Health professionals for Obesity in Attica

Η Αρετή Δήμητρα Παινέση είναι Διαιτολόγος – Διατροφολόγος και εδρεύει στο Χαλάνδρι, πτυχιούχος του Τμήματος Διατροφής και Επιστήμης Τροφίμων από το Πανεπιστήμιο του Reading του Ηνωμένου Βασιλείου, και κάτοχος δύο μεταπτυχιακών τίτλων (MSc Med Sci): στην Κλινική Διατροφή από το Πανεπιστήμιο της Γλασκώβης και στον Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη & την Παχυσαρκία από την Ιατρική Σχολή Αθηνών.

Είναι επί σειρά ετών επιστημονική συνεργάτιδα στο ΙΑΣΩ Παίδων, όπου ασχολείται με τη διατροφική υποστήριξη παιδιών και εφήβων, τόσο για την απώλεια βάρους, όσο και για τη διαχείριση κλινικών περιστατικών, όπως αλλεργίες, δυστροφία και άλλες διατροφικές ή ιατρικές καταστάσεις που απαιτούν εξειδικευμένη υποστήριξη. Παράλληλα, διαθέτει πολύχρονη εμπειρία στη διαχείριση ατόμων με νοσογόνο παχυσαρκία που έχουν υποβληθεί σε βαριατρική επέμβαση καθώς συνεργάζεται με ομάδα εξειδικευμένων χειρουργών, όπως ο Καθηγητής Χειρουργικής Λέανδρος Εμμανουήλ και η Χειρουργός Μαρία Νατούδη, συμβάλλοντας ουσιαστικά στη διατροφική τους αποκατάσταση και στη μακροχρόνια διατήρηση της απώλειας βάρους τους. 

Επίσης έχει ασχοληθεί εκτενώς με άτομα με Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη Τύπου 1 και Τύπου 2, εγκυμονούσες με διαβήτη κύησης, καθώς και άτομα με μεταβολικές και ενδοκρινικές διαταραχές (δυσλιπιδαιμίες, παθολογικές καταστάσεις του θυρεοειδούς).

Η φιλοσοφία της βασίζεται στην εξατομικευμένη, ρεαλιστική και επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένη προσέγγιση, με στόχο τη δημιουργία βιώσιμων συνηθειών και τη βελτίωση της σχέσης του ατόμου με τη διατροφή.

Οι συνεδρίες πραγματοποιούνται δια ζώσης ή online, με πλήρη αξιολόγηση και καθοδήγηση, πάντα με σεβασμό στις ανάγκες, το ιατρικό ιστορικό και τον τρόπο ζωής κάθε ατόμου.

Στο πλαίσιο των δια ζώσης συνεδριών, γίνεται χρήση σύγχρονου λιπομετρητή, για ακριβή ανάλυση της σύστασης σώματος (λιπώδης μάζα, μυϊκή μάζα, σωματικά υγρά), που επιτρέπει πιο στοχευμένη και αντικειμενική παρακολούθηση της προόδου.

Prentza Vasiliki is an Internist - Diabetologist and maintains private practices in Haidari and Aspropyrgos. She holds a PhD from the Medical School and a Master's Degree in “Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity,” as well as a medical degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The physician completed her specialty in Internal Medicine at the 2nd Internal Medicine Department of the Prefectural General 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 Internal Medicine Clinic of the Hippokration Hospital of Athens. During her career, she has worked as a Specialist Physician for the Health Committees of KE.P.A and in the Emergency Department of the "Hygeia" Hospital. In her practice, she provides comprehensive information and education to patients on issues concerning diabetes complications, diabetic nutrition, insulin therapy, as well as the prevention and management of hypoglycemia. She manages 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 in Internal Medicine - Diabetology conferences in Greece and abroad. She also contributes articles to newspapers and health-related magazines.

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.

