Health professionals for Obesity in Prefecture of Thessaloniki

Tsilipakou Despoina is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist and has operated a certified dietetic practice since 2015 in Thessaloniki. She graduated from the Department of Nutrition – Dietetics at the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki. She is also a final-year student of the postgraduate program "Applied Dietetics and Nutrition, specializing in Clinical Nutrition" at Harokopio University – Department of Dietetics & Nutrition Science. She completed a postgraduate specialization program in Pediatric Nutrition "Master Nutritionist in Pediatric Nutrition" at EL.DE Studies and a training program in "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" at the University of the Aegean, within the Mental and Community Health Program. During her training, she conducted scientific research on the measurement of basal metabolic rate and its correlation with physical activity and appetite. She has attended specialized conferences in clinical nutrition, nutrition for chronic diseases, pediatric nutrition, nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and sports nutrition. She holds a professional license to practice as a Dietitian - Nutritionist from the General Directorate of Public Health and Social Welfare, Department of Health Services and Professions. Finally, she has many years of experience and is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists.

Karampasiadou Zoi is a licensed Psychologist and graduate of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, with a specialization in Clinical Psychology as well as School and Developmental Psychology. She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from the Hellenic Management Association (EEDE).Her passion for Psychology led her to pursue further training in Psychotherapy through IAOTH, while her interest in the corporate sector motivated her to undertake additional studies in business administration, communication, and economics (EEDE).

She is a licensed Psychologist and is currently further training at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Stress Management and Health Promotion.She completed her internship at the Junior High School and High School for the Deaf of Thessaloniki, providing individual and group psychological support to children, adolescents, and their families. She has also offered psychological support services to vulnerable social groups within European Union programs for the long-term unemployed and has managed awareness and prevention programs for children, adolescents, and adults at both national and European levels.Over the past four years, she has been training executives and individuals in psychology-related topics focusing on motivation in physical activity, aiming at a holistic approach to well-being and quality of life. She actively participates in conferences and workshops on stress management, bullying prevention and intervention, and the prevention and management of burnout.She collaborates scientifically as a Psychologist with the Panhellenic Association for the Support of Individuals with Obesity “Imeroeessa” and the Scientific Group “Opsometha eis Philippous.”For the past fifteen years, she has also been active in communication and Human Resource Management roles within multinational companies, managing projects both in Greece and abroad.In parallel, she provides private psychological services through individual and group sessions, addressing a wide range of needs.As a Business Consultant, she specializes in recruitment and assessment, the implementation of assessment and development centers, and career transition support (outplacement).As a Psychologist, she provides support in confidence building and personal development, stress and anxiety management, individual and group interventions, couples therapy, smoking cessation support, as well as CV writing and job interview preparation.Her practice is located in the center of Thessaloniki, and all services are also available online through modern digital platforms.

Martzivanou Maria is a certified Psychotherapist in Person-Centered Therapy, Focusing Experiential Therapy, as well as Existential Therapy, with a private practice in Thessaloniki. She has specialized in Positive Psychology and Medical Psychology, focusing on understanding the relationship between the mind and body, the psychosomatic expression of trauma, and the needs of individuals living with chronic or acute physical pain. Through extensive training and experiential practice, she has successfully integrated Western psychology with Eastern philosophy, building bridges between the mind, body, and spirit. Her approach honors the human existence as a whole, which does not need to be “fixed” but to find a space where it can be heard, to feel, and to unfold. She has provided voluntary services in social institutions such as the YMCA of Thessaloniki and the orphanage "Agios Stylianos." Finally, she is specialized in EFT Couples Therapy, Trauma Therapy and Psychosomatic Pain Treatment, Psychotherapy & Diagnosis of Adults with ADHD, Eating Disorders, and Nonviolent Communication (NVC).

