Health professionals for Obesity

Maria Mpergele is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains her private offices in Nea Ionia and in the center of Athens. She holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Thessaly and, as part of her continuous professional development, she has attended and continues to attend numerous postgraduate scientific seminars and conferences related to her specialty. She has extensive experience in managing clinical cases (such as Diabetes Mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, thyroid disorders, gut health) and also treats adolescent cases. In the past, she served as a Dietitian - Nutritionist at a Nutrition and Aesthetics Center and completed her internship in the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at the Korgialeneio-Benakio General Hospital (Red Cross). Currently, in addition to her private practice, she collaborates with a Nursery School providing nutritional services as well as with a Wellness and Care Center.

Gkioksaris Vasileios is an Endocrinologist and maintains an endocrinology clinic in Ampelokipi. Simultaneously, he serves as the Endocrinologist-Diabetologist scientific director at LIFECHECK Drapetsona. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Ioannina. He served as a rural doctor at the Konitsa Health Center. He completed his internal medicine residency at the General Hospital of Arta and subsequently fulfilled his military service as a Physician. For two years, he was the scientific director of the Medical team of Doctors of the World (Medecins du Monde) in the Epirus region. He completed his specialty in Endocrinology - Diabetes - Metabolism at the endocrinology department of the "Metaxa" Anticancer Hospital of Piraeus, which specializes in thyroid diseases and is a center of expertise in neck ultrasonography. He has participated in numerous Greek and international endocrinology and diabetes conferences and seminars, maintaining continuous updates on scientific advancements in his field. During his specialty training, he obtained a certificate of specialized education in "Human Reproduction" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He attended an Endocrine Disorders during Pregnancy clinic at the Regional General Hospital - Maternity "Elena Venizelou" and a Growth and Development clinic at the Children's Hospital "Panagiotis and Aglaia Kyriakou." He has successfully completed training in Diabetes at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He holds a license to perform thyroid gland ultrasonography.

Zaxarou Vera - Nutrithink is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and operates a private practice in Piraeus. She completed her studies in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Technological Educational Institute of Crete. Additionally, she attended a Health Coach training seminar and subsequently a professional development program in Pediatric Nutrition at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has experience and contributes articles to various websites.

Ο Μεραμβελιωτάκης Εμμανουήλ είναι Γενικός Γιατρός και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στο Ηράκλειο Κρήτης. Είναι απόφοιτος της 1ης Ιατρικής Σχολής του Πανεπιστημίου του Καρόλου στην Πράγα, από όπου αποφοίτησε με βαθμό Λείαν Καλώς. Κατά τη διάρκεια της αναμονής του για την ειδικότητα της Γενικής Ιατρικής, μετακόμισε στο Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο, όπου δούλεψε ως locum ιατρός σε διάφορα νοσοκομεία της χώρας και σε διάφορες ειδικότητες, με τελευταία θέση στο Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, με τον βαθμό του Staff Grade. Την ειδικότητα της Γενικής/Οικογενειακής Ιατρικής την τελείωσε το 2010 στο Βενιζέλειο Νοσοκομείο Ηρακλείου. Από το 2011 μέχρι σήμερα δουλεύει ως Επιμελητής ΕΣΥ στο ΚΥ Μοιρών. Βασικά ενδιαφέροντα πέραν των καθημερινών υποχρεώσεων είναι οι συμπεριφορικές παρεμβάσεις στην Πρωτοβάθμια Φροντίδα Υγείας (ΠΦΥ) και ειδικότερα στην παχυσαρκία, τον ΣΔ και το κάπνισμα. Έχει ολοκληρώσει την θεωρητική μετεκπαίδευση στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία στην Ιατρική Σχολή του Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης. Έχει κάνει αρκετές ομιλίες σε θέματα παχυσαρκίας σε πανελλήνια και τοπικά συνέδρια. Ενεργό μέλος της Ελληνική Ιατρική Εταιρεία Παχυσαρκία (ΕΙΕΠ) από 12ετίας.

