Health professionals for Obesity in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Kalatzopoulou Garyfalia Liana MD, MSc is a Specialist in Internal Medicine and maintains a private practice in Neo Psychiko. She is a graduate of the Athens College and holds a medical degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She completed a postgraduate program in Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, specialized in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas," and has extensive experience in the management of obesity, having handled hundreds of cases to date. Dr. Kalatzopoulou is an external associate of Metropolitan General Hospital and serves as the attending Internist at the Outpatient Clinics of the same hospital.

Η Δρ. Μαριδάκη Χρυσούλα - Διδάκτωρ Ιατρικής Σχολής Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών MD, PhD είναι Παθολόγος - Διαβητολόγος - Διαιτολόγος - Διατροφολόγος με ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στα Βριλήσσια. Είναι Επιστημονικός συνεργάτης του Διαβητολογικού Κέντρου του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Αθηνών "Λαϊκό". Διατηρεί ιατρείο παχυσαρκίας, στο οποίο γίνεται διερεύνηση μεταβολικού συνδρόμου, ρύθμιση βάρους, λιπομέτρηση, μέτρηση βασικού μεταβολισμού, ρύθμιση λιπιδίων και δίδεται εξατομικευμένη διατροφή. Στο ιατρείο της γίνεται διερεύνηση και ρύθμιση υπερτασιακού ασθενούς, 24ωρη παρακολούθηση υπέρτασης (holter πιέσεως) και ηλεκτροκαρδιογράφημα. H Δρ. Μαριδάκη Χρυσούλα είναι Διδάκτωρ της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και έλαβε τον τίτλο της Ιατρικής Ειδικότητας της Παθολογίας το 2000. Εκπαιδεύτηκε στο γνωστικό αντικείμενο του σακχαρώδη διαβήτη, της παχυσαρκίας και του διαβητικού ποδιού στο Διαβητολογικό κέντρο της Α’ Προπαιδευτικής Παθολογικής Κλινικής του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και επί 7 έτη συμμετείχε στην εξέταση και παρακολούθηση ασθενών του Τακτικού Εξωτερικού Διαβητολογικού Ιατρείου, ασθενών του Ιατρείου Παχυσαρκίας , ασθενών του Ιατρείου Διαβητικού Ποδιού καθώς και Χειρουργηθέντων διαβητικών ατόμων. Παρακολούθησε και συμμετείχε στα μαθήματα και στις τακτικές βιβλιογραφικές ενημερώσεις του Διαβητολογικού Κέντρου και για 5 έτη είχε ενεργό συμμετοχή στις εργασίες του Τακτικού Εξωτερικού Ιατρείου Υπέρτασης, στην εξέταση και παρακολούθηση ασθενών του Εξωτερικού Υπερτασικού Ιατρείου, υπό την εποπτεία του Αναπληρωτή καθηγητή κ. Δ. Παπαδόγιαννη. Από το 2012 έως και σήμερα, παρακολούθησε και συμμετείχε στις εργασίες του Ιατρείου Διαβητικού Ποδιού της Α’ Προπαιδευτικής Κλινικής και Ειδικής Νοσολογίας του Διαβητολογικού Ιατρείου και του Ιατρείου Παχυσαρκίας. Το 2020 έλαβε τον τίτλο της Ιατρικής Εξειδίκευσης στον Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη κατόπιν εξετάσεων που διενεργήθηκαν από το Υπουργείο Υγείας στο Λαϊκό Νοσοκομείο. Έχει συμμετάσχει σε πολλά σεμινάρια, συνέδρια ελληνικά και παγκόσμια με γνωστικό αντικείμενο τον Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη και την Παχυσαρκία και στο γνωστικό αντικείμενο της Παθολογίας και της Υπέρτασης και έχει συμμετάσχει σε επιστημονικές ανακοινώσεις σε συνέδρια. Είναι συγγραφέας του βιβλίου με γνωστικό αντικείμενο την Υπέρταση "Η επιρροή της αρτηριακής υπέρτασης και της φαρμακευτικής αγωγής στην ποιότητα ζωής σε ασθενείς άνω των 65 ετών", που ανακοινώθηκε στο 21ο Πανευρωπαϊκό Συνέδριο στο Μιλάνο Ιούνιο 2011.Οι εξετάσεις που γίνονται στο ιατρείο είναι τεστ ανίχνευσης καλπροτεκτίνης στα κόπρανα για τη διάγνωση φλεγμονής εντέρου, τεστ ανίχνευσης αίματος (μη ορατού) στα κόπρανα για πρόληψη του καρκίνου του εντέρου, τεστ ανίχνευσης του ελικοβακτηριδίου του πυλωρού σε αίμα και κόπρανα, τεστ για λοιμώδη μονοπυρήνωση, καθώς και strep test για διάγνωση στρεπτόκοκκου σε πονόλαιμο. Παρέχεται γραμματειακή υποστήριξη για κλείσιμο ραντεβού και η δυνατότητα εξυπηρέτησης μέσω τηλεϊατρικής (μέσω Skype, Messenger, Viber, Face time, κλπ.). Τέλος, στο ιατρείο υπάρχει σύστημα συνεχούς καταγραφής του σακχάρου για μια βδομάδα (holter σακχάρου) και γίνεται επίσης εκμάθηση υπολογισμού των υδατανθράκων της τροφής.