Kleio Xantziara is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Goudi. She holds a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and is a graduate of the same institution. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Biology with a full scholarship from Harvard University. She is affiliated with the "Hygeia" and "Mitera" Hospitals. She specialized in Endocrinology at St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals in New York, as well as in the Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism department of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos". Additionally, she has participated as a researcher in primary research on brain tumors, specifically apoptosis and clonality analysis, in the Neurosurgery Laboratory at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Finally, she has numerous scientific publications and is a member of various associations and scientific societies in Greece and abroad.

Katerina Xrysoulaki is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, BSc, MSc, and she operates a private practice (Thought for food) in Exarchia, where she provides personalized nutrition services. She holds a degree from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University of Athens and possesses a bachelor's and master's degree (BSc - MSc) in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the Agricultural University of Athens. Furthermore, she holds a "Master Practitioner" certification in Eating Disorders and Obesity from KEADD in collaboration with NCFED of the UK. She completed her internship at selected nutrition centers, as well as at the General Hospital of Athens "Alexandra," gaining valuable experience in clinical and preventive settings. She continuously attends specialized seminars and educational programs, staying updated on the latest developments in Nutrition Science, clinical practice, and nutritional behavior. Her primary goal is to help people feel better and improve their lifestyle through nutrition. Based on scientific data, each program is tailored to the needs, daily routine, and lifestyle of each individual. Change does not come through restrictions but through conscious choices that respect the body and the needs of each person.

Mosxou Eleni is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a professional practice license and operates a private office in Pallini. She holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the International Hellenic University. She has earned the title of Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders and Obesity under the auspices of the National Centre for Eating Disorders in the United Kingdom. She specializes in modifying dietary behaviors through lifestyle habit changes in both adults and children, and develops personalized nutrition programs for weight modification, pathological cases, and athletes. She participates in numerous seminars and conferences to stay continuously updated on advancements in the field and delivers lectures at municipalities, schools, childcare institutions, and sports clubs, as well as interviews on television and YouTube on the topic of nutrition. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Dietitians - Nutritionists Association and the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists.

Karypidis Konstantinos is a Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Petroupoli. He has been trained in Integrative Counseling and Psychotherapy and holds an Advance Diploma in Counselling & Psychology from the I.C. Institute in Los Angeles. He was awarded the Patient Preference Award by his patients on doctoranytime, who ranked him among the top preferred professionals on the platform. For over 20 years, he has collaborated with executives and employees worldwide, helping them to derive greater satisfaction from their lives and work. His contribution was recognized in 2022 when the international organization Thinkers 360 ranked him among the top 50 global thought leaders in Change Management. He specializes in interpersonal relationships, stress management, anger management, and panic attack management.

Zaxariadis Konstantinos is a General Practitioner who 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. Simultaneously, he continuously attends numerous national and international conferences to ensure his ongoing education. He is a member of the Hellenic Diabetes 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, managing obesity and asthma, as well as smoking cessation support. Through his professional experience in major and recognized hospitals in Greece, he is capable of addressing a wide range of conditions in his private practice.

Manta Dimitra is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist with private practices in Kolonaki and Agios Stefanos. She completed her undergraduate studies in Business Administration at the University of Portsmouth and gained extensive experience working in human resources and organizational management departments. Through this path, she realized the crucial role that psychological needs play in everyday life as well as the importance of managing personality elements. Consequently, she specialized in Business Psychology and pursued postgraduate studies in Counseling and Psychotherapy at the University of East London. Psychotherapeutically, she works integratively, adapting her knowledge to the unique needs of each individual, with a priority on creating a stable and safe environment in which the client feels comfortable trusting their inner self. She has specialized in anxiety disorders, self-development, and healthy relationships, and through group work, focuses on assertive behavior, self-awareness, and emotional attachment. Finally, considering education to be a continuous process, she consistently engages in professional development by attending training programs, seminars, conferences, and workshops.

