Health professionals for Obesity in Attica

Dr Melistas Lampros Didaktor Xarokopeiou Panepistimiou, MSc, PhD, is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Ilioupoli. He holds a doctorate from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University. Part of his doctoral studies was conducted at Tufts University in Boston, USA. He possesses a Master's degree (MSc) specialized in Clinical Dietetics. He is the president of the Weight Management Specialist Group of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists. He has an extensive research portfolio and publications in internationally recognized medical scientific journals. Additionally, he participates as a speaker or organizer in numerous conferences both in Greece and abroad. He is a member of numerous scientific medical associations, has a rich portfolio of articles in the periodical press, and frequent television appearances. He has many years of experience in his private practice and teaches his scientific field at university, public, and private educational institutions.

Kritsini Olga is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Chalandri. She is a graduate of the University of Crete and contributes articles to various scientific websites on topics of nutrition and wellness. She has extensive experience in a Dietetic Unit and an Endocrinology Clinic in Athens. Additionally, she has participated in and attended numerous conferences, workshops, and seminars.

Prokopiou Maria is an Endocrinologist with private practices in Mavili Square and Gerakas. She holds a postgraduate diploma in healthcare management from the Hellenic Open University and a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specialized in Endocrinology at the Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes Unit of the 1st Internal Medicine Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, at the General Hospital "Laiko." Additionally, she has attended Medical Acupuncture seminars at the AcuScience International Postgraduate Acupuncture Center. She possesses valuable professional and clinical experience in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapeutic management of endocrine gland disorders, specifically affecting the thyroid, parathyroids, pancreas, ovaries, testes, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus, as well as diabetes mellitus and obesity. She also manages cases such as metabolic bone diseases - osteoporosis, female and male endocrinology, and hypertension. Finally, she is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Diabetes Association, and the European Society of Endocrinology.

Aleksaki Sofia is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and a PhD candidate at École des Ponts ParisTech in France, with a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. She specialized in Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus, and Metabolism at Venizeleio General Hospital of Heraklion, where she further specialized in Diabetology. She also has many years of clinical and research experience in Greece, the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium.

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.

Gkolfinou Zoi is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains a private medical practice in Nea Ionia. She is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). She has gained valuable experience in the field of Endocrinology - Diabetology at the General Hospital of Athens "Alexandra" and at the General Anti-Cancer Hospital of Athens "Agios Savvas." Furthermore, the specialist has participated in numerous endocrinology and diabetology conferences aimed at continuous education and staying informed on endocrinology topics. She has been trained and possesses extensive clinical experience in a wide range of endocrine disorders, including type 1 & 2 diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes, thyroid and parathyroid gland diseases, osteoporosis and calcium metabolism disorders, endocrine disorders during pregnancy, menstrual disorders, adrenal and pituitary diseases, endocrine hypertension, as well as obesity. Finally, the physician is a member of the Athens Medical Association and the Hellenic Endocrinology Society.

Oikonomou Panagiotis is an Internal Medicine Specialist with a private practice in Kallithea. He graduated with honors from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, specializing in Lipidology from the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society. He trained in Internal Medicine at the Infectious Diseases Clinic of the General Chest Diseases Hospital "Sotiria" and has completed a training program in diabetes mellitus at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, he has received training at the Diabetes Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Red Cross." He has participated in diabetes and infectious disease conferences and has attended seminars related to hypertension and diabetes mellitus. In recent years, he has served as a Consultant Physician A at the 1st Internal Medicine Clinic at Metropolitan General.

Lyra Eleni is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist licensed to practice and maintains a private office in Pangrati. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Philosophy of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2012 and has been trained in EMDR Therapy. Since then, she has dedicated herself to the science of psychology as a therapist, initially training in early intervention for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Following this experience, she continued her psychotherapy training and specialized in Clinical Expressive Art Therapy at the Aion Institute under the guidance of Dr. Avi Goren Bar. Since 2015, she has maintained her private practice, where she provides psychotherapy services, specializing in various areas. Ms. Lyra offers a safe and supportive environment (a space where you can explore and express your emotions without fear), individualized therapies (together you will create a therapeutic program tailored to your specific needs and goals), and various techniques (she employs a variety of therapeutic techniques, including art therapy, to help you find new ways to cope with life’s challenges). Additionally, she offers services such as anxiety and stress management, panic attack treatment, depression management, emotional difficulties support, relationship and family problems management, and assistance with self-esteem and personal development issues. She has served as a board member of the Association of Expressive Therapists of Greece and actively participates in numerous conferences and seminars aimed at her ongoing professional development and excellent training. Finally, she has completed studies in acting and is professionally involved in theater and cinema.

Evgenia Grypari is a Psychologist with extensive experience in the field of mental health, currently collaborating with the center “Charin Noiseos” in Moschato. She graduated from the Department of Psychology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Philosophy, while simultaneously attending the Hellenic Military Academy of Corps Officers (2009–2013). She later completed her Master’s Degree in “Mental Health and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry” at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2020–2022).

Since 2013, she has been serving as a psychologist in the Hellenic Navy, having worked in several mental health units such as the Psychiatric Clinic of the Naval Hospital of Athens, the Joint Center for Mental Health of the Armed Forces (414 SNEN), and the Naval Hospital of Salamina. She has also staffed the 24-hour National Helpline for Psychological Support and Crisis Intervention, and has served aboard a warship as a military psychologist, gaining valuable insight into the psychological challenges faced by personnel in operational environments. Additionally, she has held administrative and coordinating positions related to health and personnel management within the Armed Forces.

Evgenia Grypari participates annually in the selection and evaluation processes for candidates of the military academies and Armed Forces personnel. She has also completed internships at the Self-Help Promotion Program of Thessaloniki (supporting individuals in substance recovery) and at the Psychiatric Department of the “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital.

Her clinical experience covers a wide range of cases, including:

• Depression and anxiety disorders
• Personality disorders and psychoses
• Relationship and marital difficulties
• Parental counseling and divorce management
• Perinatal and postpartum depression
• Eating disorders
• Adolescent issues and identity development
• Sexual disorders and sexual identity concerns

She has further training and specialization in:

• Child psychology
• Relationship and divorce management
• Art Therapy (Vera Vasarhelyi method) for children and adolescents (6–18 years)
• Children’s drawing interpretation
• Music therapy
• Eating disorders
• High-functioning autism

Her therapeutic approach is person-centered and integrative, aiming to provide a safe and supportive environment that fosters self-awareness, emotional resilience, and personal growth.

Mousiolis Dimitris MD, MSc, cPhD is a General Surgeon with a private clinic in Ilion. He graduated from the Medical School of Plovdiv University and obtained his specialty in General Surgery from the General Hospital of Athens "Elpis". He holds a postgraduate diploma in Liver - Biliary - Pancreatic Surgery from the Medical Department of Democritus University of Thrace and a Diploma from the Hellenic School of Mastology. Additionally, he has received specialized training in adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation, bariatric surgery, vascular access, sentinel lymph node biopsy, as well as in Laparoscopic & Robotic General Surgery. He specializes in the modern management of perianal diseases and has received specialized training in the minimally invasive treatment of perianal conditions (hemorrhoids, pilonidal cyst, perianal fistulas, anal fissures, condylomas) using specific surgical lasers (LHP, SiLAC, FiLaC) as well as in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease with the use of ultrasound. To date, he is a collaborating General Surgeon at the Medical Center of Athens, the Bioclinic of Athens, and the Affidea - Euromedical Group. He has published scientific articles in reputable international medical journals and participates in specialized medical events in Greece and abroad. Finally, the doctor is a member of the Medical Association of Athens, the Hellenic Surgical Society, the Hellenic Scientific Society of Robotic Surgery, the Clinical Robotic Surgery Association, as well as the European Resuscitation Council.

Ms. Krokidi Xrysa is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains her private practice in Kifisia. She holds a BSc in Psychology from London Metropolitan University and an MSc in Clinical Psychology (CBT focused) from Hellenic American University, and has completed her training at the Center for Training and Treatment of Eating Disorders (KEADD). Ms. Krokidi has completed further educational programs related to Clinical Psychology, Learning Difficulties, and training in Cognitive Behavioral Clinical Hypnotherapy, and has particular expertise in managing life changes in women during menopause. In her private practice, she handles a wide range of cases, always focusing on providing the best possible care tailored to the individual needs of each person who seeks her services.

Papalazarou Karolos - Epicurean Diet is a Dietitian - Nutritionist who maintains a private practice in Kolonaki, while concurrently serving as the Head Dietitian of the Cardiometabolic - Diabetology Center at Metropolitan Hospital, as well as the Head of the Dietitian Department at Therapis General Hospital. He holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics of the School of Food Technology and Nutrition in Thessaloniki and has specializations in diabetes mellitus, clinical dietetics, and eating disorders. The dietitian office in Kolonaki offers personalized nutrition programs in a pleasant and familiar environment. Specifically, specialized nutrition programs are provided for children, adolescents, adults, elderly individuals, pregnant/lactating women, and athletes. Additionally, nutritional monitoring is offered for pathological conditions such as obesity, anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, nephropathies, and cholecystopathies.

Restart Coaching & Psychological Solutions was founded by Katia Petrocheilou and Evangelia Bakola and is based in Agia Paraskevi. The life issues they address concern common problems or crises that occur in ordinary people living ordinary lives. The creation of healthy and functional relationships, child-rearing, self-care and self-esteem, and career development are such life matters. To these are added less common life challenges, such as managing a chronic medical condition, handling a psychiatric diagnosis, or coping with a disability, which result in a complete and radical disruption of daily life. The scientific team at Restart is committed to providing the tools and techniques you need to successfully address both common and uncommon problems at every stage of life. Utilizing many contemporary as well as traditional proven methods (coaching, psychotherapy, EMDR, etc.), they offer you over 30 years of experience and a holistic approach that combines coaching, psychotherapy, EMDR, nutrition, and physical fitness improvement, ensuring that no issue remains unsolvable.

Aggoules Antonios MD, PhD is an Orthopedic Surgeon and Acupuncturist, maintaining a private practice in Neo Psychiko. He holds a doctoral degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as a medical degree from the same institution. He completed his specialty training in Orthopedics at the "Asklepieio" Voula Hospital, the "P. & A. Kyriakou" Children’s Hospital, and "Agios Savvas" Hospital, followed by further training at the Academic Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery at Leeds General Infirmary, supported by a scholarship from the Hellenic Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology. The doctor has extensive experience in sports injuries, traumatology, knee surgery, low back pain, neck pain, and medical acupuncture, holding certification in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical Acupuncture from the AcuScience International Postgraduate Center on Acupuncture. He collaborates with reputable private healthcare institutions and concurrently teaches in higher education. His scientific contributions include publications in international and recognized Greek medical journals, as well as numerous presentations at medical conferences concerning orthopedic-traumatologic and rehabilitation topics. Finally, he is a member of the Athens Medical Association, former Chair of its Alternative Medicine Committee, and a member of the Hellenic Medical Society of Acupuncture.

Maria Mantzourani is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with private practices in Nea Ionia and Nea Erythrea. She holds a degree from the Department of Dietetics - Nutrition at Harokopio University and a degree from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has over 10 years of experience as a Dietitian - Nutritionist, as well as an exercise and fitness consultant, having managed thousands of cases. She possesses expertise in body weight management for adults and children, offering personalized nutrition programs and specialized services for clinical cases (such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, and others). Additionally, she has significant experience in regulating and improving metabolic rate and provides specifically tailored programs for pregnant and breastfeeding women, along with appropriate education and thorough information on their nutritional needs. Moreover, she designs programs tailored to the nutritional requirements of athletes, students, adolescents, and the elderly, offers individualized monitoring for cases of eating disorders, and monitors body composition through detailed anthropometric and body fat measurements. Finally, she is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists and other associations in Greece and abroad, and consistently attends conferences organized by the Medical and Pharmaceutical Association.

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.

Ο Δρ. Βούλγαρης Νικόλαος ΜD, MSc, PhD είναι Στρατιωτικός Ιατρός, Ενδοκρινολόγος - Διαβητολόγος και Διδάκτωρ της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Διαθέτει πτυχίο Ιατρικής από την Ιατρική Σχολή του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης και είναι απόφοιτος της Στρατιωτικής Σχολής Αξιωματικών Σωμάτων (Σ.Σ.Α.Σ.). Ειδικεύτηκε στην Ενδοκρινολογία, στο Ενδοκρινολογικό Τμήμα του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Αθηνών "Γ. Γεννηματάς", στην Α΄ Παθολογική Κλινική του Ναυτικού Νοσοκομείου Αθηνών και στην Α' Παιδιατρική Κλινική του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών του Νοσοκομείου Παίδων "Η Αγία Σοφία", όπου εκπαιδεύτηκε στην αντιμετώπιση περιστατικών παιδιατρικής Ενδοκρινολογίας. Επίσης, κατά τη διάρκεια της Ειδικότητας εκπαιδεύτηκε στην αντιμετώπιση Ενδοκρινοπαθειών και Σαχαρώδους Διαβήτη στην Κύηση στο Ενδοκρινολογικό Τμήμα του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου - Μαιευτηρίου "Έλενα Βενιζέλου" και στην αντιμετώπιση παθήσεων Εμμηνόπαυσης στο Πανεπιστημιακό Τμήμα Κλιμακτηρίου - Εμμηνόπαυσης της Β΄ Μαιευτικής και Γυναικολογικής Κλινικής του Αρεταιείου Νοσοκομείου. Μετά την ολοκλήρωση της Ειδικότητας ο Ιατρός εξειδικεύτηκε στη Γυναικεία Αναπαραγωγή, καθώς και στις παθήσεις Επινεφριδίων - Ενδοκρινικής Υπέρτασης. Είναι κάτοχος Μεταπτυχιακού Διπλώματος (MSc) ειδίκευσης "Έρευνα στη Γυναικεία Αναπαραγωγή" της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών (Βαθμός "Άριστα"), είναι Διπλωματούχος των Ευρωπαϊκών Εξετάσεων Ενδοκρινολογίας, Διαβήτη και Μεταβολισμού (Fellow of the European Board of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism), ενώ ολοκλήρωσε με "Άριστα" τη Διδακτορική του Διατριβή (PhD) και αναγορεύτηκε σε Διδάκτωρ της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Είναι Επιμελητής στο Τμήμα Ενδοκρινολογίας, Σακχαρώδους Διαβήτη και Μεταβολισμού στο Ναυτικό Νοσοκομείο Αθηνών (Ν.Ν.Α.), όπου αντιμετωπίζει περιστατικά που άπτονται του επιστημονικού πεδίου της Ενδοκρινολογίας και του Διαβήτη. Είναι επιστημονικός συνεργάτης της Μονάδας Ιατρικώς Υποβοηθούμενης Αναπαραγωγής (Μ.Ι.Υ.Α.) των Ενόπλων Δυνάμεων. Διαθέτει πλούσια ερευνητική δραστηριότητα με δημοσιευμένες εργασίες σε ιατρικά περιοδικά της διεθνούς βιβλιογραφίας και ανακοινώσεις σε ελληνικά και διεθνή συνέδρια. Είναι μέλος της Ελληνικής Ενδοκρινολογικής Εταιρείας, καθώς και των εταιρειών Εndocrine Society, European Society of Endocrinology (ESE), Εuropean Neuroendocrine Association (ENEA), European Young Endocrinologists & Scientists (EYES). Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στην πλατεία Μαβίλη.

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.

Kouna Eleutheria is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Galatsi. She is a graduate of the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, and holds a postgraduate degree in Clinical Nutrition with a specialization in the Nutritional and Psychological Management of Eating Disorders and Obesity. She has extensive experience, having successfully managed numerous cases of bulimia nervosa and anorexia, binge eating disorder, psychogenic obesity, as well as childhood obesity. The dietitian keeps up-to-date with current medical developments by participating in national and international conferences and seminars on nutrition and obesity. She is also a member of the Hellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists. Her private practice offers specialized services with respect for the client.