Artemis Kyrka, MSc., RD., is a registered Dietitian and founder of the online clinic WellPlate. She offers modern online dietetic services to patients of all ages, with the primary goal of changing their dietary behaviours and improving their relationship with food.

She works with cases such as weight management through intuitive eating programmes and behaviour change techniques, women's health, fertility, gut health, and paediatric & adolescent nutrition. She provides evidence-based and practical guidance tailored to each individual's needs.

She holds an MSc in "Women & Children's Health" from King's College London and has trained in diabetes clinics serving the general population, pregnant women, children, and young people at Guy's & St Thomas' Foundation Trust.

She brings years of experience from voluntary work in South Africa, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom, delivering nutrition and hygiene education to children from diverse populations. She collaborates with SLP, OT, IVF units, gynaecologists, and paediatricians, offering holistic and personalised care to her patients.

Her mission is to provide flexible, evidence-based nutritional support, empowering patients to transform their dietary behaviours and improve their relationship with food, enhancing their overall health and well-being.

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.

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.

Welcome.

As the founder and lead physician of a private practice, my goal is to provide comprehensive medical care that combines rigorous scientific evidence with a patient-centered approach.

Education & Specialization: I am a member of the Swiss Medical Association and a graduate of Medicine with a Master of Science (MSc) in Social-Preventive Medicine and Quality in Healthcare from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. My clinical experience is multidimensional, having served in critical departments such as Internal Medicine, High Dependency Units (HDU), COVID-19 wards, and Emergency Departments (ER). Additionally, I hold International Certifications in Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) from the National Health Care Provider Solutions (NHCPS) in the USA.

Clinical Focus: Respiratory & Urinary Tract Infections, Metabolic Diseases & Obesity:

With extensive experience in treating obesity, I specialize in the management of patients with cardiometabolic risk factors. At our practice, we treat cases of both upper and lower respiratory tract infections, as well as urinary tract infections. We also manage patients across the full spectrum of cardiometabolic diseases and Chronic Condition Management, including: Arterial Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol Levels), Obesity. We offer personalized treatment plans that target the root of metabolic disorders, based on scientific evidence and a patient-centered approach.

Scientific Work & International Recognition: My commitment to medical science is reflected in my active participation in the international research community:

·       Medical Associations: Member of the Hellenic Medical Association, the European Federation of Internal Medicine (EFIM), and a member of the Swiss Medical Association (MEBEKO).

·       Research Activity: Author of over 60 publications and presentations at top-tier conferences, including the European Congress of Internal Medicine (ECIM).

·       Collaborations: Scientific Collaborator for the international AlliGatOr study (appendectomy outcomes) and Guest Editor for the American Journal of Biomedical Science & Research.

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.

