Health professionals for Obesity in the Southern suburbs of Athens

Μrs E. Iliadou graduated from John Moores University of Liverpool with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and continued her postgraduate studies in Dietetics at the University of Liverpool leading to state registration in the UK. Mrs Iliadou has trained both in hospital and community settings as part of her course.She gained her working experience in several NHS hospitals across the UK in different areas such as:Women’s Hospital in Liverpool (working with gestational diabetic women)Harefield Hospital-one of the best hospitals specialized in heart conditions Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin (Scotland) nutritional support patients

Royal Brompton Hospital (London) respiratory diseases, cystic fibrosis, cancer patients Primary care Trust of Birmingham (working with disabled patients)Royal Liverpool Hospital-specialized in elderly and children Bariatric surgery of Royal Manchester Hospital.She is a member of the British Dietetic Association, the Health Professions Council (UK), the Hellenic Dietetic Association, the Hellenic Institute of Nutrition and the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic care. She is a Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders from National Centre of Eating Disorders.At present, Mrs Iliadou is leading the Nutrition department of the Mediterraneo hospital, a private Clinic situated in the South suburbs of Athens in the area of Glyfada She is in charge of the dietetic department where she is responsible for the management of patients who need nutritional support in the following units: gastro, dialysis, surgery, cardiology & cardiothoracic, bariatric and the ICU both of Greek and International origin.In addition to her working experience she attended the postgraduate diploma ‘Sports Nutrition’ from the International Olympic Committee. In 2019, the Hellenic Basketball Federation announced the official start of Mrs Iliadou’s collaboration with the Women’s National Team.Since 2015, Mrs Iliadou has been doing volunteer work with the AMYMONIAssociation , where they host people with vision problems and additional disabilities.

Denaksa Lena is a Psychologist and the founder - Scientific Director of the Counseling & Psychotherapy Center "Close to the Family" in Glyfada. She studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Synthetic Systemic Psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Study of Human Relationships. Additionally, she has completed several postgraduate trainings in areas such as Cognitive Behavioral Drama (CBD), eating disorders, learning difficulties, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). She has extensive experience, having worked in various institutions and organizations, and continues to coordinate experiential parent groups in schools.

Vlaserou Olympia is a Dietitian - Nutritionist, graduate of the Department of "Dietetics & Nutrition Science" at Harokopio University, and maintains a private practice in Ilioupoli. She is a certified professional in eating disorders, having obtained the title of Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders from the Center for Education and Treatment of Eating Disorders (KEADD). For her thesis, she participated in the epidemiological MEDIS study (Mediterranean Islands Study), with a research focus on "Consumption of infusions and BMI in the elderly." During her internship, she collaborated with the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas" and the General Hospital of Athens "Alexandra." She has worked as an independent associate in gyms in Athens, such as "Holmes Place." Additionally, she frequently delivers voluntary talks at kindergartens and schools and was a member of the local team of the Municipality of Argyroupoli - Attica, for the international program "PAIDIATROFI by EPODE." Finally, Ms. Vlaserou is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists and the Hellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists.

Dr. Ioannis Zouridakis, MD, MSc, is a General Surgeon and Breast Specialist who has maintained a private practice in Korydallos since 1994 and recently within REA Hospital. He is a Scientific Collaborator and a PhD candidate at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He earned his medical degree in 1986 from the University of Rome “La Sapienza” with a doctoral thesis completed during his studies. He specialized in General Surgery at the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos" and further specialized in Laparoscopic Surgery at the University of Montpellier in France. He attended the European Advanced Level Course in Breast Disease Management for Surgeons in Athens and specialized in the treatment of breast diseases at the 6th Oncology Hospital "G. Gennimatas." Subsequently, he specialized in hernia surgery using dual mesh PHS & Prolene 3D Patch at Umberto I Hospital in Italy and also specialized in Minimally Invasive Operating Techniques in Colorectal Surgery. He has worked in numerous hospitals and clinics and has served for many years as the Director of the Surgical Clinic at Metropolitan Hospital. Currently, he works daily as a Surgeon – Laparoscopist – Breast Specialist (Consultant Surgeon) at the General and Maternity Hospital REA, one of the most modern hospitals in Greece. Finally, he has attended and participated in over 100 medical conferences in Greece and abroad.

