Health professionals for Obesity in Attica

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.

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.

Melxer Spyridon is a Pathologist and maintains a private practice in Moschato. He graduated from the Medical School of the University of Palermo and completed his specialty in Pathology at the "P. Giaccone" Polyclinic in Italy. He has served as Consultant at the Internal Medicine Clinic of Euroclinic Athens and has recently been promoted to Deputy Director at the same Clinic. He specializes in the management of Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, and Obesity and is a collaborator of Eurodiet. He also has significant experience in Rheumatology, having been a Clinical Associate at the rheumatology outpatient clinic (Policlinico “P. Giaccone”) in Palermo, Italy. Finally, he is a member of the Hellenic Diabetes Association, the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, the Italian Society of Internal Medicine, and the Piraeus Medical Association.

Zisiadis Dimitris MD, MSc, PhDc, is a General Surgeon and Director of the Surgical Clinic at the Medical Center of Athens - Psychiko, with private practices in Kifisia, Agios Dimitrios, Ilion, and Psychiko. He is a PhD candidate at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a master's degree in Bioethics from the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace. Additionally, it is worth mentioning his specialization in Laparoscopic Surgery from the University of Strasbourg in France, Minimally Invasive surgery for inguinal hernia repair at IRCAD, and training in robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. He has participated in thousands of surgeries for critically ill patients during his surgical practice in the public sector, as well as numerous advanced surgical reconstructions abroad, with a strong commitment to implementing these techniques in Greece. He has served as a collaborating Surgeon in numerous private centers in Greece, Italy, and the UK (London), participating in a wide range of general, laparoscopic, and robotic surgical procedures. He employs the most modern equipment and state-of-the-art techniques worldwide. He has also been trained in the repair of inguinal hernia, hydrocele, and ventral hernia using double mesh and local anesthesia. Finally, he has actively participated in numerous surgical conferences in Greece and courses organized by the Hellenic Surgical Society.

Dr Panagiotidis Ioannis is a Pathologist who maintains a private practice in Nikaia. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and subsequently specialized in Pathology at the therapeutic clinic of the University of Athens, at the General Hospital of Athens "Alexandra". Finally, the doctor collaborates with Cosmoclinic and in his private practice offers a wide range of services, tailored to the needs of each patient.

Ioanna Xatziemmanouil is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Nikaia. She holds a degree from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University, specializing in Pediatric Nutrition, having completed the educational program “Master Nutritionist in Pediatric Nutrition.” She possesses clinical and scientific experience and is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists. Additionally, she has attended numerous workshops and conferences.

Triantafyllidou Sofia is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Alimos. She holds a doctorate in Clinical Social Psychology from the University of Crete. She has received specialized training in a range of psychotherapeutic approaches, including Clinical Psychotherapy using Hypnotherapy (certified by GHSC), EMDR, as well as Music Therapy employing the Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) and Music Imagery (MI) methods. Additionally, she completed postgraduate studies in Educational Psychology at the University of Nicosia. Her professional experience includes extensive work as a psychologist in private practice, as well as in psychosocial support structures for students at higher education institutions such as the University of West Attica and the former Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Athens. She taught Psychology courses for several years at tertiary institutions and vocational training centers (IEK), and has been a member of the Collaborating Educational Staff at the Hellenic Open University since 2013. She has provided psychological support to vulnerable social groups, including individuals with visual impairments and detainees at the Korydallos Judicial Prison Second Chance School, and has served as a Parent Counselor in schools in the Attica region. Her scientific and teaching activities are further supported by research work conducted at the Universities of Crete and Athens.

Galazoula Georgia is a Psychologist and a certified Gestalt Psychotherapist, specializing in individual psychotherapy for adults and adolescents. Through the therapeutic relationship, she provides space for individuals to express themselves, gain greater self-awareness, and be empowered to approach their personal choices and challenges with increased clarity and freedom. Throughout her therapeutic practice, she has supported individuals facing anxiety, panic attacks, self-esteem issues, psychosomatic difficulties, relational challenges, as well as periods of existential searching or personal transitions. In her professional journey, she regularly participates in individual and group supervision to ensure the quality and ethical integrity of the therapeutic process. Concurrently, she herself engages in individual and group psychotherapy, viewing continuous personal work as a fundamental pillar for her development and authenticity as a psychotherapist. Her approach is experiential and focused on the here and now, emphasizing authentic contact and respecting the pace of each client. Her goal is to cultivate a therapeutic relationship founded on trust, where the individual can feel acceptance and safety, enabling a deeper connection with the self and fostering new ways of understanding and managing their life.