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.

Karagiorgos Panagiotis is an Endocrinologist and maintains two private clinics in Vrilissia and Atalanti, Fthiotida. He also collaborates with the "IAZO" Polyclinic as the head of the endocrinology department. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has specialized in Endocrinology and Diabetology at the Endocrinology Clinic - Diabetology Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos" and the Athens Children's General Hospital "P. & A. Kyriakou." Additionally, he holds diplomas in Homeopathy from the "Hippocratic Center of Classical Homeopathy," the British School "The School Of Homeopathy," and the Portuguese Homeopathic Society. He possesses significant professional experience, having worked in both the private and public sectors, and also holds teaching experience as head of medical course instruction at the "Hippocratic Center of Classical Homeopathy" since 2007. Finally, in the context of his lifelong education, the doctor has participated in numerous scientific conferences and educational seminars in Endocrinology.

Dr. Maria Livanou, PhD, MSc, Senior Lecturer, is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist specializing in child and adolescent therapy, with a particular emphasis on the psychodynamic approach. She has an academic background in the United States and the United Kingdom and holds an academic post at King’s College London (KCL). Her research focuses on child and adolescent mental health.

Her therapeutic approach is primarily grounded in psychodynamic therapy, aiming to understand deeper emotional processes and relationship patterns. At the same time, it remains individualized and holistic, responding to the unique needs of each child, adolescent, adult, and family.

During sessions, parental counselling and parent therapy are offered—from pregnancy through the early years of the child—along with support for families during early parenthood. Discussions may include topics related to early child development and the parent–infant relationship. She places particular emphasis on addressing communication difficulties, enhancing psychological well-being, building self-confidence, and improving social relationships.

She works with a wide range of issues concerning childhood and adolescence, including:

• Anxiety and anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic attacks)
• Phobias, separation anxiety, and attachment issues
• Depressive mood, depression, social withdrawal
• Adjustment difficulties and emotional distress
• Psychosomatic symptom
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulties in communication and social relationships, family conflicts, and adaptation to change (e.g., divorce)
• Grief and loss management
• Eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns
• School-related difficulties, academic stress, and performance anxiety
• Issues of identity, self-image, and adolescent development
• Conduct problems, anger management difficulties, delinquent behavior
• Family counselling and therapy
• Neurodevelopmental difficulties (e.g., autism, ADHD)
• Trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), developmental trauma, and adverse childhood experiences

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.

Zaxarodimos Nikolaos is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, a doctoral candidate at the Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life of the Agricultural University of Athens, and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. He graduated from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and holds a master's degree in "Molecular and Applied Physiology" from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a research specialization in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Simultaneously, he collaborates with medical clinics, hospitals, and fitness centers, offering personalized nutrition programs and body composition analyses. His professional experience includes salaried practice at the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko," participation in research projects and scholarships within the framework of the "Research – Create – Innovate" initiatives, and active involvement with publications in international journals and conferences both in Greece and abroad. He also has experience as a lecturer and trainer for students, as well as extensive volunteer work in nutritional education activities. Furthermore, the specialist is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians and Nutritionists and ACSM Exercise is Medicine Greece. Finally, at his dietetic office in Agia Paraskevi, he provides nutritional guidance for conditions such as diabetes, obesity, autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, and muscle strengthening.

Piki Eirini works as a psychologist, psychotherapist, family therapist, lecturer and supervisor. She is a member of the ‘Greek Psychological Association’ as well as the ‘Hellenic Association of Systemic Therapy (HELASYTH). She has also obtained the European Certificate in Psychology (EuroPsy), and a work license as a psychologist (No. 5522/07). She completed her undergraduate degree (BSc) at the University of North London and her postgraduate (MA) and doctoral (PhD) studies at Goldsmiths University of London. Furthermore, she completed a training in individual, group and family psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Study of Human Relations. She has worked for several years in different contexts in the field of psychology, such as in prisons, nursing homes and orphanages. She has given lectures at Goldsmiths University of London (UK) and at Mediterranean College (Greece). Since 2002, she has taken part in several seminars, with the aim of informing either the laymen or specific groups, such as parents, teachers and/or mental health care professionals. Since 2005, she has been working in private practice at her office in Agia Paraskevi, Athens, as a psychologist-psychotherapist for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, as a group therapist, and also as a supervisor. Moreover, since 2005, she has been cooperating with a number of nurseries and, since 2012, she is in collaboration with the European Network of Women, which is an NGO dealing with issues of interfamilial violence and racial discrimination.

