked at Global Gym and YAVA fitness centers as a Nutritionist - Dietitian Consultant and collaborated with the General Hospital of Heraklion "Venizeleio – Pananeio". Currently, she is a member of the Hellenic Association of Dietitians and Nutritionists and actively participates in lectures, interactive games, and summer nutrition camps organized by the Municipality of Heraklion. Additionally, she has attended numerous seminars, conferences, and workshops on Cretan nutrition and health, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and public health. In her practice, she provides dietetic support based on advanced diagnostic equipment and the most up-to-date scientific knowledge.

Nektarios Oikonomou is a Psychologist with private practice offices in Markopoulo and Porto Rafti. He graduated from the Department of Psychology at UCLAN University (2017-2021) and has enhanced his knowledge with specialized studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT, Social Clinical Psychology of Addictions, Sports Psychology, and Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families), strengthening his ability to approach psychological issues from multiple dimensions.

Professionally, he maintains private practice offices in Markopoulo and Porto Rafti, offering psychotherapy services, addiction treatment, psychological support, and counseling.

He is also active as a sports psychologist with PAO Kalyvia (2024-present), where, combined with his status as a final-year student at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science (TEFAA), he employs a comprehensive scientific approach that links mental empowerment with physical performance, supporting athletes in enhancing mental resilience and competitive performance.

Additionally, he has collaborated as an addiction counselor at KETHEA DIAVASI (2020-2021). In the field of addictions, he integrates his scientific training with profound experiential understanding of addiction and recovery mechanisms, which enhances empathy and the effectiveness of the therapeutic approach.

Ioanna Marmarou BSc, MSc, PhD is a Clinical - Counseling Psychologist who maintains a private practice in the center of Athens, in Exarchia. She holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of East London, a master's degree in Clinical & Community Psychology, and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the same university. The therapist is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society with professional license number 309612. The therapeutic process follows the Integrative Approach, which successfully incorporates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and Gestalt therapy. She holds certifications in School Psychology, Sexual Education for Children and Adolescents, and Drama Therapy. At Ioanna Marmarou's private practice, the counseling and psychotherapeutic process focuses on the uniqueness of each individual, allowing them to express every right - wrong, good - bad, normal - abnormal, realistic - imaginary, light - dark aspect of themselves and their broader life. The purpose of this therapeutic process is to serve as a journey for the client to explore their own self and their relationship with themselves, as well as the relationships and boundaries they have established within their social environment. A core principle of the therapist is the empowerment of the individual, aiming to build healthy relationships, achieve inner fulfillment, and maintain functionality in daily life.

Η Κλινική Παχυσαρκίας του Νικολάου Θεοδωράκη, MD, PhD(c), πιστοποιημένου ειδικού (SCOPE) στην παχυσαρκία και επιστημονικά υπεύθυνου της Κλινικής Παχυσαρκίας του doctoranytime, δημιουργήθηκε με στόχο την επιστημονική, εξατομικευμένη και ρεαλιστική αντιμετώπιση της παχυσαρκίας και του αυξημένου σωματικού βάρους. Σε μια εποχή γεμάτη αντικρουόμενες πληροφορίες, εξαντλητικές δίαιτες και μη επιστημονικές «γρήγορες λύσεις», η ομάδα μας εστιάζει σε σύγχρονες, επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένες διατροφικές και φαρμακευτικές παρεμβάσεις με στόχο βιώσιμα και μακροχρόνια αποτελέσματα.

Η διατροφική προσέγγιση της κλινικής βασίζεται στις αρχές της διατροφής ακριβείας (precision nutrition), με εξατομίκευση σύμφωνα με τις ανάγκες, τις συνήθειες, τον τρόπο ζωής και τους στόχους κάθε ατόμου. Ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δίνεται:

• στον αποτελεσματικό έλεγχο της όρεξης και του κορεσμού

• στη σωστή κατανομή πρωτεΐνης για διατήρηση ή αύξηση μυϊκής μάζας

• στη βελτίωση της σύστασης σώματος και του μεταβολισμού

• στη δημιουργία διατροφικών πλάνων που μπορούν πραγματικά να εφαρμοστούν στην καθημερινότητα

• στη δημιουργία εξατομικευμένων πλάνων συμπληρωμάτων διατροφής

• στη συνολική διαδικασία αλλαγής συμπεριφοράς και βελτίωσης της υγείας και της ευεξίας

Οι διαιτολόγοι – διατροφολόγοι της κλινικής διαθέτουν άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος και εγγραφή στον ΣΔΔΕ και λειτουργούν βάσει συγκεκριμένων επιστημονικών πρωτοκόλλων, με εμπειρία τόσο σε άτομα που ακολουθούν αποκλειστικά διατροφική παρέμβαση όσο και σε ασθενείς που λαμβάνουν παράλληλη ενέσιμη φαρμακευτική αγωγή για την παχυσαρκία.