Η Κλινική Παχυσαρκίας του Νικολάου Θεοδωράκη, MD, PhD(c), πιστοποιημένου ειδικού (SCOPE) στην παχυσαρκία και επιστημονικά υπεύθυνου της Κλινικής Παχυσαρκίας του doctoranytime, δημιουργήθηκε με στόχο την επιστημονική, εξατομικευμένη και ρεαλιστική αντιμετώπιση της παχυσαρκίας και του αυξημένου σωματικού βάρους. Σε μια εποχή γεμάτη αντικρουόμενες πληροφορίες, εξαντλητικές δίαιτες και μη επιστημονικές «γρήγορες λύσεις», η ομάδα μας εστιάζει σε σύγχρονες, επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένες διατροφικές και φαρμακευτικές παρεμβάσεις με στόχο βιώσιμα και μακροχρόνια αποτελέσματα.

Η διατροφική προσέγγιση της κλινικής βασίζεται στις αρχές της διατροφής ακριβείας (precision nutrition), με εξατομίκευση σύμφωνα με τις ανάγκες, τις συνήθειες, τον τρόπο ζωής και τους στόχους κάθε ατόμου. Ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δίνεται:

• στον αποτελεσματικό έλεγχο της όρεξης και του κορεσμού

• στη σωστή κατανομή πρωτεΐνης για διατήρηση ή αύξηση μυϊκής μάζας

• στη βελτίωση της σύστασης σώματος και του μεταβολισμού

• στη δημιουργία διατροφικών πλάνων που μπορούν πραγματικά να εφαρμοστούν στην καθημερινότητα

• στη δημιουργία εξατομικευμένων πλάνων συμπληρωμάτων διατροφής

• στη συνολική διαδικασία αλλαγής συμπεριφοράς και βελτίωσης της υγείας και της ευεξίας

Οι διαιτολόγοι – διατροφολόγοι της κλινικής διαθέτουν άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος και εγγραφή στον ΣΔΔΕ και λειτουργούν βάσει συγκεκριμένων επιστημονικών πρωτοκόλλων, με εμπειρία τόσο σε άτομα που ακολουθούν αποκλειστικά διατροφική παρέμβαση όσο και σε ασθενείς που λαμβάνουν παράλληλη ενέσιμη φαρμακευτική αγωγή για την παχυσαρκία.

Ιδιαίτερη σημασία δίνεται στη διατήρηση της μυϊκής μάζας κατά τη διάρκεια της απώλειας βάρους, ειδικά σε περιπτώσεις χρήσης ενέσιμων θεραπειών για την παχυσαρκία, όπου η σωστή πρόσληψη πρωτεΐνης και η κατάλληλη διατροφική καθοδήγηση αποτελούν καθοριστικούς παράγοντες για την υγεία, τη λειτουργικότητα και τη σύσταση σώματος.

Στην κλινική μας, στόχος είναι η εκπαίδευση, η αλλαγή συνηθειών και η δημιουργία ενός βιώσιμου μοντέλου διατροφής που μπορεί να υποστηρίξει μακροχρόνια υγεία, καλύτερη ποιότητα ζωής και αποτελεσματική διαχείριση βάρους.

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.

Kolyviras - Tzivaniotis Stelios MMedSci is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Glyfada. He is a graduate of the Department of Nutrition Science and Dietetics at the Hellenic Mediterranean University of Crete and holds postgraduate degrees from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Pathology of Pregnancy and in Environmental Issues Management with Health Impacts. He completed his internship and worked as a Clinical Dietitian Nutritionist at IASO General Clinic. He has served as a Scientific collaborator in clinics and private medical offices, catering companies, and sports clubs as the responsible Dietitian Nutritionist. He participates in and attends seminars and conferences as part of continuous education and updating, considering it every professional's duty to stay continuously educated and informed on the latest developments in their field. Finally, he takes part in association lectures and writes articles for a range of scientific journals and websites.

Vazaka Kely is a certified Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Paleo Faliro. She completed her studies in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University. She continued her education in the Master's Program at Oxford University, titled "Applied Nutrition in Sports and Exercise." She firmly believes that our dietary habits are intrinsically linked to our psychology, which led her to pursue further training at the Center for Psychological Applications, in the seminar titled "Communication and Counseling Skills for Dietitians." During her internship, she worked as a Clinical Dietitian at the "Metaxa" Anticancer Hospital. Since 2021, she has worked in reputable dietetic offices. Her goal is to achieve each client's objectives through a balanced diet, personalized approach, and a healthy relationship with food!

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.

