Health professionals for Obesity

Kyriaki Sapalidou is a physician specialized in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with extensive experience in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal, rheumatological, neurological conditions, and chronic pain. She graduated from the Medical School of the University of Ioannina and is a member of the Hellenic Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (EEFIAP) and the European Board of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, recognized by the UEMS (Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes).

She has been practicing as a physiatrist since 2003 as an independent professional at her private clinic in Peristeri, where she is the scientific head of the physiotherapy department. Additionally, she practices medical acupuncture, having been trained and certified by the International Acupuncture Medical Association (ICMART).

She has served as the scientific director of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department in major private healthcare facilities, such as Metropolitan General and the "Lefkos Stavros" Clinic, while also gaining valuable experience in the public sector with training at prominent hospitals including the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos" - Polyclinic, the General Hospital of Attica "Sismanogleio," and the General Hospital of Attica KAT.

As part of her continuous professional development, she has attended over 30 educational seminars and training programs in Greece and abroad, and has published multiple scientific studies, actively contributing to research and the scientific community in her field.

Η Πέτσογλου Κωνσταντινιά είναι Ιατρός  Βελονίστρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στο κέντρο της Θεσσαλονίκης. 

Ολοκλήρωσε τις βασικές σπουδές της στην Κλασσική Ιατρική και εργάστηκε  ως ιατρός υπόχρεος υπαίθρου (αγροτικό) στη  Νάξο και σε νησιά των Μικρών  Κυκλάδων όπως Σχοινούσα Αμοργό και Ηρακλειά για 2 έτη. Ειδικεύτηκε στην Ιατροδικαστική και Τοξικολογία όπως και στην Παθολογική Ανατομική στο Αριστοτέλειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλονίκης και στο Πανεπιστημιακό Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Θεσσαλονίκης ΑΧΕΠΑ, λαμβάνοντας την ειδικότητα του Ιατροδικαστή. Συνέχισε την εκπαίδευσή της στη Γηριατρική στο Klinikum Osnabrück στη Γερμανία, ενώ παράλληλα μετεκπαιδεύτηκε στην Παρηγορητική Ιατρική και τον Ιατρικό Βελονισμό. Είναι εξειδικευμένη στον Ιατρικό Βελονισμό και στις Συμπληρωματικές Θεραπείες και πιστοποιημένη από το Εκπαιδευτικό Ινστιτούτο Βελονισμού Ελλάδας (ICMART). Εκπαιδεύτηκε στην Κλασική Ομοιοπαθητική από την Ελληνική Εταιρεία Ομοιοπαθητικής Ιατρικής και είναι κάτοχος του International Master in Cosmetic Medicine and Therapeutics από το Università di Camerino.

Ο Ιατρικός Βελονισμός είναι μια επιστημονικά τεκμηριωμένη πρακτική που βοηθά το σώμα να ανακτήσει τη φυσική του ισορροπία. Μέσα από στοχευμένες εφαρμογές, υποστηρίζει την υγεία, μειώνει τον πόνο και συμβάλλει στην ολιστική ευεξία.

Kourgia Vasiliki is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and operates the dietary office "Diet for you" in Neo Iraklio. She studied in the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics at A.T.E.I Sitias, specializing in Eating Disorders at the postgraduate level. She has collaborated with the Central Clinic of Athens, with the obesity team of surgeon Mr. Grigoropoulos, and works systematically as a nutrition consultant in gyms and aesthetic centers. She has participated in various informative programs on state and private television as well as radio productions. Her articles have been published in magazines such as Vita, Armonia, as well as on several websites. In September 2014, she participated in the Stavros Niarchos Foundation program in remote areas involving anthropometric measurements in adults and children and providing information on promoting healthy nutrition for adults and children. She has taken part in various talks and conferences as a speaker on topics related to nutritional behaviors of adults and children, childhood obesity, and people with osteoporosis issues. She has attended various seminars on nutrition topics and conferences concerning new developments in nutrition and obesity. Her continuing education is ongoing through conferences and seminars on nutrition and psychology.

