Health professionals for Obesity

Fountouli Nefeli - Maria is a Specialist in General and Family Medicine with clinical experience in managing chronic diseases, focusing on diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolism. She is certified by SCOPE (Specialist Certification of Obesity Professional Education) from the World Obesity Federation, with specialized training in the modern and scientifically validated management of obesity. Dr. Fountouli is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Crete and holds a Master's Degree in Leadership, Innovation, and Value-based Health Policies. She collaborates with the Diabetes Unit and Obesity Unit of a major private medical center and participates as a researcher in international clinical studies. She provides personalized, holistic care grounded in scientific evidence and a patient-centered approach, addressing both preventive and therapeutic needs in adults.

Mpelekos Vasilis MSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and operates a private practice in Korydallos. He is a graduate of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University and holds a master's degree in Applied Dietetics and Nutrition from the same institution. Through years of monitoring individuals requiring nutritional support, he has gained significant expertise in areas such as Clinical Nutrition, Nutritional Counseling, Sports and Exercise Nutrition, and the application of the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) model. He contributes articles to online platforms and magazines and has served as a speaker on informative television programs focused on nutrition. He has participated in numerous conferences to continuously enhance his knowledge and stay updated in the ever-evolving field of nutrition. Finally, he is a member of the Hellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists.

Iakovou Aleksandra is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist (MSc-CBT) who maintains a private practice in Nea Erythraia and collaborates with a psychotherapy center in downtown Athens. She studied Psychology at the University of Greenwich in England (BSc) and has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Additionally, she completed postgraduate studies in Health Psychology at the University of Lancashire in England. She has also completed the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. She completed her internship at "The Smile of the Child," where she provided psychological support to children up to 8 years old, as well as at "18 and Over," where she conducted sessions with individuals with eating disorders. Her focus is on the treatment of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, pain management, as well as enhancing self-confidence and changing behaviors that lead to the adoption of a balanced diet. Psychotherapy aids in self-recognition, as each person learns more about their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This is when the desired change begins.

Dr. Kouveletsou Marina, MD, MSc, PhDc, is a Military Physician, Specialist in Internal Medicine – Diabetology, and maintains a private practice in Kallithea, while also serving as a Consultant at the 251 Air Force General Hospital. She is a PhD candidate at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a Medical Degree from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Medical School and the Military School of Corps Officers (SSAS).

She specialized in Internal Medicine at the 1st University Teaching Internal Medicine Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens “Laiko” and at the 251 Air Force General Hospital. She holds a Master’s Degree (MSc) in “Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity” from the Medical School of the University of Athens with distinction (“Excellent”) and is specialized in diabetes mellitus and its complications at the Diabetology Center of the General Hospital of Athens “Laiko.”

She has completed certified training in Emergency Management (Advanced Life Support – ALS Provider) from the European Resuscitation Council, as well as emergency medicine training programs (Advanced Trauma Life Support – ATLS, Prehospital Trauma Life Support – PHTLS, Basic Life Support – BLS).

In her clinic, she manages cases of diabetes mellitus, obesity, arterial hypertension, elevated cholesterol, lipid disorders, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, as well as general internal medicine conditions, approaching each patient individually with emphasis on prevention and early diagnosis.

She is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine, the Hellenic Diabetes Association, as well as the Hellenic and European Atherosclerosis Societies. She has an extensive research background with published papers in international medical journals and presentations at Greek and international scientific conferences.

Kouri Eirini is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and operates a private practice in Nea Smyrni. She holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, with postgraduate studies at Harokopio University (clinical dietitian). She has a master's degree in eating disorders, obesity, and childhood obesity, as well as a specialization in sports nutrition.

She collaborated for several years with the Academy of P.A.E. Panionios, providing nutritional guidance and has delivered numerous lectures on the Mediterranean Diet in schools in Nea Smyrni.

At her practice, she offers nutritional services for various conditions such as weight loss, weight gain, pregnancy, breastfeeding, nutrition for athletes, prevention or management of pathological conditions (diabetes mellitus, digestive system diseases), treatment of eating disorders, childhood obesity, as well as nutrition for women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Finally, she has attended numerous nutrition conferences and workshops as part of her ongoing professional development and is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists.

Marilena Nikolidaki RD BSc cMSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Rethymno. She is a graduate of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics of the School of Health Sciences at the Hellenic Mediterranean University, and she is also pursuing a postgraduate program in "Nutrition & Public Health" at the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has attended numerous educational programs and seminars, acquiring further knowledge in clinical nutrition, sports nutrition, diabetes mellitus and obesity, endocrinological issues in children and adolescents related to weight management. Additionally, she has completed practical training seminars at the Nutrition Department of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos." Concurrently, the Nutritionist is an active member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists, as well as the Hellenic Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (GrEspen). Since 2024, she has maintained her private dietetic office at 30 Emmanouil Portaliou Street in the center of Rethymno.