Η Παγώνη Ειρήνη είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχαναλύτρια, τακτικό μέλος του Συλλόγου Ελλήνων Ψυχολόγων και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στο Παλαιό Φάληρο. Διαθέτει πτυχίο BSc Ψυχολογίας από το University of Wales Swansea και μεταπτυχιακό δίπλωμα MA Ψυχανάλυσης από το Middlesex University of London. Είναι απόφοιτη του Αμερικάνικου Κολλεγίου Ελλάδας, ξεκίνησε την ακαδημαϊκή της εκπαίδευση στο Deree College of Greece και συνέχισε στο Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο. Διέμεινε στο Λονδίνο για σχεδόν μια δεκαετία, όπου ολοκλήρωσε την πρακτική της και, παράλληλα, εργάστηκε σε συνεργασία με σημαντικές δομές Ειδικής Αγωγής, όπως Child Autism UK, B.I.G (Behavioral Intervention Group) και LEAP (Learning Experiences and Alternate Program for Preschoolers and their Parents), όπου και ασχολήθηκε με το φάσμα αναπτυξιακών διαταραχών και την οικογενειακή συμβουλευτική. Συμμετείχε σε πολυάριθμα επιμορφωτικά σεμινάρια για τις αρχές του Συμπεριφορισμού, ανάμεσά τους και στο Regent’s College of London. Στην πορεία της πρόσφερε εθελοντική εργασία σε οργανωμένες δράσεις από τις τοπικές κοινότητες για ΑΜΕΑ και, όταν επέστρεψε στην Ελλάδα, στο Ίδρυμα Ανάδυση του Κολάτου. Μέσα στην εργασιακή της εμπειρία στην Αθήνα, περιλαμβάνεται και η παροχή εποπτείας στον Πανελλήνιο Σύλλογο Προσαρμοσμένων Δραστηριοτήτων καθώς η βασική της εργασία δεν παύει να είναι η πραγματοποίηση ψυχαναλυτικών και ψυχοθεραπευτικών διαβουλεύσεων. Σήμερα έχει συμπληρώσει 22 χρόνια εμπειρίας στον χώρο της επιστήμης της Ψυχολογίας και αναλαμβάνει ατομικές και ομαδικές συνεδρίες παρέχοντας υπηρεσίες ψυχοθεραπείας ενηλίκων και εφήβων. Έχοντας συνδυάσει την κατάρτιση της Ψυχανάλυσης με την γνώση του Συμπεριφορισμού αλλά και πολυετή μελέτη της Γιουνγκιανής Ανάλυσης, εξασκεί την προσέγγιση της Συνθετικής Ψυχολογίας ενσωματώνοντας τεχνικές από διαφορετικούς προσανατολισμούς ανάλογα με τις θεραπευτικές ανάγκες του θεραπευόμενου. Κατέχοντας τις απαιτούμενες γνώσεις από τις προαναφερθείσες κατευθύνσεις, ως επαγγελματίας χαρακτηρίζεται από μεγάλη ευρύτητα σκέψης και ευελιξία. Έχει εμπειρία σε αντιμετώπιση κατάθλιψης, κρίσεων πανικού, άγχους, παχυσαρκίας, διατροφικών διαταραχών, ιδεοψυχαναγκαστικής διαταραχής, διπολικής διαταραχής, μετατραυματικού στρες, θεραπείας ζεύγους, οικογενειακής συμβουλευτικής προσωπικής ανάπτυξης και αυτοβελτίωσης. Καθώς στην προσέγγισή της συναντώνται στοιχεία από διαφορετικές σχολές Ψυχολογίας, μπορεί να ανταποκριθεί αποτελεσματικά σε μια πληθώρα περιπτώσεων και θεραπευτικών προτιμήσεων, ακολουθώντας ένα διευρυμένο θεραπευτικό μοντέλο προσαρμοσμένο κατάλληλα σε κάθε τύπο προσωπικότητας. Τέλος, οι συνεδρίες μπορούν να διεξαχθούν και στα αγγλικά.

Mantzouratou Pigi MSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Nea Smyrni. She holds a degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University of Athens and completed a postgraduate program in Applied Dietetics - Nutrition with a specialization in "Nutrition and Exercise" at the same university. She has worked as a dietitian in gyms, athletic and nutritional centers and participates in lectures aimed at educating adults and children on nutrition-related topics. Additionally, she has collaborated externally with Harokopio University of Athens as part of the TRACON program and with the Hellenic British College in the framework of the FOODMED program. Furthermore, she contributes articles to electronic media and attends numerous conferences and seminars as part of her continuous professional development, while being a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists (PSDΔ) and of the PSDΔ’s expert working group "Weight Management".