Pagourtzi Euanthia MSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and the scientific director of the licensed dietetic office "Nutritional Intelligence" in the Aigaleo area since 2011. She graduated from Harokopio University in 2010, where she continued her studies by completing the postgraduate program "Applied Dietetics and Nutrition" with a specialization in "Nutrition and Exercise," in which she was awarded twice for academic excellence. Additionally, she holds a diploma from the educational program "Evidence-Based Medical Nutrition" of AUTH. She has specialized in eating disorders and adult obesity through KEADD and has completed the training cycle "Lifestyle and Cardiovascular Disease" within the framework of the ELIDEK project. In her private practice, she manages a wide range of cases including obesity, overweight, cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemias (high cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia), hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance (hyperinsulinemia), polycystic ovaries, gastrointestinal problems, anemia, autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, women and men of reproductive age, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, menopausal women, as well as cases involving exercisers, recreational athletes, and professional athletes. During her studies, she participated in various research projects and completed her internship in several hospitals of Attica, where she dealt with numerous clinical cases. In the past, she has worked as an instructor in public Vocational Training Institutes (IEK) and concurrently collaborates with sports teams and fitness centers. She is a member of the Sports Nutrition Working Group of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists. Over the years, she has delivered presentations at scientific conferences on topics related to preventive medicine, nutrition, and exercise.

Prentza Vasiliki is a Pathologist - Diabetologist who maintains private clinics in Haidari and Aspropyrgos. She holds a Ph.D. from the Medical School, a Master's Degree in "Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity," and a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Dr. Vasiliki completed her specialization in Pathology at the 2nd Pathology Department of the General Regional Hospital of Western Attica and at the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos." She has specialized in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of diabetic patients, having trained at the 2nd University Pathology Clinic of Hippocrates Hospital of Athens. During her career, she has worked as a Specialist Physician in the Health Committees of the Centers for Disability Certification (KE.P.A.) and in the Emergency Department of "Hygeia" Hospital. In her clinic, she provides comprehensive information and education to patients on issues related to diabetes complications, diabetic nutrition, insulin therapy, as well as the prevention and management of hypoglycemia. She also treats a wide range of conditions, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, triglycerides, hypertension, and cholesterol. She has published articles in international scientific journals and participates in educational lectures for local groups and associations, as well as conferences on Pathology and Diabetology in Greece and abroad. She also contributes articles to newspapers and health-related magazines.

Martzivanou Maria is a certified Psychotherapist in Person-Centered Therapy, Focusing Experiential Therapy, as well as Existential Therapy, with a private practice in Thessaloniki. She has specialized in Positive Psychology and Medical Psychology, focusing on understanding the relationship between the mind and body, the psychosomatic expression of trauma, and the needs of individuals living with chronic or acute physical pain. Through extensive training and experiential practice, she has successfully integrated Western psychology with Eastern philosophy, building bridges between the mind, body, and spirit. Her approach honors the human existence as a whole, which does not need to be “fixed” but to find a space where it can be heard, to feel, and to unfold. She has provided voluntary services in social institutions such as the YMCA of Thessaloniki and the orphanage "Agios Stylianos." Finally, she is specialized in EFT Couples Therapy, Trauma Therapy and Psychosomatic Pain Treatment, Psychotherapy & Diagnosis of Adults with ADHD, Eating Disorders, and Nonviolent Communication (NVC).

Despoina Rizopoulou is a Pathologist specialized in acupuncture. She maintains private practices in the Nea Raidestos area of Thermi and in Kalamaria. She graduated from the Medical School of the University of Thessaly in July 1997. After completing her rural service, she specialized in Pathology at the Pathology Clinic of Kastoria Hospital and at the 2nd Propaedeutic Pathology Clinic of Hippokration Hospital in Thessaloniki, obtaining her specialty certification in January 2006.

Mpenroumpi Marianna is a Diabetologist with a private practice in Kypseli and concurrently serves as a Scientific Collaborator at the Euroclinic of Athens. She is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has undergone specialized training in Diabetology at King's College Hospital in London. She has served as the Director of the Diabetology Center at the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos." She has extensive experience in type 1 diabetes and insulin pumps, in the monitoring and management of diabetic foot problems, and in providing psychological support and education to individuals with diabetes. Finally, Dr. Mpenroumpi Marianna has served twice as the president of the Hellenic Diabetes Association.

Ioanna Skrapari MD, PhD is a Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Argyroupoli. She studied Medicine at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Pathology at the General Hospital of Athens Alexandra. She holds a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens as well as a specialization degree in Diabetes Mellitus. Currently, after many years of experience, she is an NHS Director at the General Hospital of Athens Evangelismos and Head of the Diabetology Clinic of the 3rd Internal Medicine Department of the same hospital. She has participated as a speaker in numerous medical conferences and scientific seminars and possesses a rich body of work with publications in international and Greek scientific journals.