Kalatzopoulou Garyfalia Liana MD, MSc is a Specialist in Internal Medicine and maintains a private practice in Neo Psychiko. She is a graduate of the Athens College and holds a medical degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She completed a postgraduate program in Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, specialized in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas," and has extensive experience in the management of obesity, having handled hundreds of cases to date. Dr. Kalatzopoulou is an external associate of Metropolitan General Hospital and serves as the attending Internist at the Outpatient Clinics of the same hospital.

Kiortsis Dimitrios, Endocrinologist - Diabetologist, is a Professor at the Medical School of the University of Ioannina. He maintains private practices in Athens and Ioannina. He received specialized training in Paris at the university hospitals Pitie-Salpetriere, Saint Louis, Hotel Dieu, Trousseau, and Cochin. He holds the three-year diploma in Endocrinology-Metabolic Diseases (DU Paris V). He earned his doctorate (PhD) through collaboration between the Universities of Paris (Paris VI) and Athens. He has 35 years of experience across the full spectrum of endocrine disorders, with particular expertise in obesity and metabolic diseases. He is a European-certified specialist and trainer of young physicians in obesity (European Scope). He has served as President of the Hellenic Medical Society of Obesity and is currently President of the Hellenic Society of Metabolism, Nutrition, and Wellness. His original research work includes over 200 publications in international journals and numerous chapters in both international and Greek medical 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 the entire range of endocrine disorders, with an emphasis on modern therapeutic management of metabolic diseases and obesity. By combining academic research with extensive clinical experience, his goal is to improve patient quality of life through scientifically substantiated knowledge.

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. Zaxaki Aglaia is an Endocrinologist and Diabetologist maintaining a private practice in Peristeri. She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and is a PhD candidate at the same institution's Medical School. Dr. Zaxaki specialized in Endocrinology, Metabolic Diseases, and Diabetes Mellitus at the Endocrinology Department of the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas." Additionally, she has served as a collaborator and instructor in Higher Education (TEI) Athens and at various public IEK institutions, where she taught courses related to medical science. Furthermore, she attended the Clinic for Endocrine Disorders and Diabetes Mellitus in Pregnancy at the Endocrinology Department of the University General Hospital - Maternity "Elena Venizelou." She also participated in the Menopause Clinic at the 2nd Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens at "Aretaieio" Hospital. Moreover, Dr. Zaxaki holds a license from the Ministry of Health to perform thyroid ultrasound and ultrasound examinations of the organs within her specialty. Finally, she has numerous original research publications in internationally recognized medical journals, oral and written presentations at Greek and international conferences, as well as extensive research experience.

Katsogiannos Petros is an Endocrinologist – Diabetologist who maintains a private practice in Pallini while also collaborating with the private hospital "Hygeia." He is distinguished by his combined experience in clinical practice, research, and university education. He graduated from the Medical School of Semmelweis University and earned a Doctor of Medicine (PhD) degree from Uppsala University, with research work in the field of endocrinology. He has worked as a Senior Endocrinologist – Diabetologist at Uppsala University Hospital and currently serves as a Senior Consultant at Linköping University Hospital. In the past, he served for several years as a resident and then as a Consultant in the Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology at Uppsala University Hospital, gaining extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases, diabetes mellitus, pituitary disorders, and osteoporosis. Combining clinical practice with research activity, Katsogiannos Petros is a scientist with an international orientation and a modern, evidence-based approach to patient care. He offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for endocrinological, diabetological, and metabolic diseases, thyroid gland disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, thyroid malignancy, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid and pregnancy), parathyroid diseases (hyperparathyroidism, hypocalcemia, vitamin D deficiency), osteoporosis, pituitary diseases, adrenal diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome, male hypogonadism, endocrine hypertension, type 1 diabetes mellitus (insulin pump, continuous glucose monitoring system) and type 2 diabetes as well as gestational diabetes with endocrinological disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period, metabolic control – dyslipidemias, and obesity management.

Mpoukis Mixail is an Endocrinologist-Diabetologist who maintains a private practice in Heraklion, Crete. He is a distinguished PhD graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds specialty certifications in Endocrinology/Diabetology and Internal Medicine from the Therapeutic Clinic of the University of Athens at "Alexandra" Hospital. He has also been a Research Associate in the Psychopharmacology Department at the University of Reading, United Kingdom. The physician is highly qualified in his field, having been awarded the Academy of Athens Award in the Positive Sciences and the Greek Endocrinological Society Award. Moreover, he has an extensive teaching portfolio, serving as Assistant Professor of Endocrinology at the University of Crete and having taught postgraduate students at the Medical School of the University of Athens, as well as in numerous other private and public institutions. He has published and presented numerous papers at national and international levels. Lastly, the physician specializes in thyroid nodule fine-needle aspirations, having performed approximately 2,500 aspirations, and his clinic offers comprehensive obesity evaluation with modern management of obese patients.