Ιδιαίτερη σημασία δίνεται στη διατήρηση της μυϊκής μάζας κατά τη διάρκεια της απώλειας βάρους, ειδικά σε περιπτώσεις χρήσης ενέσιμων θεραπειών για την παχυσαρκία, όπου η σωστή πρόσληψη πρωτεΐνης και η κατάλληλη διατροφική καθοδήγηση αποτελούν καθοριστικούς παράγοντες για την υγεία, τη λειτουργικότητα και τη σύσταση σώματος.

Στην κλινική μας, στόχος είναι η εκπαίδευση, η αλλαγή συνηθειών και η δημιουργία ενός βιώσιμου μοντέλου διατροφής που μπορεί να υποστηρίξει μακροχρόνια υγεία, καλύτερη ποιότητα ζωής και αποτελεσματική διαχείριση βάρους.

Aggelaki Ioanna is a Mental Health Counselor and maintains a private practice in Exarcheia. She holds a diploma in Counseling Psychology from KE.PSY.SY. At the same center, she is pursuing further training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has attended numerous seminars on mental health and counseling topics. Her experience encompasses a wide range, including management of anxiety, stress, panic attacks, grief, assertiveness, LGBTQ+ empowerment, and more. As a mental health counselor, she is dedicated to helping individuals improve their mental health and well-being. With a passion for psychology and a desire to positively impact people's lives, she provides a warm and non-judgmental environment to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors together. If you are struggling with anxiety, stress, or any other mental health issue, she is here to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.

Dr. Theodoros Lagarias is a seasoned physician with extensive experience in Primary Health Care and medical education. He began his medical career as a resident physician at the General Hospital of Chania, serving from 2007 to 2011. Subsequently, he held the position of General Practitioner at the Health Center of Agia, Larissa, advancing to the rank of Senior Registrar (Grade A) from 2011 until 2024.​

Between 2017 and 2024, Dr. Lagarias served as the coordinator for the training of resident physicians in General/Family Medicine at the General Hospital of Larissa, playing a pivotal role in their clinical and scientific development. Concurrently, he contributed to undergraduate medical education by participating as an instructor during educational visits of medical students from the School of Medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki to Primary Health Care units.​

Dr. Lagarias holds certifications in emergency pre-hospital care and in the early detection and prevention of mental disorders, the latter obtained through the Vocational Training Center of the Mental Health Center in Chania. He has actively participated in numerous educational activities, both as a trainee and as a lecturer, including seminars, conferences, and training workshops.​

Farri Agathi is a General/Family Physician with a private practice in Peristeri. She is a graduate of the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds a postgraduate degree in Public Health from the National School of Public Health. Additionally, she has completed a postgraduate training program in Emergency Prehospital Medicine. The physician has significant professional experience and, in her private clinic, she manages conditions such as weight loss, cough, dyslipidemia, persistent fever, depression, respiratory infections, and metabolic syndrome.

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 Παναγιώτα Λαμπρινάκου είναι Διαιτολόγος Διατροφολόγος που ολοκλήρωσε τις σπουδές της στο Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλίας στην Καρδίτσα (πρώην ΤΕΙ) και εξειδικεύεται στην δημιουργία Διαιτολογίων για όλα τα στάδια της ζωής του ανθρώπου καθώς και για την διαχείριση και βελτίωση παθολογικών καταστάσεων. Στις συνεργασίες της, επιθυμεί να δημιουργεί μια προσωπική σχέση που θα επιτρέπει την άμεση επικοινωνία για την επίλυση κάθε απορίας και προβλήματος. Διασφαλίζει στον καθένα πως δεν θα είναι μόνος στο "δρόμο" για την επίτευξη των διατροφικών του στόχων. Αυτό περιλαμβάνει πρώτον να κατανοήσει τη σχέση του ατόμου με το φαγητό, τις δυσκολίες που τον εμποδίζουν στην υιοθέτηση μιας υγιεινής διατροφής, τις ανάγκες της υγείας του, ώστε να του παρέχει ένα διατροφολόγιο εξατομικευμένο στις ανάγκες του και στις διατροφικές του προτιμήσεις. Σκοπός δεν είναι μια προσωρινή αλλαγή, αλλά η υιοθέτηση ενός πιο υγιεινού τρόπου ζωής για τη βελτίωση του σώματος και της υγείας. Κάθε συνεργασία περιλαμβάνει προσωπικά διαιτολόγια, εκπαίδευση σε νέο τρόπο υγιεινής διατροφής στις ανάγκες της καθημερινότητας, παρακολούθηση προόδου με συχνή επικοινωνία για τυχόν δυσκολίες και προβλήματα καθώς και τρόπους για υγιεινή και νόστιμη μαγειρική. Έχει μεγάλη αγάπη στη δουλειά της καθώς βλέπει πόσο μπορεί να βελτιωθεί η ποιότητα ζωής κάποιου αν αλλάξει τη διατροφή του, τόσο σε επίπεδο κοινωνικής ζωής αλλά κυρίως ως προς την ευεξία και την υγεία του. Μέσω αξιολογήσεων, ερωτηματολογίων θα εντοπιστούν οι ανάγκες και οι τομείς βελτίωσης που πρέπει να γίνουν στη διατροφή του κάθε ατόμου. Στόχος είναι να βρεθούν τα εμπόδια, όπως το στρες, οι περιορισμοί της καθημερινότητας ώστε να δημιουργηθεί ένα εξατομικευμένο πλάνο Διατροφής και συμβουλών που θα γίνει ο "οδικός χάρτης" προς τον στόχο του. Έχει εξειδίκευση στην Ψυχολογία Διατροφής μέσω εκπαίδευσης και προσωπικής ενασχόλησης επειδή το θεωρεί πρωτεύον στην υιοθέτηση και τήρηση ενός νέου πρότυπου υγιεινών συνηθειών και στην παράλληλη διακοπή ανθυγιεινών προτύπων διατροφής. Αν ζητηθεί υπάρχουν έξτρα συνεδρίες και εργαλεία ώστε να επιτευχθεί και θεραπευτικό κομμάτι στην σχέση του ατόμου με το φαγητό και την ψυχολογία. Η προσωπική φροντίδα του κάθε ατόμου είναι ουσιώδης για μια καλή συνεργασία ώστε να υπάρχει εκπαίδευση και ενδυνάμωση ώστε να γίνουν βιώσιμες αλλαγές.

