Health professionals for Obesity in the Southern suburbs of Athens

Aggelopoulou Tzeni & Associates are Dietitian - Nutritionists specializing in Eating Disorders and maintain private offices in Alimos, Piraeus, and Galatsi. She is a graduate of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki and completed her internship at the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko". The Dietetic office provides high-level monitoring and management services for eating disorders and excess body weight. Specifically, it offers services for the development of personalized dietary plans for the treatment of obesity as well as pathological conditions such as high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, endocrine disorders (thyroid, polycystic ovary syndrome), gastrointestinal and renal diseases. Additionally, it provides nutritional support for individuals with special needs such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, elderly individuals, athletes, and children. Finally, specialized assessments are offered, including body fat measurement, body composition analysis, and basal metabolic rate measurement.

Η Μπόθου Έλενα είναι Ψυχολόγος, απόφοιτη του Deree – The American College of Greece. Διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στην Γλυφάδα και παρέχει ατομικές συνεδρίες σε ενήλικες και εφήβους από 16 ετών και άνω, τόσο δια ζώσης όσο και online. Η προσέγγισή της είναι συνθετική και εξατομικευμένη, συνδυάζοντας στοιχεία από την κλινική υπνοθεραπεία, τη βιωματική ψυχοθεραπεία, τη φιλοσοφική συμβουλευτική, την παιγνιοθεραπεία, τη δημιουργική έκφραση και την εργασία με πεποιθήσεις. Στο θεραπευτικό πλαίσιο δίνεται έμφαση στην ασφάλεια, την εμπιστοσύνη και τον σεβασμό στον ρυθμό του κάθε ανθρώπου, ιδιαίτερα όταν υπάρχει δυσκολία στη λεκτική έκφραση ή στο άμεσο άνοιγμα. Ιδιαίτερο μέρος της δουλειάς της αποτελεί η σύνδεση ψυχολογίας, διαλογιστικής διερεύνησης και δημιουργικών θεραπευτικών εργαλείων, μέσα από ήπιες και χαμηλής έκθεσης διαδικασίες. Παράλληλα με τις ατομικές συνεδρίες, αναπτύσσει το Estia Soul Space, έναν χώρο αφιερωμένο στην αυτογνωσία, τη δημιουργική έκφραση και τη θεραπευτική συνάντηση μέσα από ατομικές και ομαδικές βιωματικές διαδικασίες. Η θεραπευτική της στάση βασίζεται στην πεποίθηση ότι ο άνθρωπος δεν χρειάζεται να “διορθωθεί”, αλλά να ακουστεί ουσιαστικά, να κατανοήσει την ιστορία του και να ξαναβρεί έναν πιο αυθεντικό τρόπο σχέσης με τον εαυτό του και τους άλλους.

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.

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.

Aggeli - Kilitsian Maria is a Nutritionist - Dietitian and maintains a private practice in Elliniko, Attica. She is a graduate of the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and holds a Master's degree (MSc) titled "Food, Nutrition, and Microbiome" from the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace in Health Sciences. Her master's thesis focused on the "Correlation of the Microbiome with Depression and the Role of the Mediterranean Diet." Additionally, she is a graduate of the "Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders & Obesity" program, certified by the British NCfED (National Centre for Eating Disorders). She works as a freelancer with a professional practice license and has over 20 years of experience. From 2017 to 2020, she served as the head of the Dietetic Department at the Municipal Clinics of the Municipality of Agios Dimitrios, Attica, managing numerous cases of adult and pediatric obesity, diabetes mellitus, kidney diseases, hypercholesterolemia, pregnancy, etc. Her practical training took place at the General Hospital "Asklipieio" of Voula. As part of her research thesis, she investigated the quality of life of hemodialysis patients, which she presented at the EFAD conference in Barcelona in 2011 and was ranked among the top 10 presentations. Furthermore, her work has been published in the EFAD e-journal: Angeli-Kilitsian M., Meintani J. Quality of Life in Greek Hemodialysis Patients Correlated with Anthropometric Evaluation, EFAD e-journal 2015;2(1):13-14. Within the framework of continuing education, she has attended seminars on topics such as "Diabetes Mellitus," "Genetics," "Special Education and Training," "Evidence-Based Medical Nutrition," and "Metabolomics and Clinical Application in Autoimmune and Chronic Diseases" at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, as well as participation in workshops, conferences, and webinars.