Manou Eirini is a Dietitian – Nutritionist, MSc, licensed to practice and maintains a private practice in Patima, Chalandri. She holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics of the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and a postgraduate degree in "Nutrition and Exercise" from the Department of Dietetics – Nutrition Science at Harokopio University. She has been trained in the management of eating disorders and obesity at the National Centre for Eating Disorders in the United Kingdom and the Educational and Treatment Center for Eating Disorders in Greece. She completed her internship at the General Hospital of Athens "Sismanoglio – Amalia Fleming" and began working as a Dietitian in the Nutrition Department of the hospital for 4 years, where she dealt with numerous clinical cases. Additionally, she collaborated for several years with various sports facilities and gyms, providing nutritional support and guidance to many athletes. She has extensive experience in the support of cases with eating disorders, regulation of body weight and metabolism, as well as clinical cases. She provides personalized nutrition services based on the needs and habits of her clients. Her goal is to educate and consequently promote the adoption of new, healthy eating habits by her clients, always placing particular emphasis on psychological support and empowerment through counseling. She has attended numerous conferences, seminars, and workshops related to nutrition, exercise, obesity, and psychological support. Her guiding principle is always nutritional and psychological support as well as a holistic and individualized approach for each person, taking into account their desires and lifestyle. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Dietetic and Nutrition Association.

Mpotsifaras Ilias is a Dietitian-Nutritionist specializing in sports nutrition. He has a private practice at the NOUS THERAPY CENTER health center in the center of Thessaloniki. He is a lecturer at IEK ALFA Thessaloniki in the field of Nutrition and Dietetics. He graduated from the Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics at the International Hellenic University (IHU), based in Thessaloniki. He completed his internship at the General Hospital of Thessaloniki, where he specialized in clinical cases involving eating disorders and obesity. He has completed postgraduate studies and holds a specialization in Sports Nutrition from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the International Hellenic University. Currently, he is pursuing his second postgraduate degree with a focus on Clinical Nutrition at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the International Hellenic University. Additionally, he has received further training in eating disorders and obesity at NCfED in the United Kingdom. He has conducted research on the bone density of football players and the influence of their dietary habits. He has also worked as a dietitian-nutritionist at the 424 General Military Hospital, monitoring clinical cases in the hospital. Finally, he provides nutritional support for athletes, manages clinical cases with a broad spectrum of diseases, and cases involving eating disorders. It is worth noting his active involvement in conducting research on the dietary habits of patients with chronic urticaria.

Drimala Panagiota is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Ampelokipoi. She studied at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specialized in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the largest independent Endocrinology Clinic and Diabetology Center in the country, located in the “Evangelismos” hospital. There, she gained extensive experience in managing patients with diabetes mellitus. Additionally, she specialized in gestational diabetes and thyroid disorders during pregnancy at the “Alexandra” and “Elena Venizelou” hospitals. As part of her continuous education, she has attended postgraduate programs related to Human Reproduction, Childhood Obesity, as well as specialization in Thyroid Ultrasound at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Military physician Xaralampidis Konstantinos MD, MSc is a recognized Pathologist with multiple specializations and extensive experience in providing medical care. He maintains a private clinic in Thessaloniki. Having graduated from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2012, he joined the ranks of officers in the Hellenic Army. He served in combat units, demonstrating his dedication to military medicine. Since 2022, he has maintained a pathology clinic in Lemnos, offering high-quality healthcare, and is currently specializing in Diabetes Mellitus at the Diabetes Center of the 1st Department of Internal Medicine at the AHEPA University Hospital of Thessaloniki. Concurrently, he is training in obesity management at the clinic’s outpatient Obesity Unit. In his clinic, he collaborates with excellent specialists from various fields to provide comprehensive management of chronic and complex diseases. Xaralampidis Konstantinos is committed to delivering quality health services with respect and consideration for the patient.

Education & Certifications

• Medical Degree: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2012)
• Postgraduate Degree: Research Methodology in Medicine and Health Sciences (2019)
• Specialty Title in Pathology (2022)
• Certifications:
• Arterial Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus
• Management of infections, including Covid-19

With a sense of responsibility and respect towards fellow human beings, Xaralampidis Konstantinos provides comprehensive medical care according to the principles of medical science, dedicated to offering quality health services.

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.

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.

Maria Giannakou is an Endocrinologist and operates a private practice in Vrilissia. She specializes in Diabetes and Metabolism and holds a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her doctoral thesis focused on chronic autoimmune thyroiditis and the nutritional and oxidative factors influencing its progression. She has extensive experience in university and hospital settings, having trained at the Center of Expertise for Rare Endocrine Diseases of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos," as well as in the 1st Oncology Clinic of the General Oncology Hospital "Agioi Anargyroi." Currently, she is a consulting endocrinologist at the Endocrinology Unit of the University of Athens and at Medifirst in Marousi. She is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom, and the Endocrinological Society, remaining actively informed of scientific developments in her field.