Health professionals for Obesity

My name is Maria Athanasopoulou and I hold a degree in Dietetics – Nutrition from the University of Crete. After many years of professional experience in the private sector, I decided to specialize by combining my knowledge of nutrition with my passion for children. I attended pediatric nutrition seminars and, seeking a more comprehensive education, I chose to pursue postgraduate studies in pediatric nutrition through the first accredited postgraduate program in Greece, offered by the University of Essex.

My philosophy as a nutritionist is to build strong and stable foundations in your relationship and your children's relationship with food. My primary goal is to provide guidance and education on new dietary habits to become a lifestyle, achieved through personalized and scientifically substantiated approaches.

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.

Poimenidou Eirini is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Komotini. She graduated from the Medical School of the State Medical Academy "I.M. Sechenov" in Moscow. She specialized in Pathology at the General Hospital of Xanthi and in Endocrinology at the Cancer Hospital of Thessaloniki "Theageneio." She has worked as an Endocrinologist at the outpatient clinic of Urban Polyclinic No. 68 in Moscow and served as a physician in the MSF project providing healthcare and pharmaceutical coverage to residents at the Pre-Departure Detention Center for Migrants in Komotini with Doctors Without Borders. Finally, she is a member of the Rodopi Medical Association and the Hellenic Endocrinological Society and speaks English, German, and Russian.

Diamantopoulos Aristeidis Aris is a graduate physician of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and obtained his professional license in 2015. He was a trainee in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Nea Ionia - Patision from 2016 to 2018, and from 2018 to 2023 he specialized in "Endocrinology – Diabetes – Metabolism" at the Endocrinology Department – Diabetes Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos," which has also been certified as a National and European Reference Center for "Pituitary - Adrenal - Thyroid Cancer." Concurrently, since 2021, he has been pursuing a PhD at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. As an endocrinologist – diabetologist, he has contributed to numerous publications in reputable Greek and international medical journals. He has also received awards at conferences, including the "Young ESE Investigator Award 2022" from the European Society of Endocrinology. In addition to clinical and research studies, he has participated in multiple conferences in Greece and abroad, presenting lectures, oral communications, and posters. In his private practice, he manages cases spanning the entire spectrum of Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus, with the primary concern being the benefit of the patient.

Karagiannaki Stella is a Dietitian - Nutritionist and maintains a private practice in Dafni. She is a graduate of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki. She possesses valuable professional experience, having worked as a Dietitian at Medi Prinos stores in Chalandri. Currently, in her private practice, she specializes in clinical nutrition, addressing dietary needs related to anemia, hypertension, diabetes, uric acid, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, she has considerable experience in nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding. She also attends conferences and seminars aimed at her continuous training and education and has delivered lectures in schools on the topic of nutrition.

Pappa Lina is an Acupuncturist who operates a private clinic specializing in Acupuncture and Aesthetic Medicine in Agia Paraskevi. She holds a medical degree from the G. D'Annunzio Medical School in Chieti, Italy, with postgraduate training at the International Council of Medical Acupuncture and Related Techniques (ICMART) and at the European Cosmetic Academy of Chinese Acupuncture (Dr. Radha Thambirajah). The physician has extensive experience in pain management and aesthetic medicine and has also obtained relevant certification from the Italian School of Mesotherapy. Additionally, she is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Medical Acupuncture Society, and a founding member of the Hellenic Medical Mesotherapy Society.

Pamporaki Christina, MD, PhD, PD habil, is an Endocrinologist-Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Patras. She specialized in Endocrinology-Diabetology at the University Hospital of Dresden, Germany, and the Theagenio Anticancer Hospital of Thessaloniki. She graduated (MD) from the Medical School of Ioannina. She obtained her Doctorate (PhD) from the Department of Endocrinology at the Medical School of Ioannina and the habilitation title (PD habil) from the Department of Endocrinology at the Medical School of Dresden, Germany. Her research and teaching work focuses on pituitary and adrenal disorders, as well as menstrual disorders. Dr. Pamporaki has published more than 66 original articles and book chapters. In parallel with her private practice in Patras, she works as an Associate Professor of Endocrinology and Head of the Adrenal Diseases Department at the University Hospital of Dresden, Germany.

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.

Makaratzi Viky is a Dietitian-Nutritionist and operates her private practice in Korydallos. She has worked in dietetic offices as a lead Dietitian and has attended numerous postgraduate seminars and conferences. Her philosophy is summarized as follows: "Our body is our home, and only we can take care of it, providing it with energy, mood, psychology, and health. All of this is achieved through a balanced diet. The number of kilograms is not important, but the weight that makes each individual feel comfortable with themselves. I am a companion on this journey to help each of you reach the best version of yourself."