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.

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.

Dr. Koutsaki Maria is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Kaisariani. She is undertaking postgraduate studies in Female Reproduction at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specializes in Gynecological Endocrinology, Thyroid Disorders, and Diabetes Mellitus. Additionally, she has extensive experience in conditions such as gestational diabetes, osteoporosis, calcium and vitamin D metabolism, Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, menstrual disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, metabolism, growth disorders, endocrine hypertension, adrenal diseases, pituitary adenomas, neuroendocrine tumors, and endocrine aspects of pregnancy. Furthermore, she has participated in numerous diabetes and endocrinology conferences both at the European and national levels, presenting clinical research studies and case reports aimed at continuous education and professional development in endocrinology. Finally, she is a member of the Athens Medical Association and the Hellenic Endocrine Society and is proficient in English, Italian, and German.

Kokona Anastasia - Frinta is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Kolonaki, providing individual psychotherapeutic sessions for adults, children, adolescents, and parent counseling sessions. She studied Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and completed her postgraduate studies in Health Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire in the UK (MSc in Health Psychology). She is a member of the Greek Psychological Society and the British Psychological Society (BPS), in order to stay continuously updated on new research findings in the field of Psychology. She specializes in psychological support for patients with chronic illness, cancer patients, and psychological support for relatives of cancer patients. She has been trained in Cognitive Psychotherapy as part of the "I.N. Papakostas" program at Aeginiteio Hospital. Additionally, she holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education and Training of individuals with oral and written language disorders. During her professional career, she has worked as a Psychologist - Psychotherapist in special therapy centers in Athens and hospitals, gaining valuable knowledge and experience in her field. Specifically, she has worked as a Psychologist - Scientific Collaborator at the Naval Hospital of Athens, as well as a Counseling Psychologist - Psychotherapist for Children and Adolescents in special therapy centers in Athens and at the Chalandri Mental Health Center. She is also certified in administering psychometric tools. Finally, she has attended numerous seminars aimed at continuous education and training in her field.

Mpenetatos Nektarios MD is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains private practices in Koukaki and Nea Filadelfeia. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Internal Medicine at the 1st Internal Medicine Clinic of the General Hospital of Elefsina “Thriasio” and in Endocrinology at the Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes of the 1st University Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko". He has worked as an endocrinologist in the Endocrinology Unit of the Evgenidio Hospital and in the Clinics of Endocrine Disorders of Pregnancy, Menopause, and Osteoporosis, in the Reproductive Endocrinology Clinic, and in the Andrology Clinic of the General Hospital "Elena Venizelou". Finally, he is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Athens Medical Society, and the Hellenic Endocrinological Society.

Panagiotakopoulou Xristina is a Psychologist - Systemic Family Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Papagou, where she provides individual sessions for adults, couples, and families. She studied Psychology at the Open University of the United Kingdom and subsequently specialized in Systemic Psychotherapy at SKEPSYS (Systemic Center for Training and Psychotherapy). Additionally, she has been trained in the Systemic Appreciative Approach, which is a method for exploring people's strengths, abilities, and resources. She has also received training in psychological support for children, adolescents, families, and communities in bereavement. She possesses notable experience as well as voluntary contributions, having collaborated voluntarily with SYNYPARXI to provide counseling support services. She voluntarily cooperates with the Municipal Polyclinics of Papagou - Cholargos to provide counseling support services and organizes and coordinates adult education groups aimed at their empowerment. Finally, she publishes monthly articles on relevant topics in the magazine Asfalistiki Agora.