Kyritsis Aleksandros is a General Surgeon who maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki, collaborating with major private clinics in the city. He graduated from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He specialized in General Surgery at the "General Hospital of Chalkidiki," the 2nd General Hospital of IKA "Panagia," and the General Hospital of Thessaloniki "Agios Pavlos." He received advanced training in minimally invasive surgery (Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery) at the world-renowned "Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center" in New York, specializing in the management of colorectal and anal diseases alongside the pioneering surgeon Garrett Nash. He worked for three years as a Consultant at leading hospitals in the United Kingdom, including "King’s College Hospital London," "Manchester Royal Infirmary," and "Chesterfield Royal Hospital." Subsequently, he participated in the specialized program for Laparoscopic Surgery and minimally invasive surgery of colorectal and anal diseases at the "Research Institute against Digestive Cancer" (IRCAD) and obtained a diploma in Laparoscopic Surgery from the University of Strasbourg. He has delivered presentations at international surgical conferences in the United Kingdom and the USA. He remains an active member of the Medical Council of England and a member of the American Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons, while periodically continuing to offer his services as a Specialist General Surgeon at the "Manchester Royal Infirmary" hospital in the United Kingdom.

Eleana Zisimopoulou is an Endocrinologist maintaining a private practice within the ID MEDS CLINIC Polyclinic in Panorama, Thessaloniki. She is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Crete and specialized in endocrinology. Since 2021, she has served as a Consultant at the Thessaloniki Cancer Hospital "Theageneio." Her endocrinology specialty training was completed in major hospitals in Greece, including the AHEPA University Hospital of Thessaloniki, the Korgialeneio - Benakeio Red Cross Hospital, and the Athens General Children's Hospital "P. & A. Kyriakou."

Dr. Zisimopoulou is an active member of the Hellenic Endocrine Society and the Medical Association of Thessaloniki, with continuous participation in scientific conferences and case presentations on endocrinology topics such as endocrine complications in cancer, Cushing’s syndrome, and thyroid and parathyroid disorders. Additionally, she holds significant research activity with publications in international and Greek scientific journals on subjects including thyroid neoplasms, neuroendocrine tumors, and parathyroid disorders.

The clinic is fully compliant with the standards of a modern medical environment, ensuring comfort and professionalism. The approach to each patient is personalized, aiming for optimal hormonal balance and improvement in quality of life.

Kapoulas Spyros is a General Surgeon and maintains his private practice in Panorama. He holds a Medical degree from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a Doctorate from the same University. The physician has trained in hospitals in Greece and the United Kingdom, managing a wide range of cases spanning the entire spectrum of his specialty, always prioritizing the best possible care for every individual he treats.

Nikolaos Xolopoulos MSc is a graduate of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the A.T.E.I. Thessaloniki and operates his dietetic clinic in the center of Thessaloniki. He holds two master's degrees: one from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in the postgraduate program "Nutrition and Health Promotion" with distinction, and another from the Management Department at the International Hellenic University, where his master's thesis focused on Human Resources staffing in Health and Nutrition units. He holds two certifications in Sports Nutrition: certification from the International Society of Sports Nutrition and the "Professional Sports Nutrition Diploma" from the University of Barcelona Innovation Hub. Additionally, he has served as an external scientific collaborator of the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), where he oversaw the dietetic management of track and field athletes from clubs in Northern Greece. He has also been a scientific collaborator at the General Hospital of Thessaloniki "Hippokration" in the Endocrinology Department, focusing on the nutritional management of patients with Diabetes Mellitus. For the past 15 years, he has been teaching Food Science at all educational levels and has published research in reputable scientific journals concerning the relationship between sugar and obesity in childhood and adolescence as well as the impact of fructose on the gastrointestinal system. He has been running his own dietetic clinic for 9 years, equipped with modern dietetic tools for body composition analysis, providing personalized nutritional management for athletes, clinical cases, pregnant women, children, and the general population, always in accordance with updated nutritional recommendations.

