Health professionals for Obesity in Attica

Dr. Panagou Maria MD is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist with 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". Alongside her private practices, she currently serves as the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the Medical Diagnostic Center "Praxis Hygeias," and in the past, she was the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the South East Aigaion Clinic in Mykonos. Finally, Dr. Panagou has extensive experience in thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis.

Ο Κάλφας Ιωάννης και οι συνεργάτες του (Kalfas Nutrition) εδρεύουν στη Γλυφάδα από το 2007. Η επαγγελματική ομάδα του γραφείου αποτελείται από τους διαιτολόγους Κάλφα Ιωάννη και Θάλεια Τριανταφύλλου.

Ο Κάλφας Ιωάννης διαθέτει πτυχίο διατροφής - διαιτολογίας από το Ανώτατο Τεχνολογικό Εκπαιδευτικό Ίδρυμα Κρήτης και το 2007 απέκτησε μεταπτυχιακό τίτλο σπουδών στον τομέα της διατροφής με εξειδίκευση στην κλινική διατροφή από το Πανεπιστήμιο της Γλασκώβης. Παράλληλα, έχει ολοκληρώσει την μετεκπαίδευση του πάνω στην αντιμετώπιση των διατροφικών διαταραχών (νευρική ανορεξία και βουλιμία) και της παχυσαρκίας στο Κέντρο Εκπαίδευσης και Αντιμετώπισης Διατροφικών Διαταραχών. Το 2015 ολοκλήρωσε στο Κέντρο Ψυχολογικών Εφαρμογών (ΚΕ.Ψ.ΕΦ.) σεμινάρια επιμόρφωσης με θέμα «δεξιότητες συμβουλευτικής και επικοινωνίας για διαιτολόγους» και το 2016 σεμινάρια με τίτλο “Πέρα από τα όρια της δίαιτας”, (μια διατροφική - ψυχοεκπαιδευτικη προσέγγιση στη χρόνια παχυσαρκία). Επι σειρά ετών είναι εισηγήτής σεμιναρίων με θέμα την αθλητική διατροφή και παράλληλα έχει στο ενεργητικό του ομιλίες που αφορούν στην διατροφική ενημέρωση του κοινού . Επιπλέον συμμετάσχει σε πλήθος σεμιναρίων και συνεδρίων για την συνεχή ενημέρωση στις εξελίξεις του κλάδου του. Πραγματοποίησε την πρακτική του άσκηση στο Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Αττικής ΚΑΤ, ενώ στα πλαίσια της στρατιωτικής του θητείας τοποθετήθηκε στο διαιτολογικό τμήμα του 251 Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Αεροπορίας, όπου απέκτησε πολύτιμη εμπειρία στην κλινική διατροφή και διαιτολογία.

Η Θάλεια Τριανταφύλλου είναι αθλητική διαιτολόγος-διατροφολόγος απόφοιτη του τμήματος Επιστήμης Διατροφής και Διαιτολογίας της Θεσσαλονίκης. Έχει πραγματοποιήσει τις μεταπτυχιακές της σπουδές στον τομέα της αθλητικής διατροφής στο Leeds Beckett University της Αγγλίας ενώ έχει παρακολουθήσει και σεμινάρια επιμόρφωσης στην Κλινική Διατροφή και στο Health Coaching για Επαγγελματίες Υγείας. Από το 2020 έως σήμερα, η εμπειρία της στη διατροφή τη βοηθά να προσφέρει πρακτικές και εξατομικευμένες λύσεις, είτε πρόκειται για αθλητές είτε για άτομα που απλώς θέλουν να βελτιώσουν την υγεία και τη φυσική τους κατάσταση.

Makrogianni Vitalioti Mariantzela is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as in Biothymia Clinical Hypnosis. She maintains a private practice in Peristeri. She is certified by the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. She is the Director of the Damala Foundation, a contributing writer, and has worked at KETHEA in action and street work, gaining extensive experience in Anxiety Disorders and addictions. Additionally, she attends numerous seminars on eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and holistic medicine as part of her continuous professional development.

Tzeremes Andreas is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and conducts online and face-to-face sessions in Haidari, Attica. He holds a BSc in Psychology with Counselling from the University of Bradford and a master's degree, MSc in Clinical Skills based on Integrative Psychotherapy, from Manchester Metropolitan University. Concurrently, he continues his training at the Institute of Relational and Group Psychotherapy (ISOPS) in the Clinical Skills program based on Relational Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (PgDip). Professionally, he is active in individual and online sessions, collaborates with the Center for Counselling and Psychotherapy "Psychoplefsi" and the Model Center for Integrative Therapy "The Tree of Therapy", and has participated in numerous scientific conferences and seminars both in Greece and abroad. His interest focuses on the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship, the importance of reciprocity, and the reflective exploration of the self within the therapeutic framework.

Anastasia Skliva is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Keratsini. She holds a degree in psychology from the Metropolitan College, has been trained in counseling psychotherapy at the Universal Training lifelong learning center, and specializes in systemic psychotherapy through her studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has experience managing mental health issues through counseling programs as well as her involvement with the NGO IASIS. She undertakes psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and couples facing difficulties, and also conducts parent counseling sessions. Sessions are held either in person or online.

Oikonomou Nansy is a Specialist Pathologist and maintains private practices in Peristeri and Neo Psychiko, where she provides high-quality medical care. She has many years of experience and specialization in the field of pathology. She completed her specialty at the General Hospital of Attica "Sismanoglio," has served as a collaborator in the Oncology Clinic at the private clinic 'Iaso,' as well as in the Oncology Clinic of 'Hygeia' Hospital, managing a wide range of medical issues such as the nutrition of oncology patients. Additionally, she has served as a scientific collaborator in the Psychiatric Clinic "Panagia I Grigorousa," handling the management of pathological problems of psychiatric patients. Committed to the quality of healthcare, she is a reliable choice for those seeking meticulous medical care, including home care services, as she also undertakes home hospitalization cases upon request.

Tsirkas Konstantinos is a General Practitioner - Family Doctor with a private practice in Peristeri, Attica, providing comprehensive primary healthcare services since 2023. With solid scientific training and a patient-centered approach, he offers complete medical support to patients of all ages, with particular emphasis on the management of chronic diseases such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. Simultaneously, he undertakes the immediate treatment of everyday emergency cases, offering reliable and prompt care. Preventive medicine constitutes a significant part of his practice, focusing on preventive screenings and guiding patients toward a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. He also provides full prescription services, issuance of referrals, and monitoring of therapeutic regimens, as well as the issuance of necessary certificates for work or driving. Additionally, he has experience in preparing KEPA files, offering comprehensive support for disability assessment procedures with responsibility, accuracy, and utmost respect for the patient.

Athanasiadou Anastasia is an Endocrinologist, maintaining a private practice in the Artemidos area and working at the Lifecheck Polyclinic in Kolonaki. She is a PhD candidate at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She specialized in Endocrinology at the Endocrinology Unit of the Therapeutic Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens at the General Hospital "Alexandra." Furthermore, she has participated in Greek and international conferences, aiming for continuous education in her field of expertise, and in her private practice, she provides a variety of services tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Stauraki Xristina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and operates her private practice in Chalandri. She holds a degree in Clinical Dietetics from Queen Margaret University Edinburgh. She has served as a Clinical Dietitian in a pathology clinic and, as part of her practical training, worked at the Athens Medical Center and in a Dietetic office. She is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists and has attended postgraduate seminars and conferences related to her specialty. At her Dietetic practice, she supports individuals seeking to enhance their well-being through healthier nutrition and daily habits.

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.

Miari Panagiota BSc, MSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Peristeri. She holds a degree from the School of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and a master's degree specialized in "Nutrition and Exercise" from Harokopio University of Athens, graduating with honors. Additionally, she has expertise in eating disorders and holds a diploma in Iridology. In her private practice, she provides applied nutritional education programs and support for physiological and pathological conditions, such as weight loss or gain, pregnancy, athlete nutrition, childhood obesity, chronic diseases, and eating disorders. Furthermore, she has been involved in public education through television and WEBTV on various channels, maintaining a regular presence on zoygla.gr, Channel 9, the show "Athens Nip Tuck," and channel E. She has participated in the European Study of the Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) program of the World Health Organization for childhood obesity, which was undertaken to be represented in Greece by the Hellenic Medical Society for Obesity in collaboration with the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics of the Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki. Finally, she has written and continues to write articles for magazines, newspapers, and scientific health websites, attended numerous seminars concerning the nutrition of children and adults, and has delivered educational lectures to sports clubs, schools, and on television.

Trophee Mourati Eirini MSc is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, founder of the dietary unit “Trophee” in Kolonaki. She graduated from Harokopio University of Athens, where she also completed her postgraduate studies in Applied Dietetics and Nutrition with a specialization in Clinical Nutrition. Her professional focus is on addressing obesity using sustainable, realistic, and easily maintainable methods. Additionally, she has worked with a wide range of clinical cases as the chief dietitian at a group of diagnostic centers, and previously served as the head dietitian for a large gym chain.

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.

Η Πήλιου Χρύσα (Harmonylife) είναι Σύμβουλος Ψυχικής Υγείας, Κλινική Υπνοθεραπεύτρια, Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και συγγραφέας του βιβλίου αυτοβελτίωσης "Βάλε χρώμα στις πληγές σου" με εξειδίκευση στη Συνθετική Ψυχοθεραπεία και Συμβουλευτική, καθώς και στην Κλινική Ύπνωση, το Breathwork και το Mindfulness. Είναι τακτικό μέλος της Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Συμβουλευτικής (Ε.Ε.Σ) και διαθέτει 15ετή εμπειρία στον τομέα του HR, σε ρόλους διαχείρισης ανθρώπινου δυναμικού στον τραπεζικό κλάδο. Παράλληλα, συγγράφει βιβλία που αξιοποιούνται θεραπευτικά σε ομάδες αυτογνωσίας και προσωπικής ανάπτυξης. Η ειδικός είναι κάτοχος Higher National Diploma – HND στη Ψυχολογία από το University of Wales. Έχει εκπαιδευτεί στη Συνθετική Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχοθεραπεία (Γνωσιακή – Συμπεριφορική, Ψυχοδυναμική και Συστημική προσέγγιση) και στην Κλινική Ύπνωση στο Πειραϊκό Ινστιτούτο Συνθετικής Συμβουλευτικής και Ψυχοθεραπείας (αναγνωρισμένο από το BACP). Είναι πιστοποιημένη στο Breathwork Level 1 (GPBA Certification Training, 262 ώρες) και στο Mindfulness & Meditation Therapy & Coach (International Association of Coaches, Therapists & Mentors). Έχει επίσης εκπαιδευτεί σε ομάδες προσωπικής ανάπτυξης και εναλλακτικές θεραπείες. Η ειδικός είναι ιδιοκτήτρια του Harmonylife.gr, ενός φιλόξενου και σύγχρονου κέντρου αυτογνωσίας και ψυχικής υγείας στον Άλιμο. Εκεί, μαζί με μια ομάδα έμπειρων συνεργατών και ειδικών ψυχικής υγείας, δημιουργεί εξατομικευμένα πλάνα θεραπείας που καλύπτουν σφαιρικά τις ανάγκες κάθε ατόμου. Στο Harmonylife πραγματοποιούνται συνεδρίες για ενήλικες, εφήβους, ζευγάρια, καθώς και συμβουλευτική γονέων. Παράλληλα, προσφέρονται ομάδες προσωπικής ανάπτυξης, βιωματικά σεμινάρια αυτογνωσίας-αυτοβελτίωσης, κλινική ύπνωση και υπνοθεραπεία. Για όσους προτιμούν εναλλακτικούς τρόπους θεραπείας, το Harmonylife φιλοξενεί ομάδες χαλάρωσης και ψυχικής ενδυνάμωσης, με πρακτικές όπως διαλογισμό, sound healing, breathwork και άλλες ολιστικές προσεγγίσεις. Εφαρμόζονται επίσης διαλογισμοί Mindfulness Meditation και τεχνικές Positive Psychology Coaching σε ατομικές και ομαδικές συνεδρίες, καθώς και σεμινάρια και προγράμματα για διάφορους οργανισμούς. Η θεραπευτική προσέγγιση της βασίζεται σε ένα ολιστικό μοντέλο, που συνδυάζει τη συνθετική ψυχοθεραπεία με σύγχρονες εναλλακτικές μεθόδους. Στόχος της είναι να προσφέρει εξατομικευμένες λύσεις για κάθε άνθρωπο, αντιμετωπίζοντας πολλαπλά ζητήματα σε όλα τα επίπεδα: νου, συναίσθημα, σώμα και πνεύμα. Πιστεύει βαθιά ότι η συνεργασία και η ομαδική εργασία μπορούν να οδηγήσουν σε πιο μακροπρόθεσμα και ουσιαστικά αποτελέσματα, με την ποικιλία ειδικοτήτων να ενισχύει την ολιστική προσέγγιση και να προσφέρει στον κάθε άνθρωπο μια ολοκληρωτική εμπειρία εξέλιξης και αυτογνωσίας. Η ίδια θεωρεί τη δια βίου μάθηση υποχρέωση αλλά και χαρά, φροντίζοντας να ενημερώνεται διαρκώς για τις εξελίξεις της επιστήμης της, συμμετέχοντας σε εκπαιδεύσεις, συνέδρια και σεμινάρια. Τέλος, το Harmonylife συνεργάζεται με εταιρείες για την ψυχική ενδυνάμωση των εργαζομένων (HR), αναπτύσσοντας προγράμματα που ενισχύουν την ευεξία και την παραγωγικότητα, συμβάλλοντας έτσι σε ένα πιο ισορροπημένο και υγιές εργασιακό περιβάλλον.

Η Κοντιλιέρη Μαρί είναι Behavioral Change Coach, με εξειδίκευση στις τεχνικές NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming). Είναι κάτοχος των πιστοποιήσεων Certified Master Practitioner of NLP, Certified NLP Practitioner και NLP Diploma από το International NLP Trainers Association (INLPTA), ενώ παράλληλα είναι πιστοποιημένη Integral Eye Movement Technique (IEMT) Practitioner, αξιοποιώντας σύγχρονες μεθόδους προσωπικής ανάπτυξης και αλλαγής συμπεριφορών.

Είναι φοιτήτρια του προγράμματος BSc (Hons) Psychology του University of East London, με ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον για την ψυχική ευεξία, την αυτογνωσία και την ανθρώπινη εξέλιξη. Παράλληλα, αρθρογραφεί σε θέματα ψυχολογίας και προσωπικής ανάπτυξης.

Μέσα από την προσέγγιση του Νευρογλωσσικού Προγραμματισμού (NLP), καθοδηγεί τους ανθρώπους να αναγνωρίσουν τι πραγματικά θέλουν, να αποκτήσουν μεγαλύτερη επίγνωση των σκέψεων, των συναισθημάτων και των συμπεριφορών τους και να αναπτύξουν νέους τρόπους σκέψης και δράσης που βρίσκονται σε συμφωνία με τις αξίες και τους στόχους τους.

Μέσα από πρακτικές ασκήσεις και βιωματικές τεχνικές, η διαδικασία εστιάζει στην αναγνώριση περιοριστικών μοτίβων, στην ενίσχυση της αυτογνωσίας και στην εκπαίδευση νέων συμπεριφορών, που συμβάλλουν στη δημιουργία μιας πιο συνειδητής και ικανοποιητικής καθημερινότητας.

Παράλληλα, σχεδιάζει και υλοποιεί σεμινάρια, workshops και retreats προσωπικής ανάπτυξης, με στόχο τη δημιουργία βιωματικών εμπειριών που ενισχύουν την προσωπική εξέλιξη και την ανάπτυξη νέων δεξιοτήτων. Πιστεύει ότι η ουσιαστική αλλαγή ξεκινά όταν το άτομο αποκτήσει μεγαλύτερη κατανόηση του εαυτού του και αναλάβει ενεργό ρόλο στη δημιουργία της ζωής που επιθυμεί.