Η Τσόπελα Χρύσα είναι Ψυχολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στα Μελίσια. Είναι αριστούχος απόφοιτος του τμήματος Ψυχολογίας του University of East London και είναι μέλος του Συλλόγου Βρετανών Ψυχολόγων με τίτλο GMBPsS. Η ψυχοθεραπευτική κατεύθυνση που χρησιμοποιεί στην θεραπεία είναι η Συστημική - Οικογενειακή Ψυχοθεραπεία από το Εργαστήριο Διερεύνησης Ανθρώπινων Σχέσεων. Στο ιδιωτικό της γραφείο παρέχει ατομικές, οικογενειακές και ομαδικές θεραπείες και συμβουλευτική σε ενήλικες και εφήβους. Aντιμετωπίζει πλήθoς περιστατικών όπως αυτοβελτίωση, άγχος, κατάθλιψη, αυπνία, πένθος, συγκρουσιακές και ενδοοικογενειακές σχέσεις, κακοποίηση, σχέση ζευγαριού, διαζύγιο, διαχείριση θυμού, περιστατικά διατροφικών διαταραχών, προβλήματα διατροφής και βάρους, συμβουλευτική γονέων, συμβουλευτική εφήβων. Επιπρόσθετα, παρέχει επαγγελματικό προσανατολισμό, σε εφήβους αλλά και σε ενήλικες που ενδιαφέρονται να κάνουν στροφή στην επαγγελματική τους ταυτότητα.Το επιστημονικό της ενδιαφέρον στις διατροφικές διαταραχές την ώθησε στο να εξειδικευτεί ως Master Practitioner στις Διατροφικές Διαταραχές και στην Παχυσαρκία από το Κέντρο Αντιμετώπισης Διατροφικών Διαταραχών και το National Centre for Eating Disorders της Μεγάλης Βρετανίας. Στα πλαίσια του να βοηθήσει περαιτέρω τους έφηβους άλλα και τους ενήλικες στις επαγγελματικές τους επιλογές και στην σταδιοδρομία τους, πιστοποιήθηκε ως σύμβουλος σταδιοδρομίας εφήβων και ενηλίκων από την Evalion, για την χρήση των ψυχομετρικών εργαλείων για επαγγελματικό προσανατολισμό και συμβουλευτική σταδιοδρομίας της EvCareer. Κατά την διάρκεια της καριέρα της εργάστηκε ως εκπαιδευτικός σε ιδιωτικά σχολεία όπου ασχολήθηκε με την διδασκαλία, την ψυχοκοινωνική διαπαιδαγώγηση και υποστήριξη παιδιών και εφήβων καθώς και με την συμβουλευτική γονέων. Έχει πραγματοποιήσει πρακτική στο Οικοτροφείο ΕΠΑΚΜΟΣ επικεντρώνοντας την επιστημονική της μελέτη σε θέματα Αυτισμού, Νοητικής Στέρησης και συνυπάρχουσων Ψυχικών Διαταραχών ενώ ταυτόχρονα συμμετείχε και ως μέλος της Διεπιστημονικής Ομάδας. Παράλληλα με το ιδιωτικό της γραφείο, είναι εξωτερικός συνεργάτης στον Οργανισμό Κοινωνικής Προστασίας και Αλληλεγγύης του Δήμου Βριλησσίων όπου ασχολείται με την ψυχολογική υποστήριξη ατόμων και την αντιμετώπιση διαφόρων ψυχοκοινωνικών προβλημάτων. Στο ίδιο πλαίσιο, είναι συντονίστρια της ομάδας συμβουλευτικής και ψυχολογικής υποστήριξης ατόμων με διαβήτη. Στο πλαίσιο της συνεχούς επιμόρφωσης και κατάρτισης της έχει παρακολουθήσει και παρακολουθεί πληθώρα εκπαιδευτικών σεμιναρίων.

Η Ζωή Μαυρίδου είναι Διαιτολόγος – Διατροφολόγος, απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Επιστήμης Διαιτολογίας και Διατροφής του Χαροκοπείου Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Με πάθος για την επιστημονική ακρίβεια και την εξατομικευμένη προσέγγιση, δημιούργησε το Κέντρο «Διατροφή Ζωής», με στόχο να παρέχει προσωποποιημένη καθοδήγηση βασισμένη στις ανάγκες και τις ιδιαιτερότητες του κάθε ανθρώπου.