Oikonomopoulou Eudokia - Evina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. She completed her studies in dietetics at the University of Hertfordshire and Biology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she holds a Master Nutritionist in Autoimmune Disorders (EL.D.E.) from the Hellenic Nutrition Society. She has been trained in Genetic Counseling at the Center for Training and Lifelong Learning of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as in Health Coaching for healthcare professionals, and in Contemporary Applications of Sports Nutrition from Academy Life. Furthermore, she completed her internship at IASO. She is specialized in diet and nutrition and addresses a wide range of issues related to breastfeeding, sports nutrition, diabetes mellitus, nutritional counseling, obesity, metabolism, and irritable bowel syndrome.

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.

Skoulidi Virna BSc, MSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Nea Ionia. She holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and has attended a clinical nutrition and dietetics seminar at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Additionally, she possesses a master's degree in Nutrition, Public Health & Policies from the Agricultural University of Athens and in Nutritional Psychology from the CNP (Center for Nutritional Psychology). The specialist has worked as a Dietitian - Nutritionist at SALAS Catering Company and Fitpal Healthy Meals Company, as well as at the Elegance Aesthetic Center. Furthermore, she has worked in a Pulmonologist and Dietitian office, providing nutritional education to patients, body composition assessment, and designing individualized nutrition programs. Since 2016, she has been a contributor to magazines and websites related to wellness & fitness (Shape, Savoir Ville).

Dr. Xarikleia Xristakou is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Vrilissia. She completed her studies at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She began her clinical and research career in the Endocrinology Department of the First Internal Medicine Clinic at Laiko Hospital in Athens and at the Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit of the Ευγενίδειο Therapeutic Institute, with a special interest in disorders of female reproduction and metabolism. She was awarded the title of Doctor of Medicine from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 2014. Subsequently, she specialized at the First University Pediatric Clinic of the "Agia Sofia" Children’s Hospital, focusing on Pediatric Endocrinology. She continued and completed her specialization in Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism at the First Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine Clinic of Laiko Hospital. She is the author of scientific articles in reputable Greek and international journals and has contributed to the authorship of Greek and international scientific textbooks on Endocrinology. Additionally, she has participated as a speaker at Greek and international conferences. Since January 2022, she has been an academic fellow at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where she has been involved in clinical and teaching activities. Furthermore, as a member of the interdisciplinary team at the Center of Excellence for Neuroendocrine Diseases at the University of Athens at Laiko Hospital, she actively participates in Medical Board meetings, where interesting patient cases are discussed with the aim of accurate diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with neuroendocrine diseases. She also serves as an instructor in the postgraduate program "Endocrine Neoplasms".

Diamantopoulos Aristeidis Aris is a graduate physician of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and obtained his professional license in 2015. He was a trainee in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Nea Ionia - Patision from 2016 to 2018, and from 2018 to 2023 he specialized in "Endocrinology – Diabetes – Metabolism" at the Endocrinology Department – Diabetes Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos," which has also been certified as a National and European Reference Center for "Pituitary - Adrenal - Thyroid Cancer." Concurrently, since 2021, he has been pursuing a PhD at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. As an endocrinologist – diabetologist, he has contributed to numerous publications in reputable Greek and international medical journals. He has also received awards at conferences, including the "Young ESE Investigator Award 2022" from the European Society of Endocrinology. In addition to clinical and research studies, he has participated in multiple conferences in Greece and abroad, presenting lectures, oral communications, and posters. In his private practice, he manages cases spanning the entire spectrum of Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus, with the primary concern being the benefit of the patient.