Olga Kakoulidi is a Dietitian - Nutritionist who maintains a private practice in Neos Kosmos. She holds a degree from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Thessaloniki Higher Technological Educational Institute. She has completed further training with an emphasis on communication skills, participated in the counseling skills program "Beyond the Limits of Diet," as well as in the program for the investigation, identification, and treatment of eating disorders at the Psychoanalytic Research Center of Athens. Additionally, the Dietitian - Nutritionist regularly attends conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay informed about the latest developments in her field. In her private practice, she provides specialized dietary programs for adults, the elderly, athletes, children, and adolescents, and is capable of managing numerous conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Finally, her primary concern is to achieve the visitor's goal without the feeling of deprivation.

Despoina Rizopoulou is a Pathologist specialized in acupuncture. She maintains private practices in the Nea Raidestos area of Thermi and in Kalamaria. She graduated from the Medical School of the University of Thessaly in July 1997. After completing her rural service, she specialized in Pathology at the Pathology Clinic of Kastoria Hospital and at the 2nd Propaedeutic Pathology Clinic of Hippokration Hospital in Thessaloniki, obtaining her specialty certification in January 2006.

Borsa Dimitra is a Dietitian-Nutritionist and a top graduate of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Science at Harokopio University. She holds a postgraduate diploma in Clinical Nutrition from the same university and maintains a private practice in Aigaleo. During her studies, she actively participated in intensive research activities and obtained scientific publications. Furthermore, she has successfully completed a seminar titled "Specialist in Sports Nutrition" under the auspices of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. She has a strong interest in current scientific data and contemporary recommendations in the fields of weight management, nutritional counseling, clinical and sports nutrition, for which she regularly attends conferences and workshops. The principle of her dietetic practice is a personalized nutritional approach based on the medical and nutritional history, needs, and lifestyle of each individual.

Η Μαρκούση Μαριέττα είναι Κλινική Διαιτολόγος-Διατροφολόγος, απόφοιτη του Χαροκοπείου Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών με μεταπτυχιακό τίτλο στην Αθλητική Διατροφή. Ασκεί το επάγγελμα του διατροφολόγου για τουλάχιστον 16 έτη. Από το 2013 διατηρεί διαιτολογική μονάδα στη περιοχή της Νέας Ερυθραίας ενώ από το 2020 διατηρεί ακόμα μία στην περιοχή της Νέας Φιλαδέλφειας.

Κατά την πρακτική της άσκηση, παρείχε διαιτολογική υποστήριξη σε πολλά δημόσια νοσοκομεία της Αττικής ενώ έχει εργασθεί και εθελοντικά με το νοσοκομείο «Ερυθρός Σταυρός», στην Ενδοκρινολογική Κλινική, στο τμήμα Σακχαρώδη Διαβήτη & Παχυσαρκίας, στα πρώτα χρόνια της επαγγελματικής της καριέρας. Έκτοτε, έχει συνεργασθεί ως υπεύθυνη διαιτολόγος σε Ιδιωτικά γραφεία της Αθήνας. Το 2013 ίδρυσε το πρώτο διαιτολογικό της γραφείο στην περιοχή της Νέας Ερυθραίας ενώ το 2020 εγκαινιάστηκε η λειτουργία του γραφείου στη Νέα Φιλαδέλφεια.

Στην πολυετή πορεία της έχει συνεργασθεί με πολλούς elite αθλητές διαφόρων Εθνικών ομάδων και αθλημάτων (ενόργανη γυμναστική, ρυθμική γυμναστική, στίβος, επαγγελματικό μπαλέτο/ επαγγελματικός χορός, δρομείς μεγάλων αποστάσεων, καταδύσεις, κολύμβηση, καράτε, ποδόσφαιρο). Έχει συμβάλλει στην βελτίωση διατροφικών συνηθειών και της σχέσης του ανθρώπου με τη τροφή και το σώμα του (mindfulness). Με μεγάλη αποτελεσματικότητα, σε πλήθος ασθενών, συνεισέφερε στην βελτίωση κλινικών δεικτών. Ως προς τα περιστατικά με διαταραχές λήψης τροφής (ψυχογενή ανορεξία, ψυχογενή βουλιμία, υπερφαγία) εφαρμόζει τεχνικές διατροφικής συμβουλευτικής (γνωσιακή συμπεριφορική) προκειμένου να επιτυγχάνεται η έννοια της ισορροπημένης διατροφής βιωματικά! Άξονας του επαγγελματισμού της είναι η εξατομίκευση!