Dimitrakopoulou Natalia is an Internist and maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni. She holds a degree and a doctorate from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has specialized in Internal Medicine, Diabetes Mellitus, and Diabetic Foot at the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko" and has also participated in multicenter studies at the Diabetes Laboratory of the same hospital. She is a member of the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine, the Hellenic Diabetes Association, the Society for the Study of Diabetic Foot Disorders, and the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society.

Η Παπαδοπούλου Αναστασία είναι Κλινική - Μοριακή Διαιτολόγος - Διατροφολόγος με 20ετή εμπειρία σε κλινικά περιστατικά και διατηρεί ιδιωτικά γραφεία στο Ελληνικό και στους Αμπελόκηπους με εκπαιδευμένο προσωπικό και εξοπλισμό τελευταίας τεχνολογίας.

Αποφοίτησε το 2001 από το Τμήμα Επιστήμης Διαιτολογίας - Διατροφολογίας του Χαροκόπειου Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Η πανεπιστημιακή της διατριβή αφορούσε τις παθήσεις του Γαστρεντερικού Συστήματος και τη διαιτολογική τους αντιμετώπιση και στη συνέχεια εκπαιδεύτηκε στην αντιμετώπιση της Φλεγμονώδους Νόσου του Εντέρου και του Ευερέθιστου Εντέρου.

Είναι κάτοχος Μεταπτυχιακού τίτλου στην Κλινική Διαιτολογία από το Χαροκόπειο Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών.

Είναι υπεύθυνη Διαιτολογικού Τμήματος της Κλινικής Υγείας Μέλαθρον από το 2003, έχοντας δουλέψει σε πληθώρα Κλινικών Περιστατικών Διαβήτη, Καρκίνου, Παθολογικών

Προβλημάτων (χοληστερίνη, πίεση), καθώς και Βαριατρικά Περιστατικά.

Εχει πιστοποιημένη επιμόρφωση στην Μοριακή Διαιτολογία από το Χαροκόπειο Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών που της παρέχει τη δυνατότητα διαχείρισης των περιστατικών ανάλογα με τις εξατομικευμένες ανάγκες, όπως αυτές καθορίζονται μέσα από διατροφικό

τεστ DNA.

Εχει πιστοποιημένη επιμόρφωση στην Γνωστική Συμπεριφοριστική Θεραπεία, στο Health Coaching και στη Διατροφή Νοσηλευομένων Ασθενών από το Εθνικό & Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών, ενώ διαθέτει και πιστοποίηση σε θέματα Αθλητικής Διατροφής.

Η συμμετοχή της σε Πανελλήνια και Πανευρωπαϊκά Ιατρικά και Διαιτολογικά Συνέδρια, της επιτρέπει να γνωρίζει τις πιο σύγχρονες μεθόδους για την αντιμετώπιση κλινικών

περιστατικών (καρδιολογικά νοσήματα, γαστρεντερολογικές παθήσεις, διαβήτης, παχυσαρκία ενηλίκων και παίδων, καρκίνος, ΜΕΘ κ.ά.), καθώς και όλες τις εξελίξεις σχετικά με τη διατροφή ατόμων με έντονη φυσική δραστηριότητα. Είναι μέλος πολλών ελληνικών και διεθνών επιστημονικών συλλόγων και εταιρειών. Προσφέρει διατροφική εκπαίδευση, συμβουλευτική και καθοδήγηση, ανάλυση σύστασης σώματος- λιπομέτρηση, test DNA ,

μέτρηση βασικού μεταβολικού ρυθμού καθώς και εξατομικευμένο πλάνο διατροφής.

Mpoutsouris Konstantinos is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Nea Smyrni. He holds a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, focusing on the influence of genes on the manifestation and treatment of obesity and type II diabetes mellitus. Additionally, he earned a medical degree from the Medical School of the University of Ioannina and possesses a license for ultrasonographic examination of endocrine glands. He has extensive experience in diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, metabolism, and nutrition. The doctor believes that endocrinology is a continuously evolving science with new concepts and ideas emerging in the literature almost daily. In an era characterized by an overwhelming amount of scientific information, the endocrinologist must act as a filter of this knowledge, ensuring that patients receive simple and comprehensible information, but most importantly, appropriate treatment. Based on all the above, he considers himself capable of assisting each patient with any endocrine disorder, offering medical management tailored to each individual patient and utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, thereby providing his patients with the best and most reliable diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Zaxarou Vera - Nutrithink is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and operates a private practice in Piraeus. She completed her studies in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Technological Educational Institute of Crete. Additionally, she attended a Health Coach training seminar and subsequently a professional development program in Pediatric Nutrition at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has experience and contributes articles to various websites.

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. 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.

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.

Ioanna Papadopoulou is a General Surgeon and maintains private practices in Cholargos and Glyfada. She performs exclusively laparoscopic surgery for benign and malignant conditions of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder and bile ducts, as well as all types of abdominal wall hernias. She received her Medical Degree from the “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi in 2012. She completed her rural service at the General Hospital of Messinia – Kyparissia Nursing Unit in 2013–2014. In 2021, she obtained her surgical specialty certification.

During her specialty training, she served at the 417 Army Fund Nursing Institution (N.I.M.T.S), where she specialized in advanced laparoscopic surgery for malignant colon diseases, obesity, reflux, and hernias, as well as thyroid malignancies. Additionally, at the Sismanogleio General Hospital of Athens, she participated in a large volume of colon and thyroid cancer surgeries. Considering that the present of surgery lies in laparoscopic and robotic techniques, she attended advanced laparoscopic seminars organized by ELPEN under the auspices of the Hellenic Surgical Society from 2016 to 2018.

In 2021, she completed further training in Surgical Oncology, earning a Master of Science (MSc) degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Finally, in 2023, she received additional training in the latest methods for managing complex diaphragmatic hernias and reflux at the Symposium on Innovation in Surgery in Malta.

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.

Maria Mpotsari is a Psychologist specializing in school psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy for adults, children, and adolescents, and maintains a private practice in Alimos. She has completed undergraduate studies in Psychology at the Université de Strasbourg and is continuing her studies in School Psychology at the University of Patras. Concurrently, she has trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy & Counseling, and has attended numerous specialized seminars and training programs (WISC-V, Play Therapy, Parent Counseling, Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology, etc.). She has experience in psychological assessment (including administration of the WISC-V), psychotherapeutic support for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as parent counseling. She has worked in clinical and educational settings, such as the Support and Family Center, the "Together for the Child" program, and the Center for Applied Psychotherapy & Counseling. Her focus is on a holistic approach to mental health, utilizing modern therapeutic methods and creative tools such as psychoeducation through play and the development of personalized materials (e.g., emotion cards, worksheets). She is particularly sensitive to issues related to neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum, and school difficulties.

Dara Argyro is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist who maintains private practices in Glyfada and Anavyssos. She graduated from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and trained as a resident physician at the General Oncology Hospital of Kifissia and in Endocrinology - Diabetology - Metabolism at the General Hospital of Athens "Korgialeneio - Benakeio Hellenic Red Cross". She worked as an associate at the General Clinic of Athens and the private hospital "Hygeia" from 1997 to 2000 and served as a rural doctor at the Karlovassi Health Center in Samos from 1995 to 1996. She specializes with extensive experience in conditions such as gestational diabetes, body weight management, type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, menopause disorders, menstrual irregularities, hypothyroidism, and parathyroid gland diseases. As part of her continuing education, the doctor participates in numerous training programs and conferences both in Greece and abroad.

Ioanna Skrapari MD, PhD is a Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Argyroupoli. She studied Medicine at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Pathology at the General Hospital of Athens Alexandra. She holds a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens as well as a specialization degree in Diabetes Mellitus. Currently, after many years of experience, she is an NHS Director at the General Hospital of Athens Evangelismos and Head of the Diabetology Clinic of the 3rd Internal Medicine Department of the same hospital. She has participated as a speaker in numerous medical conferences and scientific seminars and possesses a rich body of work with publications in international and Greek scientific journals.