Ms. Fotiadou Elisavet is an Endocrinologist and maintains her private practice in Kalamaria. She holds a Medical Degree from the School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has completed postgraduate studies at the University of Patras. As a resident physician, she trained at the University Endocrinology Clinic of Ruhr-Universität Bochum and subsequently worked as an Endocrinologist-Diabetologist at the Medicover Charlottenburg-Endocrinology Center in Berlin. In her private practice, she manages a wide range of cases, focusing on providing the best possible care tailored to the individual needs of each patient she treats.

Mpaniotis Ioannis is a Pathologist who maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. He holds a degree from the Medical School of Bucharest and completed his specialization in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Giannitsa and the General Hospital of Thessaloniki "Agios Dimitrios." Additionally, after two years of training, he obtained certification in Medical Acupuncture and has undergone further training at the Hospital of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Beijing and the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. From 2007 to 2013, he provided services as a Specialist Pathologist at the IKA Pylis Axiou in Thessaloniki, as a medical examiner at the Naval Retirement Fund, the Hotel Workers' Fund (TAXY), as well as in private clinics in Thessaloniki. Currently, he volunteers at the KAPI centers of the Municipality of Thessaloniki, examining and providing services to the vulnerable elderly population. Finally, he has participated in numerous national and international conferences and is a member of the Medical Society of Pathology and other medical associations.

My name is Dargkinis Sotirios and I hold a degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from the A.T.E.I. of Thessaloniki.

I have been involved in the profession of dietetics for over 25 years and, through a holistic approach, I am dedicated to serving the field of nutrition.

Nutrition, through my perspective, is a journey that transforms lives; you are unique and deserve individualized guidance to achieve your goals. That is why I am here, as your companion throughout this entire journey.

My need for continuous development led me to specialize in the Nutritional and Psychological Management of Eating Disorders and Obesity through KEADD. Additionally, I have attended educational seminars on clinical nutrition for hospitalized patients, metabolomics, and clinical applications in autoimmune and chronic diseases, and I have been trained in sports nutrition and auriculotherapy. Through my training in auriculotherapy, I aim to manage stress, hunger, and metabolism. Finally, I have participated in numerous seminars related to the microbiome and diabetes.

How can we collaborate?

I conduct dietary consultations both in person at my office (Egnatias 90) and online.

Lazarou Lazaros MD is an Endocrinologist with a practice located in the center of Thessaloniki. He specialized in endocrinology, diabetes mellitus, and metabolism at the General Hospitals of Thessaloniki "Agios Pavlos" and "Hippokration." He worked as a trainee endocrinologist in the endocrinology and diabetology department at Vrinnevisjukhuset, Norrköping, Sweden. The physician has extensive experience in managing patients with thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus (gestational and adult), osteoporosis, and metabolic syndrome. In his private practice, there is the capability to perform thyroid ultrasound examination (when indicated), ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules, as well as the investigation of potential complications of diabetes mellitus. Additionally, the physician has a particular interest in gynecological endocrinology, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menstrual disorders, hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, acne, and others), and menopause. Finally, due to his ongoing training, he has attended numerous conferences and seminars both in Greece and abroad, presenting findings at many of these events.

Georgitsopoulos Grigoris is a Psychologist with a practice located in the center of Thessaloniki. He holds a degree in Psychology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling. He is also certified by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Stress Management and Health. Throughout his career, he has worked for several years as a Mental Health Counselor in municipal organizations and the Panhellenic Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Professional Reintegration (PEPSAEE), providing support and counseling services to vulnerable social groups as well as Crisis Management. Additionally, he has served as a Mental Health Counselor in primary education.

Sioulis Aleksandros is a nutritionist with a private practice in the center of Thessaloniki. He is a graduate of the Clinical Dietetics Specialist department. Following his studies and seeking to deepen his knowledge in health and nutrition topics, as well as to stay informed about the latest developments in his field, he continued his education with a series of postgraduate programs and courses in nutrition. Some of these include: -National and Kapodistrian University of Athens: • Clinical Dietetics • Eating Disorders • Nutrition Coach -Harvard Medical School: • Healthy Eating For Diabetes • Healthy Eating For Cholesterol -Stanford Medical School: • Micronutrients and Diet • Essential Micronutrients -Tulane University: • Environmental Public Health (EPH) • Tribal Behavioral Health At his private office located in the center of Thessaloniki, Ermou 57 with Aristotelous, he has a clinical and non-clinical record of hundreds of successful cases. This success is attributed to his thorough specialization, psychological support, individualized case approach, and provision of fully personalized nutrition plans, advice, and recipes tailored to the specific needs of each client. Thus, he achieves the health and weight goals through a process that offers the client well-being, rapid results, and knowledge in the field of nutrition, enabling the client to maintain the achieved goal by having changed their dietary habits according to their personal needs and preferences.