Πιστεύοντας στην αξία της δια βίου μάθησης, έχει εξειδικευτεί περαιτέρω σε σημαντικά πεδία της διατροφής όπως:

• Διατροφή στην κύηση, το θηλασμό και τη γονιμότητα, μέσω προγράμματος του ΚΕΔΙΒΙΜ του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης.
• Διατροφικές διαταραχές (βουλιμία, ψυχογενής ανορεξία, συναισθηματική υπερφαγία) με εξειδίκευση επίσης από το ΕΚΠΑ.
• Health Coaching, ολοκληρώνοντας σχετική εκπαίδευση στο Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών, ώστε να ενισχύσει τη βιωσιμότητα των διατροφικών αλλαγών στην καθημερινή ζωή των συμβουλευόμενων.
• Εκπαίδευση στο πρόγραμμα “Πέρα από τα όρια της δίαιτας”, από το Κέντρο Ψυχολογικών Εφαρμογών (ΚΕ.Ψ.ΕΦ), που επικεντρώνεται στη σχέση με το φαγητό και τη βελτίωση της διατροφικής συμπεριφοράς χωρίς περιοριστικές δίαιτες.

Έχει επίσης ενεργή παρουσία σε εκπαιδευτικά και επιστημονικά δρώμενα, όπως:

• Παρακολούθηση συνεδριών, ημερίδων και ιατρικών συμποσίων που αφορούν την παχυσαρκία, τις τροφικές αλλεργίες, τις ΙΦΝΕ, την οστεοπόρωση και άλλα συναφή θέματα.
• Είχε συνεργασία με το Ινστιτούτο Prolepsis για εκπαιδευτικές δράσεις σε σχολεία με θέμα τη διατροφική εκπαίδευση παιδιών.
• Πραγματοποίηση πολλών ομιλιών σε παιδικές και εφηβικές αθλητικές ομάδες.

Παράλληλα, εμπλουτίζει συνεχώς τις γνώσεις της μέσω της παρακολούθησης μαθημάτων της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης Κλινικής Διατροφής και Μεταβολισμού (ESPEN LLL) και του World Obesity Organization (SCOPE), για την απόκτηση της πιστοποίησης “Specialist Certification of Obesity Professional Education”.

Με γνώμονα ότι «η διατροφή δεν είναι ίδια για όλους», η Ζωή Μαυρίδου εργάζεται με σεβασμό στη μοναδικότητα κάθε ατόμου, προσφέροντας ουσιαστική, εφαρμόσιμη καθοδήγηση και υποστήριξη. Όραμά της είναι η βελτίωση της σχέσης με το φαγητό και η ουσιαστική αλλαγή τρόπου ζωής, μέσα από επιστημονική γνώση, ενσυναίσθηση και ρεαλισμό.

Konstantelias Athanasios is a Neurosurgeon Acupuncturist, maintains an Acupuncture practice in Athens and Peristeri. He specializes in the application of Medical Acupuncture according to therapeutic protocols, which are specific to each patient. He holds a degree in Medicine from the University of Crete and a diploma from the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens. He has been post-trained in the Department of Neurotraumatology and Spine at the SRH Zentralklinikum Suhl in Germany. He has served as a Consultant Neurosurgeon (Facharzt Neurochirurgie) at the Cereneo Clinic in Lucerne, Switzerland. He holds a Diploma in Medical Acupuncture, which he obtained after 2 years of training and examinations from the Acupuncture Training Institute of Greece. He holds a Diploma in Medical Acupuncture from the ICMART World Council of Medical Acupuncture. She has further postgraduate specialization in Yamamoto's Scalp Acupuncture at the International School of Scalp Acupuncture. Yamamoto's method is also referred to as neuroacupuncture. In this method, acute and chronic pain and neurological conditions are treated by inserting a small number of needles into specific areas of the head. The method is used for a variety of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, headaches, musculoskeletal pain and neuralgia. The practitioner carries out acupuncture treatments across the therapeutic spectrum.

Maria Kolia is an Internist with a private practice in Koropi. She is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a doctoral degree with honors from the same institution. She has specialized in diabetes mellitus at the Diabetes Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko" and has since been monitoring patients with diabetic conditions. Through her work at the IKA Koropi and the Municipal Clinics of Koropi, she has gained experience across the full spectrum of internal medicine, including infections, viral illnesses, etc. She has many years of professional experience and regularly attends conferences both in Greece and abroad to stay updated on developments in her field. Finally, Dr. Kolia is a member of the Athens Medical Association and the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine.