Health professionals for Obesity

Maggana Efi is a Psychologist - Clinical Hypnotherapist and operates her private practice in Kolonaki, where she addresses a wide range of psychological issues including anxiety disorders, depression, interpersonal relationship challenges, and personality disorders. She holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. Additionally, she earned a Master's degree in Occupational Psychology from the University of East London and a second Master's degree in Health and Occupational Psychology from the University of Paris, Université Paris 8.

Furthermore, she completed a one-year training program and internship in Clinical Hypnotherapy at the Institut Français d’Hypnose in Paris. She has professional experience as a Mental Health Counselor and HR consultant, having worked in France at the "Hôpital Kremlin-Bicêtre" in Paris and in Greece at the “EANP METAΞA” hospital.

She is currently undertaking further training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the DDEEΨY (Department of Psychological Education and Clinical Training) and regularly participates in various professional seminars in Psychology.

Pathologist Dr. Syneifakoulis Theoxaris is the third generation of physicians in his family. He graduated with "Excellent" from the Medical School of the University of Pécs, Hungary, and was awarded his Doctorate from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, having completed his dissertation on skin melanoma. Additionally, he is a member of the RCPSG (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow) and collaborates with the private hospitals "Hygeia" and "Euroclinic".

Dr. Syneifakoulis Theoxaris's further specialization and sequential years of training, including postgraduate studies in Mountain Medicine at the University of Leicester, U.K., as well as his certifications as an instructor for the American Heart Association ("AHA"), the European Resuscitation Council ("ERC"), Prehospital Trauma Life Support ("PHTLS") by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians ("NAEMT"), and Advanced Trauma Life Support ("ATLS") from the American College of Surgeons ("ACS"), have inspired him to continue the family tradition and broaden his professional horizons. These qualifications have provided him with the motivation and tools to engage not only in Internal Medicine but also in Travel and Mountain Medicine, as well as emergency Prehospital Medicine, both as an instructor and as a healthcare professional.

Kintis Spyridon is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Patras. He holds a degree in Dietetics - Nutrition from the Higher Technological Educational Institution of Crete (Siteia branch). Mr. Kintis is the head Dietitian - Nutritionist at the basketball academy of the Panachaiki team and an external collaborator at Olympion Hospital - General Clinic of Patras. In his private practice, he provides specialized nutrition programs tailored to individual needs and manages a variety of conditions, such as anorexia - bulimia, gastroenterological problems, and gestational diabetes. Additionally, the practice is fully equipped and features the Tanita MC780 body composition analyzer, which performs precise body measurements and analyses (fat mass, total body water measurement, differentiation between intracellular and extracellular fluid, fluid retention, etc.). Finally, he is a member of the Hellenic Dietitians - Nutritionists Association.

Trikoili Eirini is a Psychologist with a private practice in Neo Irakleio, offering psychotherapeutic support and psychological assessment services. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment in which adults, adolescents, and children can experience understanding, trust, and care. She is a graduate of Panteion University, with postgraduate training in School Psychology from Unic. Her psychotherapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (trainee member of the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies / EABCT), which is enriched—depending on the needs of the client—with elements from other approaches. She has experience in the psychotherapeutic process, psychological and psychometric assessment, implementation of individualized interventions, parental counseling, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. She has worked as a Psychologist in the private sector, managing therapeutic cases using a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach, as a school psychologist at KEDASY, as a psychologist at the Aeromedical Center, and at a Center for Special Therapies.

Manou Eirini is a Dietitian – Nutritionist, MSc, licensed to practice and maintains a private practice in Patima, Chalandri. She holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics of the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and a postgraduate degree in "Nutrition and Exercise" from the Department of Dietetics – Nutrition Science at Harokopio University. She has been trained in the management of eating disorders and obesity at the National Centre for Eating Disorders in the United Kingdom and the Educational and Treatment Center for Eating Disorders in Greece. She completed her internship at the General Hospital of Athens "Sismanoglio – Amalia Fleming" and began working as a Dietitian in the Nutrition Department of the hospital for 4 years, where she dealt with numerous clinical cases. Additionally, she collaborated for several years with various sports facilities and gyms, providing nutritional support and guidance to many athletes. She has extensive experience in the support of cases with eating disorders, regulation of body weight and metabolism, as well as clinical cases. She provides personalized nutrition services based on the needs and habits of her clients. Her goal is to educate and consequently promote the adoption of new, healthy eating habits by her clients, always placing particular emphasis on psychological support and empowerment through counseling. She has attended numerous conferences, seminars, and workshops related to nutrition, exercise, obesity, and psychological support. Her guiding principle is always nutritional and psychological support as well as a holistic and individualized approach for each person, taking into account their desires and lifestyle. Finally, she is a member of the Hellenic Dietetic and Nutrition Association.

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.

Markada Al Xasount Aleksandra is a Dietitian practicing in Galatsi. She studied at the University of Hertfordshire and has worked as a Dietitian at the Cardiology Clinic of the University General Hospital "Attikon" and at Metaxa Hospital. She possesses extensive experience and manages issues such as the management of diabetes mellitus, obesity, eating disorders, nutritional counseling, clinical nutrition, and more.

Rania Skioti is an Endocrinologist and maintains a private practice in Paleo Faliro. Upon completing her studies, she specialized in Endocrinology, Diabetology, and metabolic diseases. Additionally, she has experience and has worked, among others, in the Endocrinology Department of P.G.N.A "Alexandra". Finally, she specializes in diabetes mellitus, thyroid and parathyroid glands, as well as pregnancy endocrinology.

Ο Καραβασίλης Ηλίας είναι Ψυχολόγος MSc - Ψυχοθεραπευτής με Συστημική και Υπαρξιακή Κατεύθυνση και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στα Πατήσια. Αποφοίτησε με «Άριστα, 9,22» από το τμήμα Ψυχολογίας του Ευρωπαϊκού Πανεπιστήμιου Κύπρου (EUC) και συνέχισε τις ακαδημαϊκές του σπουδές στο Πανεπιστήμιο Λευκωσίας ολοκληρώνοντας το πρώτο του Μεταπτυχιακό στον τομέα της Εκπαιδευτικής Ψυχολογίας και αυτή την περίοδο συνεχίζει με το δεύτερο μεταπτυχιακό στο Χαροκόπειο Πανεπιστήμιο στο τομέα της Παιδαγωγικής Ψυχολογίας. Έχει παρακολουθήσει πλήθος σεμιναρίων και έχει συμμετάσχει σε επιστημονικές διημερίδες και συνέδρια σχετικά με τον ευρύ κλάδο της ψυχικής υγείας. Έχει εκπαιδευτεί σε ποικίλες Ψυχοθεραπευτικές προσεγγίσεις, αλλά εμβάθυνε στη Συστημική-Υπαρξιακή (Ινστιτούτο Αντίστιξη). Έχει προσφέρει τις υπηρεσίες του εθελοντικά στο κέντρο ΑμΚΕ IASIS για 2 χρόνια, υποστηρίζοντας ασθενείς με άνοια καθώς και τις οικογένειες τους (ομαδική ψυχοθεραπεία, νοητική ενδυνάμωση, εκτίμηση νευροψυχολογικών λειτουργιών). Έχει προσφέρει τις υπηρεσίες του στον Ελληνικό Ερυθρό Σταυρό (ΕΕΣ) όπου εργάζοταν ως Ψυχολόγος για σχεδόν 3 χρόνια. Παράλληλα, έχει δραστηριοποιηθεί στον Δήμο Αγίων Αναργύρων-Καματερού (Διαδημοτικά Κοινωνικά Δίκτυα “ΦΡΟΝΤΙ-ΖΩ” και “ΥΓΕΙΑ ΓΙΑ ΟΛΟΥΣ”) όπου προσέφερε τις υπηρεσίες του ως Ψυχολόγος παιδιών, εφήβων, ενηλίκων (Ψυχοθεραπευτής Οικογένειας). Τα τελευταία χρόνια, παράλληλα με το ιδιωτικό του γραφείο, δραστηριοποιείται στην πρωτοβάθμια και την δευτεροβάθμια εκπαίδευση, προσφέροντας τις υπηρεσίες του στην αξιολόγηση, την ενδυνάμωση και την υποστήριξη των μαθητών αλλά και των οικογενειών τους, στην πρωτοβάθμια/δευτεροβάθμια εκπαίδευση και στα ΚΕ.Δ.Α.Σ.Υ.

Daskalakis Aleksandros is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and has been running a private dietetic practice since 2020, following a patient-centered approach aimed at achieving realistic client goals with high success rates. He graduated from the University of Greenwich in the United Kingdom. He extended his studies by pursuing a postgraduate degree at Bolton University in nutrigenetic analysis and genetic testing. He has worked in a clinical setting (Errikos Dynan Hospital) and has previously served for several years as a Chef and technical consultant for leading food companies in the sector, possessing advanced knowledge of food science. He collaborates with the company iDNA Genomics, focusing on genetic testing and nutrigenomics, responding to clinical cases and, following thorough analysis, providing specialized interventions tailored to the needs of each client. He maintains close collaborative relationships with top athletes in calisthenic gymnastics, Cross Training, and marathon runners, while he himself has completed two marathons and practices calisthenic exercise. He is a shareholder in his own top nutrition software, which is already available on the market for dietitians. He continues to train and develop continuously, keeping up with current advancements to remain informed on nutritional science research.

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.

• Η Λούφα Θεοδώρα είναι Παθολόγος-Διαβητολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στην Καλλιθέα. Είναι απόφοιτη της Ιατρικής σχολής του Αριστοτέλειου Πανεπιστήμιου Θεσσαλονίκης και Διδάκτωρ στο Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών. Τελείωσε την 5ετή εκπαίδευση στην Κλινική της Παθολογικής Φυσιολογίας του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών του ΛαΪκού Νοσοκομείου. Υπηρέτησε από 9/3/2001 ως επιμελήτρια & Διευθύντρια από το 2016 έως το 2023 στο Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Ασκληπιείο Βούλας ως ειδικός παθολόγος & από το 2008 έως 2023 επιστημονικά υπεύθυνος του εξωτερικού Διαβητολογικού Ιατρείου αυτού. Επιπλέον διετέλεσε από 1992 έως 1997 Διευθύντρια στην Θεραπευτική Κλινική Αθηνών Συγγρού 202 Καλλιθέας.
• Επί 6ετία τακτικό μέλος στο Επιστημονικό Συμβούλιο του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Ασκληπιείου Βούλας.
• Διευθύντρια Σύνταξης στο περιοδικό «Ασκληπιειακά Χρονικά»
• Μέλος της Συντακτικής Επιτροπής του περιοδικού «Σύγχρονη Ιατρική Ενημέρωση-Current Medical Journal.»
• Έχει διατελέσει μέλος της Επιστημονικής Επιτροπής του περιοδικού «Ιατρικά Χρονικά»
• Μέλος Ελληνικής Διαβητολογικής Εταιρείας
• Μέλος της Eυρωπαϊκής Διαβητολογική Εταιρείας. EASD
• Μέλος Ελληνικής Εταιρίας Στρατηγικών Μελετών Διαβήτη (ΕΛΕΣΜΕΔ)
• Μέλος Ελληνικής Εταιρείας Μελέτης & Εκπαίδευσης Για τον Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη.
• Πρώην Δ.Ε.Β.Ε.
• Μέλος Ελληνικής Εταιρίας Εσωτερικής Παθολογίας
• Συμμετοχή στην Μελέτη «REDIT-2-DIAG» με τίτλο «Πανελλαδική Μελέτη Καταγραφής της Νεφρικής Νόσου σε Ασθενείς με Διαβήτη Τύπου 2» της Ελληνικής Διαβητολογικής Εταιρείας
• Παρακολούθηση πληθώρας Συνεδρίων. Συμμετοχή σαν ομιλήτρια και Προεδρεία Επιστημονικών Συνεδρίων.
• Συγγραφή επιστημονικών Άρθρων δημοσιευμένων σε έγκριτα περιοδικά που κατέχουν την εθνική αναγνώριση.
• Λόγω της επί σειρά ετών Νοσοκομειακής εμπειρίας της, έχει την ικανότητα της προσέγγισης και διαχείρισης όλων των νοσημάτων της Εσωτερικής Παθολογίας και της Διαβητολογίας.

Athanasiadou Anastasia is a Diabetologist, maintaining a private practice in the Artemida area and working for 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 at continuous education in her field of expertise, and in her private practice, she provides a wide range of services, tailored to the needs of each patient.

Manolaraki Marina is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains her private practice in Heraklion, Crete. She holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Higher Technological Educational Institute of Sitia, Crete. During her career, she worked at Global Gym and YAVA fitness centers as a Nutritionist - Dietitian Consultant and collaborated with the General Hospital of Heraklion "Venizeleio – Pananeio". Currently, she is a member of the Hellenic Association of Dietitians and Nutritionists and actively participates in lectures, interactive games, and summer nutrition camps organized by the Municipality of Heraklion. Additionally, she has attended numerous seminars, conferences, and workshops on Cretan nutrition and health, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and public health. In her practice, she provides dietetic support based on advanced diagnostic equipment and the most up-to-date scientific knowledge.

Spanos Manos is a Mental Health Counselor - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Thessaloniki. He is trained in Integrative Counseling from KE.TH.E.SY., specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gestalt, and the importance of the therapeutic relationship. Initially pursuing a professional career in the Hellenic Police, he consciously chose to follow a more humane and authentic path of support through the counseling process. Since 2023, he has been offering individual sessions both in-person and online, and in 2025 he established Mpathy – Emotional Empowerment Space in Charilaou, Thessaloniki. He creates a safe and accepting environment where each person can honestly confront themselves and be empowered through the therapeutic relationship.

Dr. Xatzinaki Kalliopi, MD, MSc, is a Specialist in General - Family Medicine and maintains her private practice within the "Mesogeios-Diagnostic Centers," located at Chryssostomou 74 and Knosou Avenue 69 in Heraklion, Crete. She graduated from the Medical School of the University of Patras and completed her specialization in General - Family Medicine at Venizeleio - Pananio Regional Hospital of Heraklion. She holds a postgraduate diploma specializing in "Vaccinations and Infection Prevention" and has extensive clinical experience in managing emergency and chronic cases. In her private practice, she provides high-level medical services, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of primary healthcare conditions affecting the entire family: management of infections, injuries, surgical and pathological cases, prevention and management of Diabetes Mellitus, Arterial Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, Osteoporosis, Obesity, Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, and other chronic diseases, smoking cessation, issuance of medical certificates and attestations, and a holistic approach to the geriatric patient. Additionally, she conducts home visits when deemed necessary. Finally, she actively participates in scientific conferences and educational programs, aiming at her continuous professional development and provision of optimal care to her patients.

Papataksiarxis Euaggelos MSc is a Dietitian - Nutritionist with a private practice in Ampelokipoi. He holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki and a master's degree (MSc) with distinction in Applied Dietetics - Nutrition from Harokopio University of Athens. He specializes in modifying dietary behaviors through lifestyle habit changes in both adults and children and creates personalized nutrition programs for weight modification, pathological cases, and athletes. He participates in numerous seminars and conferences to stay updated on developments in the field and delivers lectures at conferences, talks at schools and associations, and television interviews on nutrition topics. Lastly, he is a member of the Hellenic Dietitians - Nutritionists Association and the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians - Nutritionists.

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.