Skoufa Lida is a Psychologist with a private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a PhD from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed postgraduate studies in Pain Management at the University of Ioannina. Additionally, she specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy. She has significant experience and is currently a Research Associate at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki as well as a Trainer in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy at the Medical Psychotherapeutic Center.

Litsas Ioannis is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Evosmos, Thessaloniki. He holds a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specializes in diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, menstrual disorders, osteoporosis, obesity and metabolism, and gynecological endocrinology. Additionally, Dr. Litsas is a scientific collaborator of the Pregnancy Endocrinology Unit of the 1st Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of Aristotle University at the General Hospital of Thessaloniki "Papageorgiou." In his private practice, he provides services across the entire spectrum of endocrinology tailored to the specific needs of his patients. Finally, Dr. Litsas is a member of the Hellenic Endocrine Society.

Papigkioti Kleoniki MSc is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist who maintains a private practice in Thessaloniki. She graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. From the beginning of her career, she was deeply moved by supporting individuals experiencing difficulties, which led her to work both professionally and through internships in organizations that protect children and women who have suffered abuse. She has focused on clinical training in Mental Health through her participation in postgraduate programs at Papageorgiou Hospital, as well as at Aeginiteio Hospital, while simultaneously enriching her clinical experience through her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health at the School of Medicine of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Throughout her professional career, she has worked therapeutically with children, adolescents, and adults, supporting individuals of all ages and identities in their unique challenges. What she loves most about her work is walking alongside each person on their path of self-awareness and self-management, creating a safe space for meaningful change and development.

Theodoridou Tzouli is an Endocrinologist – Diabetologist with a private practice in Thessaloniki.

Her primary focus is weight loss and metabolic health in individuals who are tired of diets and restrictions — but do not see results.

Her approach is based on identifying the underlying causes that block the body — hormonal, metabolic, nutritional, and lifestyle-related — and creating personalized strategies that lead to effective outcomes.

Medical Education & Experience

She graduated from the Medical School of the State Academy of Saint Petersburg.

She has trained and worked in major hospitals in Thessaloniki (AHEPA, Papageorgiou, Theageneio, Agios Pavlos), gaining significant clinical experience across the full spectrum of endocrinology and metabolic diseases.

She combines contemporary endocrinology with nutrition (holder of a Nutritionist diploma).

Areas of Expertise

• Weight loss & metabolic balancing

• Thyroid disorders & ultrasound

• Diabetes mellitus & metabolic syndrome

• Hormonal disorders & women's health (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause)

Her practice provides comprehensive medical assessment, enabling each patient to gain a clear understanding of their body and receive a targeted plan from the very first visit.

She caters to those who want to understand their body, invest in their health, and achieve lasting change.

Katerina Voultsidou is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Thessaloniki. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Psychology, as well as in anxiety and stress management. She possesses a master's degree in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of East London. She acquired her specialized knowledge by participating in the four-year training program of the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy, as well as at the "Stiriksi" Psychotherapeutic Center. Additionally, during her career, she worked with the Self-Help Group of Alcoholics Anonymous. Currently, in her private practice, she can assist in the treatment of a range of conditions such as anxiety disorders, anorexia - bulimia, insomnia, various phobias, panic attacks, and sleep disorders. Finally, she has participated in various conferences on psychology-related topics and is a member of the Hellenic Society for Behavioral Research and the Association of Greek Psychologists.