Skoufa Lida is a Psychologist with a private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a PhD from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed postgraduate studies in Pain Management at the University of Ioannina. Additionally, she specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. She has significant experience and is currently a Research Associate at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki as well as a Trainer in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Medical Psychotherapeutic Center.

Dr. Papadopoulou Efi, MD, MSc, PhD, is an Internist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She graduated from the Medical School of the University of Patras, holds a Master's Degree specializing in Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity, as well as a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a medical specialization in Diabetes Mellitus. She completed her specialty training in Internal Medicine at the Therapeutic Clinic of the University of Athens at GNA "Alexandra" Hospital, while also receiving clinical training in Diabetes Mellitus at the Diabetes Clinic of the same institution. Currently, she maintains a private practice in Athens and concurrently works as an Internist Consultant at the 7th Internal Medicine Clinic of HYGEIA Hospital. Her clinical and research interests encompass the full spectrum of Internal Medicine, with particular emphasis on Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity.

Dr. Xarikleia Xristakou is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Vrilissia. She completed her studies at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She began her clinical and research career in the Endocrinology Department of the First Internal Medicine Clinic at Laiko Hospital in Athens and at the Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit of the Ευγενίδειο Therapeutic Institute, with a special interest in disorders of female reproduction and metabolism. She was awarded the title of Doctor of Medicine from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 2014. Subsequently, she specialized at the First University Pediatric Clinic of the "Agia Sofia" Children’s Hospital, focusing on Pediatric Endocrinology. She continued and completed her specialization in Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism at the First Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine Clinic of Laiko Hospital. She is the author of scientific articles in reputable Greek and international journals and has contributed to the authorship of Greek and international scientific textbooks on Endocrinology. Additionally, she has participated as a speaker at Greek and international conferences. Since January 2022, she has been an academic fellow at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where she has been involved in clinical and teaching activities. Furthermore, as a member of the interdisciplinary team at the Center of Excellence for Neuroendocrine Diseases at the University of Athens at Laiko Hospital, she actively participates in Medical Board meetings, where interesting patient cases are discussed with the aim of accurate diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with neuroendocrine diseases. She also serves as an instructor in the postgraduate program "Endocrine Neoplasms".

Teliopoulou Xaroula is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Chania. She holds a degree from the University of Greenwich and has received training at the Hellenic Open University. She has extensive experience in body composition analysis, anthropometric measurements, dietary behavior modification, and nutritional education, and manages conditions such as adolescent obesity, weight gain, and proper nutrition. She has worked as a Deputy Inspector for the approval of licenses for Dietetic Units at the Chania Health Center, as an External Collaborator - Nutritionist for the football team "A.O. Platanias Chania," as well as for the football team "Panakrotiriakos A.O." Additionally, she regularly attends conferences and contributes articles to the press, and has participated in research conducted by the University of Greenwich on Diabetes. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Dietitians-Nutritionists Association and The Nutrition Society.

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.

Dr. Mamalaki Eirini is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She graduated from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University of Athens. She completed her Master's Degree specializing in "Clinical Nutrition" at the same department. In 2020, she earned her PhD on the topic "Nutrition and lifestyle of older adults." She has published over 30 scientific articles in the field of nutrition and lifestyle, as well as more than 45 written and oral presentations at international conferences. Currently, she is a Scientific Collaborator at Harokopio University and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has extensive experience in managing clinical cases, both adults and children, as well as in weight management for individuals (weight loss, maintenance of lost weight, weight gain). Her fundamental philosophy is that dietary intervention should be person-centered, based on the specific needs and requirements of each individual as well as their taste preferences, with the goal of achieving long-term maintenance of the changes discussed. Therefore, the core focus of her sessions is thorough assessment and discussion of needs with the individual, setting goals, and re-evaluating these goals at regular intervals.