Pop Olympia MSc is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in the center of Athens, specializing in psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and counseling. She obtained her degree from the University of Bucharest, which was subsequently recognized by DOATAP. She pursued further training in Applied Psychology with a specialization in Counseling at the American College of Greece. She has collaborated with and provided psychological services in various private and public institutions, such as the social service of the Agios Eleftherios municipal clinics, the social service of the Municipality of Keratsini - Drapetsona, and the Network for Children's Rights. She has received training and provides supervised psychological services in the following areas: assessment of minors and parental counseling at the Child Mental Health Center, assessment of the elderly and caregiver counseling at the Alzheimer Center of the Nestor Psychogeriatric Society, and group support in the reintegration department for individuals over 18 years old. Since 2009, she has been a member of the Hellenic Association of Psychologists.

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.

Komninou Eui is a Psychologist, graduate of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a professional license to practice. She conducts online counseling and psychotherapy sessions with children, adolescents, and adults. She maintains a strong commitment to continuous education and professional development, having attended numerous seminars and specialized training programs. Since 2023, she has gained valuable experience by completing her internship at the Mental Health Center of the Armed Forces. She has engaged in both psychological assessment using psychometric tools and individual and group sessions with children, adolescents, adults, and families, addressing issues such as addiction management, bridging family relationships, couples therapy, parental counseling, self-image improvement, and enhancing self-awareness. Her goal is to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where authentic connection and meaningful psychological support are cultivated with respect for the uniqueness of each individual, through an approach grounded in empathy and acceptance. She invests in creating a trusting space where the individual can freely express themselves without fear of judgment. In this context, particular emphasis is placed on psychological safety, confidentiality, and a consistent therapeutic relationship, taking into account the needs, experiences, and uniqueness of each person.

Aleksandridou Danai is a Holistic Psychotherapist, Hypnotherapist, and Reiki Energy Therapist, with a private practice in the region of Argyroupoli.

She holds a postgraduate diploma in Person-Centered and Experiential Psychotherapy & Counseling as well as Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy from the College of Human Sciences ICPS. She has been trained at NLP Athens Studies in the therapeutic application of Hypnotherapy, as well as in Reiki energy therapies, holding the title of Reiki Master with many years of experience in therapeutic energy management and holistic human support.

She is a certified Nutrition Counselor from Cambridge Regional College and completed her practicum at the Nutrition Department of the Attikon University General Hospital, working with Eating Disorder cases.

As part of her further training, she has attended professional development programs at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens on the subject of Eating Disorders, as well as the Personal Development Counseling Program (Life & Business Coaching).

She systematically follows developments in her specialty by participating in conferences, seminars, and new professional development programs that combine psychology with energy healing.

At her private practice, she offers individual and group sessions of Psychotherapy, Counseling, Hypnotherapy, and Reiki, utilizing a blend of scientific and energy approaches for deep relaxation, empowerment, and inner harmony.

The space is especially friendly to our four-legged friends. Anyone who feels the need may come accompanied by their pet or meet the office dog, Gogo.

Η Φανακίδου Ιωάννα είναι Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπεύτρια και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό γραφείο στη Νέα Ιωνία. Είναι απόφοιτη του Προγράμματος Ψυχολογίας της Φιλοσοφικής Σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών και ολοκλήρωσε με άριστα τις μεταπτυχιακές της σπουδές στην Ψυχολογία της Υγείας στο University of Central Lancashire του Preston. Το 2019 ολοκλήρωσε την εκπαίδευσή της στην Κλινική Υπνοθεραπεία (Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapy) από το αναγνωρισμένο κέντρο Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training της Βορείου Ιρλανδίας. Επιπρόσθετα, έχει εκπαιδευτεί και συνεργαστεί ως Ειδικός σεξουαλικής υγείας στο Ινστιτούτο Ψυχικής και Σεξουαλικής Υγείας. Παράλληλα, έχει ολοκληρώσει το ετήσιο μετεκπαιδευτικό σεμινάριο Κλινικής Ψυχοπαθολογίας «Παναγιώτης Ουλής»από το Ε.Π.Ι.Ψ.Υ. καθώς και το εκπαιδευτικό σεμινάριο στις «Διατροφικές Διαταραχές» στο Εκπαιδευτικό Κέντρο της Μονάδας Απεξάρτησης 18 Άνω. Είναι μέλος του Βρετανικού Συλλόγου Ψυχολόγων και τακτικό μέλος του Συλλόγου Ελλήνων Ψυχολόγων. Τέλος, αρθρογραφεί σε ελληνικά περιοδικά και ιστοσελίδες, με θέματα που αφορούν την ψυχική και σεξουαλική υγεία, ενώ έχει διεξάγει πληθώρα σεμιναρίων σεξουαλικής διαπαιδαγώγησης σε Δημοτικά, Γυμνάσια και Λύκεια τόσο σε γονείς και εκπαιδευτικούς όσο και σε μαθητές, καθώς και σεμινάρια που αφορούν τις σεξουαλικές δυσλειτουργίες και διαταραχές.

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).

Angeliki Xatzimanoli, MSc is a Psychologist, certified Psychotherapist, and maintains a private practice in Ilisia. She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire and graduated from the Department of Social Policy at Panteion University. Additionally, she has a master's degree in "Addiction Treatment - Addictology" from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in collaboration with the Medical School of Athens. Currently, she is training in "Systemic Psychotherapy and Counseling" at the Center for Systemic Study and Therapy of Athens (Ke.S.Me.Th.). Throughout her career, she has volunteered with the Non-Governmental Organizations "ActionAid Hellas" and the International Cybersecurity Institute (CSI). She served as a Psychologist for the NGO "The Home Project" and collaborates as an external associate with the Center for Special Therapies "Oikogeneia." She also writes voluntarily for the website ''efiveia.gr,'' focusing on family and its connection and collaboration with the online therapy platform Terappin. She has been trained in the application of the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy protocol (TF-CBT). She provides psychological support to children, adolescents, and adults. It is noteworthy that she participated in authoring the European program "TRACeD," within the framework of actions for the awareness and prevention of online gender-based violence. In her private practice, she undertakes the assessment, monitoring, and psychotherapeutic treatment of various psychological difficulties, such as anxiety disorders, depressive episodes, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, as well as issues related to interpersonal relationships and self-esteem.

Fountouli Nefeli - Maria is a Specialist in General and Family Medicine with clinical experience in managing chronic diseases, focusing on diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolism. She is certified by SCOPE (Specialist Certification of Obesity Professional Education) from the World Obesity Federation, with specialized training in the modern and scientifically validated management of obesity. Dr. Fountouli is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Crete and holds a Master's Degree in Leadership, Innovation, and Value-based Health Policies. She collaborates with the Diabetes Unit and Obesity Unit of a major private medical center and participates as a researcher in international clinical studies. She provides personalized, holistic care grounded in scientific evidence and a patient-centered approach, addressing both preventive and therapeutic needs in adults.

Giannis Papatheodorou is a Pathologist who maintains private clinics in Neo Irakleio and Acharnes. He holds a degree from the Medical School of the University of Craiova and specialized in Pathology at the General Oncology Hospital "Agioi Anargyroi" and the 1st Pathology Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos," with clinical expertise in infections. He is a consulting physician for Eurodiet and participates in numerous medical conferences in Greece and abroad. He has co-authored, together with his microbiologist physician wife, the book "The Interpretation of Microbiological Tests." Finally, the doctor is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Gerontological & Geriatric Society, and the Hellenic Society for the Study & Research of Aging.

Trigonis Sotirios is a General Practitioner with a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. He graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, holds a postgraduate degree in Public Health from the National School of Public Health, and a postgraduate diploma from EKAB in Emergency Prehospital Medicine. He has extensive experience in managing emergency cases, home care, and treating patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obesity, while also implementing the Eurodiet medical weight management method. In addition to his private practice, he serves as an emergency and chronic disease management physician at the modern polyclinic of Alimos. Previously, he was the head of emergency cases at the Polyclinic of the Olympic Village and served as Scientific Director at the Health Center of Keratea. Furthermore, he continues to collaborate with numerous private clinics to date.

Papadopoulou Elina is a physician specializing in General Family Medicine. She operates her private practice, “FamilyMed Center,” in Argos and Kiveri. She specialized at the General Hospital of Athens “G. Gennimatas.” She has received additional training in emergency prehospital medicine, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and infections. She is also trained in medical acupuncture. She holds a Master of Science degree in Occupational and Environmental Health from the National School of Public Health. She worked for 20 years in the National Health System (ESY), the last 12 years as a Consultant at the Lygourio Health Center, with on-call duties at the Nafplio and Argos Hospitals. She held the positions of coordinator of the 1st Local Health Unit (TOMY) of Argos and supervisor for the National Public Health Organization (EODY) for the Argolis Prefecture (KOMY) during the pandemic. She has attended numerous conferences and has produced a significant number of papers related to the broader field of primary health care.

Dr. Xouzouris Ilias is an Internist who maintains a private practice in Nea Smyrni. He graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds EKAE - OAKA certification for pre-competition athlete screening. He completed his specialty in Internal Medicine at the 401 General Military Hospital of Athens and the General State Hospital of Athens. He has served as a family physician for IKA for a decade. Finally, Dr. Xouzouris is a member of the Athens Medical Association.

Rasoulis Giorgos is a Clinical Psychologist and maintains a private practice in Heraklion, Crete, where he provides psychotherapeutic services to adults. He is a graduate of the University of East London. His professional approach is based on scientific knowledge, empathy, and respect for the individual, aiming to enhance self-awareness, manage emotional difficulties, and improve mental well-being. He utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and counseling psychotherapy, tailoring methods to the specific needs of each case. Sessions are conducted both in person and online, allowing individuals from all over Greece and abroad to receive support in a manner adapted to their needs.

Poulis Arsenios is a Specialist in Internal Medicine, a collaborator of the Diagnostic Therapeutic Center of Athens "HYGEIA" for many years, and maintains a private practice in Alsoupoli, Nea Ionia. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Ioannina. He completed his specialty in Internal Medicine and trained in Medical Acupuncture, Chinese Acupuncture, Auricular Neuromodulation (auriculotherapy), and New Cranial Acupuncture according to YAMAMOTO (YNSA). During his professional career, he served for 17 years as a Chief Consultant in the 1st Pathological Oncology Clinic of the "HYGEIA" Hospital. Currently, he is a collaborator at "HYGEIA" Hospital with extensive experience in managing pathological diseases and applying Medical Acupuncture. Finally, he is a member of the Hellenic Institute of Acupuncture Education as well as a founding member of the Academy of Auricular Neuromodulation.

Dr. Eleni Tsaroucha is a specialist in internal medicine and diabetes and has a private practice in Volos. She was admitted to the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens through the Panhellenic Examinations, from which she graduated after the required six years of study with a grade of 8.1. She received her specialization in Internal Medicine and her subspecialization in Diabetology at some of the largest hospitals in Germany, under the supervision and guidance of internationally renowned professors. She is a graduate of the internationally renowned Herz und Diabeteszentrum NRW at the University of Bochum, which in 2018 won the award for the best hospital in Germany for patients with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. In this context, she specializes in diabetes mellitus, its possible complications, and their treatment and prevention. At the academic level, Dr. Eleni Tsaroucha holds a PhD from the Medical School of Freiburg, Germany, with a summa cum laude degree in diabetes mellitus. She holds a master's degree in health economics from FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg University, with a focus on diabetes mellitus. She has contributed to studies published in prestigious international scientific journals and has given numerous speeches at conferences and presentations. At her clinic, patients receive comprehensive and systematic care, including a complete medical history, physical examination, diagnostic tests, and a comprehensive assessment of their symptoms, which is the cornerstone of proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Finally, emphasis is placed on the prevention of various diseases, nutritional guidance, and, more generally, the improvement and maintenance of good health, well-being, and, consequently, quality of life.