Τα γραφεία πλαισιώνονται και από άρτια καταρτισμένους συνεργάτες, πτυχιούχους Κλινικούς Διαιτολόγους- Διατροφολόγους του Χαροκοπείου Παανεπιστημίου. Μιας και η επιστήμη της διατροφής είναι μια συνεχώς εξελισσόμενη και ερευνητικά επικαιροποιημένη επιστήμη τόσο η ίδια όσο και οι συνεργάτες της φροντίζουν να επιμορφώνονται διαρκώς μέσα από μετεκπαιδεύσεις, συνέδρια και ομιλίες προκειμένου να παρακολουθούν όλα τα νέα επιστημονικά δεδομένα.

Dr. Panagou Maria MD is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist and maintains private practices in Melissia and Koropi. She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed her specialization in Endocrinology as well as in Pathology at the Endocrinology Clinic of the General Hospital of Melissia "Amalia Fleming." In addition to her private practices, she is currently the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the Medical Diagnostic Center "Praxis Ygeias," and previously served as the Scientific Director of the Endocrinology Department at the South East Aigaion Clinic in Mykonos. Finally, Dr. Panagou has particular expertise in thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, and osteoporosis.

Dr. Koutsaki Maria is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Kaisariani. She is undertaking postgraduate studies in Female Reproduction at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specializes in Gynecological Endocrinology, Thyroid Disorders, and Diabetes Mellitus. Additionally, she has extensive experience in conditions such as gestational diabetes, osteoporosis, calcium and vitamin D metabolism, Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, menstrual disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, metabolism, growth disorders, endocrine hypertension, adrenal diseases, pituitary adenomas, neuroendocrine tumors, and endocrine aspects of pregnancy. Furthermore, she has participated in numerous diabetes and endocrinology conferences both at the European and national levels, presenting clinical research studies and case reports aimed at continuous education and professional development in endocrinology. Finally, she is a member of the Athens Medical Association and the Hellenic Endocrine Society and is proficient in English, Italian, and German.

Kalliampakos Dimitris is a Military Doctor – Specialist in Internal Medicine and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. Simultaneously, he serves as the Deputy Director at the 4th Internal Medicine Clinic of "HYGEIA" (building 2). He is a graduate of the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and specialized in Internal Medicine at the University Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko." Subsequently, he served for several years as an attending physician at the 1st Internal Medicine Clinic of the 401 Military Hospital of Athens while also working for 8 years at the emergency outpatient medical company "SOS IATROI." Additionally, he received further training in Diabetes Mellitus at the Diabetology Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Hippokration" and is a regular member of the Hellenic Diabetology Society. He has extensive experience in managing infections, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, rheumatic diseases, chronic systemic diseases, geriatric patients, as well as home-based emergency outpatient care. Finally, preventive medicine is thoroughly practiced in the private clinic, where rapid tests, electronic prescription, electrocardiogram, and spirometry are performed.

Tantalaki Eua is an endocrinologist with a private practice in Ilioupoli. She holds a degree from the University of Stara Zagora in Bulgaria. In 2008, she obtained her specialty certification and is currently a PhD holder from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. In recent years, she has maintained a private practice in a space designed to inspire comfort and trust in patients. Her clinic is fully equipped with state-of-the-art devices to ensure optimal patient care. The endocrinologist manages cases spanning the full spectrum of endocrinology, providing comprehensive patient education and evidence-based treatment plans. Committed to continuous education, she has actively participated in numerous conferences both in Greece and internationally. Additionally, she has contributed to the authorship of endocrinology notes and books concerning applied endocrinology as well as emergency endocrinopathies.

Vassi Paraskeui is a Dietitian - Nutritionist. She studied in the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics at the Thessaloniki TEI, where she graduated with honors. She specializes in clinical cases (irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, diabetes mellitus, cholesterol, thyroid disorders, etc.), obesity, pregnancy, and sports nutrition. She completed her internship in the Clinical Nutrition Department at the Thessaloniki TEI. Subsequently, she participated in the research program "Alliance for Health," focusing on interventional nutrition programs for degenerative diseases (obesity, cardiovascular problems, hypertension, diabetes mellitus). From 2017 to the present, she has been collaborating with the largest gym chain in Thessaloniki, managing individualized nutrition programs tailored for adults, adolescents, and children. She has experience working with the Prolepsis Institute, through which she conducted numerous lectures at primary schools in the Thessaloniki region. Additionally, she has attended numerous conferences, seminars, and workshops related to the science of nutrition and health in general. Finally, she has contributed articles to various local magazines in the Thessaloniki region.

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.