Vandorou Anastasia is a Clinical Dietitian – Nutritionist, MSc and maintains a private practice in Kallithea (within the polyclinic Doctor Hall). She is a graduate of Harokopio University, holding a Master's degree in Applied Dietetics – Nutrition with a specialization in Clinical Nutrition. She has extensive experience with cases such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, childhood obesity, thyroid diseases, and metabolic disorders, and has collaborated with both private and public health institutions. She has participated in research programs and publications in international scientific journals, as well as in health education initiatives. With scientific expertise and a patient-centered approach, she provides personalized nutritional support aimed at prevention and health improvement.

Karalis Konstantinos is a Pathologist with a private practice in Ilioupoli. He graduated from the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace and completed his specialty in Pathology at St. Antonius Krankenhaus Hospital in Cologne, as well as at the General University Hospital of Athens "Alexandra." In addition to his private practice, he serves as a Scientific Associate – Attending Physician at the Athens Medical Center in Marousi and is a member of the Athens Medical Association. He provides a wide range of medical services, tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Evgenia Grypari is a Psychologist with extensive experience in the field of mental health, currently collaborating with the center “Charin Noiseos” in Moschato. She graduated from the Department of Psychology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Philosophy, while simultaneously attending the Hellenic Military Academy of Corps Officers (2009–2013). She later completed her Master’s Degree in “Mental Health and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry” at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2020–2022).

Since 2013, she has been serving as a psychologist in the Hellenic Navy, having worked in several mental health units such as the Psychiatric Clinic of the Naval Hospital of Athens, the Joint Center for Mental Health of the Armed Forces (414 SNEN), and the Naval Hospital of Salamina. She has also staffed the 24-hour National Helpline for Psychological Support and Crisis Intervention, and has served aboard a warship as a military psychologist, gaining valuable insight into the psychological challenges faced by personnel in operational environments. Additionally, she has held administrative and coordinating positions related to health and personnel management within the Armed Forces.

Evgenia Grypari participates annually in the selection and evaluation processes for candidates of the military academies and Armed Forces personnel. She has also completed internships at the Self-Help Promotion Program of Thessaloniki (supporting individuals in substance recovery) and at the Psychiatric Department of the “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital.

Her clinical experience covers a wide range of cases, including:

• Depression and anxiety disorders
• Personality disorders and psychoses
• Relationship and marital difficulties
• Parental counseling and divorce management
• Perinatal and postpartum depression
• Eating disorders
• Adolescent issues and identity development
• Sexual disorders and sexual identity concerns

She has further training and specialization in:

• Child psychology
• Relationship and divorce management
• Art Therapy (Vera Vasarhelyi method) for children and adolescents (6–18 years)
• Children’s drawing interpretation
• Music therapy
• Eating disorders
• High-functioning autism

Her therapeutic approach is person-centered and integrative, aiming to provide a safe and supportive environment that fosters self-awareness, emotional resilience, and personal growth.

A Step Beyond is a center for Counseling, Psychotherapy, Personal Development, Wellness, and Prosperity Growth. It was established by Kentro Psyxikis Ygeias Kai Euimerias A Step Beyond - Katranis Konstantinos Kai Synergates with the aim of providing therapies to individuals who wish to overcome their problems, to make their lives fuller and more beautiful, and to be guided towards wellness and prosperity through the necessary and appropriate means. The center’s specialists act as allies and companions for those who seek to discover new strategies and apply them, to enhance and utilize their internal resources, to learn new things or to view old matters from new perspectives, to heal traumas, to acquire new skills, to overcome fears and phobias, to eliminate chronic stress, and to live mindfully in the present moment, setting goals and achieving them. At A Step Beyond, the individual’s needs are addressed by selecting the appropriate specialist from among the trained Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Mental Health Professionals, or Personal Development Counselors to design a flexible and tailored evolution plan for each person.

Dr Melistas Lampros Didaktor Xarokopeiou Panepistimiou, MSc, PhD, is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Ilioupoli. He holds a doctorate from the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University. Part of his doctoral studies was conducted at Tufts University in Boston, USA. He possesses a Master's degree (MSc) specialized in Clinical Dietetics. He is the president of the Weight Management Specialist Group of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists. He has an extensive research portfolio and publications in internationally recognized medical scientific journals. Additionally, he participates as a speaker or organizer in numerous conferences both in Greece and abroad. He is a member of numerous scientific medical associations, has a rich portfolio of articles in the periodical press, and frequent television appearances. He has many years of experience in his private practice and teaches his scientific field at university, public, and private educational institutions.