Από το 2013 έως σήμερα, δραστηριοποιείται παράλληλα ως Marketing & Communication Manager σε όμιλο επιχειρήσεων εστίασης και φιλοξενίας, αποκτώντας πολυετή εμπειρία στην επικοινωνία, την ηγεσία ομάδων και την επιχειρηματική ανάπτυξη.

Panagiotou Maria - Anna is a Psychologist (BSc) and Psychotherapist specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy. She graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a professional practice license valid nationwide (License No: 1401991). She has worked as a Psychologist at the Elderly Care Unit "Rodi" in Filothei, as well as an external collaborator in a Medical Clinic and an English tutoring center to support employees and students. Additionally, she has volunteered in various settings, including public elderly care units and telephone support platforms. She has been trained in the Behavioral-Cognitive approach (higher education) at KEPSYSY in areas such as anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, psychosomatic disorders, depression, traumatic experiences, relationship issues, and has specialized in the non-pharmacological management of geriatric issues and caregivers, including dementia, grief, and anxiety at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She works with both adults and adolescents on family matters, crisis management, school performance, and violence-related issues. Her approach is based, among others, on the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy model by Ellis, Beck's Cognitive Therapy model, as well as Meichenbaum's Cognitive-Behavioral Modification. Finally, the specialist is a member of the Hellenic Psychological Society (SEPS). Guided by empathy, authenticity, and scientific practices, individuals will progressively be able to manage life situations effectively. For optimal service provision, she is supervised and participates in personal psychotherapy.

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.

Dr. Ioannis Virlos is a General Surgeon who maintains a private practice in Glyfada. He graduated from the Medical School of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, obtaining his medical degree in 1990. In 2000, he earned a Master’s degree in Surgical Sciences (MSc in Surgical Sciences) as well as a Diploma from Imperial College London (Diploma Imperial College), United Kingdom. In 2009, he was awarded a Doctorate (Medical Doctorate) from the University of Manchester, UK.He has been a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCSEd.) since 1998 and of the Intercollegiate Board in Surgery of the United Kingdom (FRCS (Gen Surg)) since 2008. Since 2011, he has been a Fellow of the European Board of Surgery in the field of Colorectal Surgery (FEBS (Coloproctology)).Dr Ioannis Virlos is a specialized colorectal and bariatric surgeon, also trained in minimally invasive surgery — both laparoscopic and robotic. He has received training not only in Greece but also in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Belgium.After completing his military service in 1992, he trained in General Surgery in hospitals in Athens and the United Kingdom between 1992 and 1999, obtaining his specialty title in General Surgery in 1999. From 2002 to 2012, he served as a surgical consultant in hospitals in the UK, Australia, Belgium, and Greece. Specifically, he worked at the following hospitals in the UK: North Middlesex, Arrowe Park, Derriford, Torbay, Exeter, Cheltenham, and North Bristol, as well as at Sir Charles Gairdner University Hospital in Perth, Australia, and Sotiria Hospital in Athens (as Senior Consultant).During the same period, he received advanced training in laparoscopic colorectal surgery and laparoscopic bariatric surgery at Singleton Hospital in Swansea, UK, and Heilighart Ziekenhuis in Roeselare, Belgium.From 2012 to 2021, he worked as a Consultant Surgeon at the following hospitals in the UK: Ealing Hospital, Homerton University Hospital, John Radcliffe & Churchill Hospitals in Oxford, Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Northampton General Hospital, and University Hospitals of Derby and Burton. He returned to Greece in 2021.Since 2023, Mr. Virlos has been the Director of Surgery at Metropolitan General Hospital in Athens. He also serves as the General Secretary of the Hellenic Society of Coloproctology. Finally, for the period 2025–2028, he will represent Greece at the European Society of Coloproctology.