Mpaltas Ioannis is a General Surgeon with a private practice in Nea Erythraia. He specializes in Minimally Invasive, Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery as well as Colorectal Surgery. Additionally, he has expertise in modern proctologic surgery (hemorrhoids, anal fissure, pilonidal cyst). He has extensive experience in the effective and safe surgical management of obesity, hiatal hernia, digestive system disorders, and abdominal wall hernias. Furthermore, alongside his private practice, he collaborates with major private clinics in Attica, including Mitera, Athens Medical Group (Peristeri clinic), Mediterraneo, Doctor's Hospital, and Attiko Hospital.

Lemonidou Anastasia is a General Practitioner maintaining a private practice in Kolonaki. She is a certified trainer from the University of Crete (health coach) specializing in chronic respiratory conditions, with postgraduate studies in Emergency Medicine from the University of West Attica. Additionally, she holds certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. She possesses extensive clinical experience, having served as an Assistant General Medicine Physician at the Alexandra Health Unit, a collaborator with the Piraeus Football Federation, the scientific director of medical and pharmaceutical companies, and a collaborator with surgical clinics at the 251 Air Force General Hospital.

Giannitsopoulou Kallia MSc, MBA, SRD is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, practicing continuously since 2003. In 2005, she established the Scientific Dietetic Center "Healthy Body," where she has helped over 3000 individuals find solutions to body weight issues to date. She graduated with honors from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom (2002) and obtained two postgraduate degrees: a Master's in Clinical Nutrition (MSc) from the University of Surrey with distinction (2003) and an MBA (2011) from the University of Leicester. Additionally, she has studied Life Coaching (Dip in Coach.) and successfully applies self-improvement techniques in nutrition sessions. The combination of coaching knowledge and clinical nutrition optimizes results in weight management as it aids in a better psychological approach to the individual. Ms. Giannitsopoulou has a rich portfolio of publications since 2005 in health magazines and newspapers and is intensively engaged in weight loss, clinical nutrition, eating disorders, and nutrition across life stages.

Grivea Ifigeneia - Nourish Lab is a clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Metamorfosi, Attica. She is a graduate of Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh. She holds certified training in genomic nutrition from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she has received training from the Hellenic Nutrition Society in pediatric nutrition. She has attended numerous nutrition conferences both in-person and virtually. She has many years of experience in chronic, metabolic, and autoimmune diseases, having served as the scientific director of the nutrition department in a private clinic in Attica. Since 2025, she has been a regular member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians-Nutritionists.

Iliana Papadopoulou is a clinical dietitian-nutritionist with ten years of experience in clinical cases, which she acquired in major hospitals in the United Kingdom. Over the past four years, she has worked exclusively in one of the largest nephrology departments at Manchester Royal Infirmary in the United Kingdom, where she managed a broad range of patients with kidney diseases, supervised, and was the responsible dietitian in dialysis centers. She is recognized as a certified dietitian meeting the requirements set by the Health and Care Professions Council of the United Kingdom and is a member of both the British and Greek Dietetic Associations. Iliana maintains a private practice in Vrilissia. Her primary focus is the nutritional assessment of patients and the provision of nutritional education and guidance by offering personalized dietary programs based on their needs using evidence-based practice. She specializes in kidney diseases and also provides services for other clinical conditions such as gastroenterological and hepatic disorders, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, eating disorders, food intolerances, nutrition across life stages, and particularly in the elderly. Her office also offers body composition analysis and bioelectrical impedance measurement using the globally recognized and accurate Tanita analyzer. Additionally, she provides the capability for immediate communication with patients through a dedicated mobile application.

Kanellopoulos Petros is a Pathologist and has maintained a private practice in Ampelokipoi since 2003. He holds a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a postgraduate degree in "Clinical and Laboratory Medicine," specializing in Clinical Immunology from the same institution. He graduated in Medicine from the Universite Catholique de Louvain in Belgium and completed his specialty training at the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko." The doctor has worked for many years at the "Errikos Dunant" Hospital Center, as well as previously at the Euroclinic Athens. To this day, he serves as a Physician-Consultant for patients onboard Med Solutions International. Additionally, he is a member of the medical staff and head of the Pathology department at Metropolitan Hospital, responsible for the monitoring team on the consumption and proper use of antibiotics, and a member of the Hospital Infection Committee of the same hospital.

Η Παρωτίδη Χαρά MSc είναι Διαιτολόγος - Διατροφολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στον Άλιμο. Απέκτησε το πρώτο της πτυχίο στην Τεχνολογία Τροφίμων, όπου ανακάλυψε τη βαθιά σχέση ανάμεσα στα τρόφιμα και την υγεία. Η επιθυμία της να μάθει περισσότερα, την οδήγησε στο δεύτερο πτυχίο της ως Κλινική Διαιτολόγος - Διατροφολόγος, όπου μελέτησε το πώς η διατροφή επηρεάζει τις λειτουργίες του σώματος. Η έρευνά της συνεχίζεται μέχρι σήμερα, με το μεταπτυχιακό της στο μικροβίωμα του εντέρου, έναν συναρπαστικό κόσμο που αποκαλύπτει συνεχώς νέες πτυχές της υγείας.

Ένα σημαντικό κομμάτι της πορείας της αφορά τις διαταραχές πρόσληψης τροφής και τη διαταραγμένη σχέση με το φαγητό, το σώμα και την εικόνα του. Αυτό περιλαμβάνει τόσο το λεγόμενο συναισθηματικό φαγητό, όσο και πιο σοβαρές κλινικές καταστάσεις όπως η ανορεξία, η βουλιμία ή η υπερφαγία. Πρόκειται για σύνθετες και απαιτητικές προκλήσεις που συχνά αντικατοπτρίζουν την προσπάθεια του ατόμου να κατανοήσει τον εαυτό του, να βρει ισορροπία και να βρει τη θέση του στον κόσμο.

Η προσέγγισή της δεν εστιάζει σε αριθμούς στη ζυγαριά, αλλά στη δημιουργία ουσιαστικών αλλαγών που μπορούν να διαρκέσουν στον χρόνο. Η αλλαγή δεν έρχεται με στέρηση και πίεση, αλλά με υπομονή και σταδιακή αποκατάσταση της σχέσης με το φαγητό και το σώμα.

Μαζί με την ομάδα της, είναι σε θέση να βοηθήσουν το άτομο να αγκαλιάσει τον εαυτό του με περισσότερη φροντίδα, κατανόηση και αποδοχή. Στόχος της είναι να υποστηρίξει το κάθε άτομο από όλες τις πλευρές, για να βελτιώσει την ποιότητα της ζωής του.

Kyriakos K. Trigkidis, MD, MSc is an Internal Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine specialist practising at his private Office in the city of Chalkida, Evia and in the city of Agios Stefanos, Attica (within the premises of "Medica' Medical Centre).

He graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed, in the same Faculty, the post-graduate programme on the field of Resuscitation receiving a Master in Science (MSc) Degree. He is currently preparing his Doctoral Thesis on the subject of ultrasound assessment of hemodynamic status of Intensive Care Unit patients. He has contributed to the scientific literature by publishing articles in peer-reviewed, high-profile journals and by presenting his work in international conferences (ISICEM, ESICM).

Dr. Trigkidis completed his specialty training in Internal Medicine and further specialised in Intensive Care Medicine in "Evangelismos" General Hospital of Athens, one of the most prestigious hospitals of the greek Capital. He is registered with the UK General Medical Council as a specialist in General Internal Medicine, having worked as a Senior Clinical Fellow in the Intensive Care Unit of the Royal London Hospital and in the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen's Hospital in London, UK.

Currently, apart from private practice, he is employed as an Intensive Care Medicine specialist in the Intensive Care Unit of Athens Medical Centre.