Dr. Panagou Maria MD is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains 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." In addition to her private practices, she is currently the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the Medical Diagnostic Center "Praxis Ygeias," and previously served as the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the South East Aigaion Clinic in Mykonos. Finally, Dr. Panagou has particular expertise in thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis.

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.

Η Φιλίππου Χριστίνα MSc, PhD είναι Κλινική Διαιτολόγος-Διατροφολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Πανόρμου. Το 2012 αποφοίτησε με «Άριστα» από το Τμήμα Επιστήμης Διαιτολογίας - Διατροφής του Χαροκοπείου Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Στο ίδιο τμήμα πραγματοποίησε και τις μεταπτυχιακές της σπουδές, στο Πρόγραμμα Μεταπτυχιακών Σπουδών «Εφαρμοσμένη Διαιτολογία-Διατροφή» και το 2014 έλαβε με «Άριστα» το Μεταπτυχιακό Δίπλωμα Ειδίκευσης με κατεύθυνση την «Κλινική Διατροφή». Από το 2014 έως και το 2017 ήταν Επιστημονική Συνεργάτιδα του Τμήματος Επιστήμης Διαιτολογίας-Διατροφής του Χαροκοπείου Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Από το 2017 μέχρι σήμερα είναι Επιστημονική Συνεργάτιδα στη Μονάδα Υπέρτασης της Α’ Πανεπιστημιακής Καρδιολογικής Κλινικής, στο Ιπποκράτειο Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Αθηνών. Διαθέτει δεκαετή κλινική εμπειρία στη διαιτητική διαχείριση και υποστήριξη ατόμων με καρδιομεταβολικούς παράγοντες κινδύνου, υπέρταση, σακχαρώδη διαβήτη και χρόνια νεφρική νόσο. Παράλληλα, από το 2018 είναι υπεύθυνη για τη διοικητική υποστήριξη του Προγράμματος Μεταπτυχιακών Σπουδών «Αρτηριακή Υπέρταση και Συνοδά Καρδιαγγειακά- Νεφρικά Νοσήματα» της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, με Διευθυντή τον Καθηγητή Καρδιολογίας κ. Κωνσταντίνο Τσιούφη. Το 2024 ανακηρύχθηκε Διδάκτωρ της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών (Τίτλος διατριβής: «Μελέτη των επιδράσεων της Μεσογειακής διατροφής, της δίαιτας DASH και του περιορισμού άλατος στα επίπεδα της αρτηριακής πίεσης και στους καρδιομεταβολικούς παράγοντες κινδύνου στην προ-υπέρταση και στην αρτηριακή υπέρταση σταδίου 1 σε χρονικό διάστημα 3 μηνών», Βαθμός: «Άριστα»). Μέχρι σήμερα, διαθέτει 12 δημοσιεύσεις σε διεθνή επιστημονικά περιοδικά, με συνολικό h-index 10 και περισσότερες από 1.200 βιβλιογραφικές αναφορές (citations). Επιπλέον, έχει συμμετάσχει στη συγγραφή 5 επιστημονικών συγγραμμάτων και έχει παρουσιάσει περισσότερες από 30 προφορικές και αναρτημένες ανακοινώσεις σε επιστημονικά συνέδρια στην Ελλάδα και το εξωτερικό.

Synetos Dionysios is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Chalandri. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of East London, and has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling in Kallithea. He has completed an internship at the Alzheimer Day Center in Maroussi and has managed cases at the Psychogeriatric Society "Nestor" as part of his CBT internship and continues to volunteer there to this day. Additionally, he has worked privately with individuals with autism and currently works at the Day Center of PESOPSY in Vyronas.

Katerina Leventouri is a Clinical Psychologist (MSc) - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Exarchia. She graduated with honors from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (GPA 8.75) and holds a professional license. She has completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in Clinical Psychology with a grade of Excellent (9.14). During her postgraduate studies, she worked in the mental health department of the Hellenic Center for Mental Health and Research in Thessaloniki, as well as in the acute cases department of the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, handling a wide range of cases and gaining valuable experience in managing mental health issues such as anxiety, mood, and personality disorders. She has a particular interest in eating disorders, having collaborated as a trainee Clinical Psychologist with the Day Center for Eating Disorders ElpiZo of EPAPSY. Simultaneously, she has attended a one-year educational seminar on the treatment of eating disorders and has also conducted research on the topic. Additionally, she has participated in a research team at University College Cork in Ireland focusing on combating stigma in patients with chronic pain. As a professional, she places great emphasis on lifelong education, personal therapy, and supervision. As a psychotherapist, she follows an individualized approach, respecting each person's unique history, pace, and request within a safe framework of exploration and self-acceptance.

Η κ. Μοναστηριώτη Νικολέττα είναι Ενδοκρινολόγος-Διαβητολόγος και διατηρεί το ιδιωτικό της ιατρείο στη Νέα Κηφισιά. Εχει πραγματοποιήσει την εξειδίκευση της στην Υπερηχογραφίκη εκτίμηση παθήσεων του θυρεοειδούς αδένα, στο αντικαρκινικό νοσοκομείο Πειραιά ''Μεταξά'' και έλαβε την άδεια εκτέλεσης υπερήχων θυρεοειδούς αδένα. Είναι πτυχιούχος της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών, απ' όπου και αποφοίτησε το 2013. Ειδικεύτηκε στην Ενδοκρινολογία στη Μονάδα Ενδοκρινολογίας και Κέντρο Μεταβολισμού και Σακχαρώδους Διαβήτη στο Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Αθηνών ''Γεώργιος Γεννηματάς'' και στην Παθολογική κλινική του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Κέρκυρας. Κατά τη διάρκεια της ειδικότητας της, εκπαιδεύτηκε, επίσης, στο τμήμα Κλιμακτηρίου και Εμμηνόπαυσης στη Β' Μαιευτική και Γυναικολογική Κλινική Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, στις Ενδοκρινικές Παθήσεις κατά την Κύηση στο Ενδοκρινολογικό Τμήμα ΓΝ '' Έλενα Βενιζέλου'' και στην Παιδοενδοκρινολογία στο Ενδοκρινολογικό τμήμα Αύξησης και Ανάπτυξης, Γ.Ν.Π.Α ''Παναγιώτη & Αγλαΐας Κυριακού''. Έχει ολοκληρώσει με επιτυχία τον κύκλο μαθημάτων του Προγράμματος Μεταπτυχιακών σπουδών '"Έρευνα στη γυναικεία αναπαραγωγή'' της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Εθνικού & Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Διατελεί μέλος του Ιατρικού Συλλόγου Αθηνών και της Ελληνικής Ενδοκρινολογικής Εταιρείας. Έχει συμμετάσχει σε πληθώρα ελληνικών και διεθνών συνεδρίων και σεμιναρίων Ενδοκρινολογίας και Σακχαρώδους Διαβήτη με συνεχή ενημέρωση για τις εξελίξεις της επιστήμης στον τομέα της. Έχει εκπαιδευτεί και διαθέτει μεγάλη κλινική εμπειρία σε μεγάλο εύρος ενδοκρινολογικών παθήσεων, συμπεριλαμβανομένων του σακχαρώδη διαβήτη, των νοσημάτων θυρεοειδούς και παραθυρεοειδών αδένων, της οστεοπόρωσης και των νοσημάτων του μεταβολισμού ασβεστίου, των διαταραχών εμμήνου ρύσεως και εμμηνόπαυσης, του υπογοναδισμού, των νοσημάτων των επινεφριδίων και της υπόφυσης, της ενδοκρινικής υπέρτασης, της παχυσαρκίας, των διαταραχών λιπιδίων και των ενδοκρινοπαθειών κατά την κύηση. Στο ιατρείο της αντιμετωπίζει εξατομικευμένα και με ενσυναίσθηση τον κάθε ασθενή, με σκοπό την παροχή υψηλού επιπέδου υπηρεσιών.

Daskalakis Aleksandros is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and has been running a private dietetic practice since 2020, following a patient-centered approach aimed at achieving realistic client goals with high success rates. He graduated from the University of Greenwich in the United Kingdom. He extended his studies by pursuing a postgraduate degree at Bolton University in nutrigenetic analysis and genetic testing. He has worked in a clinical setting (Errikos Dynan Hospital) and has previously served for several years as a Chef and technical consultant for leading food companies in the sector, possessing advanced knowledge of food science. He collaborates with the company iDNA Genomics, focusing on genetic testing and nutrigenomics, responding to clinical cases and, following thorough analysis, providing specialized interventions tailored to the needs of each client. He maintains close collaborative relationships with top athletes in calisthenic gymnastics, Cross Training, and marathon runners, while he himself has completed two marathons and practices calisthenic exercise. He is a shareholder in his own top nutrition software, which is already available on the market for dietitians. He continues to train and develop continuously, keeping up with current advancements to remain informed on nutritional science research.