Health professionals for Obesity

Eleonora Tsilimpakou is a Social Worker, graduate of Democritus University of Thrace, with postgraduate studies in Clinical Social Work with families and children from the University of West Attica. After completing her postgraduate studies, she trained as a Career Guidance Counselor at the Higher School of Pedagogical and Technological Education and completed a four-year training program in Gestalt Psychotherapy at the Gestalt Foundation Psychotherapy and Training Center. Additionally, she has been trained in coordinating parent groups by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as in the Healthy Relationship Building Program between the two genders. She possesses extensive professional experience as a Social Worker, having worked in both private and public sectors, including the Elderly Care Unit "Frontizo," the Adult Psychiatric Clinic "Agia Aikaterini," the 2nd Special Vocational Education and Training Laboratory (EEEKK) of Piraeus "Anixi," the Foster Care Service of SOS Children’s Villages, the 2nd Local Health Unit of Nea Filadelfeia, as well as the Day Center for Children and Adolescents of the Hellenic Society of Medical Psychology. As a Career Guidance Counselor, she has collaborated with the Career Office of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and since 2020 she has maintained a private practice in Agia Paraskevi, Attica, where she provides psychotherapy services in both individual and group settings.

Dr. Tsilividis Vasileios is a General Surgeon specializing in Oncological, Laparoscopic, and Bariatric Surgery, with extensive experience in university and private clinics in France and Greece, having performed over 3,500 surgeries.

He maintains private practices in Marousi and Peristeri.

He graduated from the French School of Athens and continued his studies at the Medical School of René Descartes University in Paris. There, he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree and subsequently obtained numerous university diplomas in France, including specializations in gastrointestinal surgery, oncological surgery, and bariatric surgery. He is also a member of the Hellenic Society of Gastrointestinal Oncology.

His professional career began at the University Hospital of Rouen, where he served as a resident, registrar, and later as a hospital physician. Since 2017, he has worked in clinics in France primarily focusing on General, Laparoscopic, Bariatric, and Oncological surgery, utilizing minimally invasive techniques. Currently, he provides his services at the Athens Medical Center in Marousi and Peristeri.

Dr. Tsilividis has participated in numerous scientific conferences and seminars, published papers in international medical journals, and undertaken educational roles at the university level.

He is fluent in French and English.

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.

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."

Η Ζωή Μαυρίδου είναι Διαιτολόγος – Διατροφολόγος, απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Επιστήμης Διαιτολογίας και Διατροφής του Χαροκοπείου Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Με πάθος για την επιστημονική ακρίβεια και την εξατομικευμένη προσέγγιση, δημιούργησε το Κέντρο «Διατροφή Ζωής», με στόχο να παρέχει προσωποποιημένη καθοδήγηση βασισμένη στις ανάγκες και τις ιδιαιτερότητες του κάθε ανθρώπου.

Πιστεύοντας στην αξία της δια βίου μάθησης, έχει εξειδικευτεί περαιτέρω σε σημαντικά πεδία της διατροφής όπως:

• Διατροφή στην κύηση, το θηλασμό και τη γονιμότητα, μέσω προγράμματος του ΚΕΔΙΒΙΜ του Αριστοτελείου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης.
• Διατροφικές διαταραχές (βουλιμία, ψυχογενής ανορεξία, συναισθηματική υπερφαγία) με εξειδίκευση επίσης από το ΕΚΠΑ.
• Health Coaching, ολοκληρώνοντας σχετική εκπαίδευση στο Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών, ώστε να ενισχύσει τη βιωσιμότητα των διατροφικών αλλαγών στην καθημερινή ζωή των συμβουλευόμενων.
• Εκπαίδευση στο πρόγραμμα “Πέρα από τα όρια της δίαιτας”, από το Κέντρο Ψυχολογικών Εφαρμογών (ΚΕ.Ψ.ΕΦ), που επικεντρώνεται στη σχέση με το φαγητό και τη βελτίωση της διατροφικής συμπεριφοράς χωρίς περιοριστικές δίαιτες.

Έχει επίσης ενεργή παρουσία σε εκπαιδευτικά και επιστημονικά δρώμενα, όπως:

• Παρακολούθηση συνεδριών, ημερίδων και ιατρικών συμποσίων που αφορούν την παχυσαρκία, τις τροφικές αλλεργίες, τις ΙΦΝΕ, την οστεοπόρωση και άλλα συναφή θέματα.
• Είχε συνεργασία με το Ινστιτούτο Prolepsis για εκπαιδευτικές δράσεις σε σχολεία με θέμα τη διατροφική εκπαίδευση παιδιών.
• Πραγματοποίηση πολλών ομιλιών σε παιδικές και εφηβικές αθλητικές ομάδες.

Παράλληλα, εμπλουτίζει συνεχώς τις γνώσεις της μέσω της παρακολούθησης μαθημάτων της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης Κλινικής Διατροφής και Μεταβολισμού (ESPEN LLL) και του World Obesity Organization (SCOPE), για την απόκτηση της πιστοποίησης “Specialist Certification of Obesity Professional Education”.

Με γνώμονα ότι «η διατροφή δεν είναι ίδια για όλους», η Ζωή Μαυρίδου εργάζεται με σεβασμό στη μοναδικότητα κάθε ατόμου, προσφέροντας ουσιαστική, εφαρμόσιμη καθοδήγηση και υποστήριξη. Όραμά της είναι η βελτίωση της σχέσης με το φαγητό και η ουσιαστική αλλαγή τρόπου ζωής, μέσα από επιστημονική γνώση, ενσυναίσθηση και ρεαλισμό.

Marikou Foteini is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist MSc, graduate of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at Harokopio University and holder of a Master's Degree from the Medical School of Athens titled "Pathology of Pregnancy - High Risk Pregnancy." As part of her undergraduate program, she completed internships at the 401 General Military Hospital of Athens, a private dietetic office, and a food industry company. Subsequently, she collaborated for several years with NGOs, where she provided voluntary nutritional support to cancer patients during and after anticancer treatments. Simultaneously, she has served as head dietitian - nutritionist in a large gym chain. She has been evaluating private cases since 2018, specializing in nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in cases of eating disorders and clinical conditions such as hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and specialized clinical conditions. Moreover, she continuously updates and actively follows the latest developments in the field of Nutrition and Health through educational seminars, conferences, and workshops. Since 2022, she has been operating her dietetic office in Ambelokipi, Attica, equipped with state-of-the-art technological equipment, catering to numerous individuals by personalizing her approach tailored to each person's specific needs.

Piki Eirini works as a psychologist, psychotherapist, family therapist, lecturer and supervisor. She is a member of the ‘Greek Psychological Association’ as well as the ‘Hellenic Association of Systemic Therapy (HELASYTH). She has also obtained the European Certificate in Psychology (EuroPsy), and a work license as a psychologist (No. 5522/07). She completed her undergraduate degree (BSc) at the University of North London and her postgraduate (MA) and doctoral (PhD) studies at Goldsmiths University of London. Furthermore, she completed a training in individual, group and family psychotherapy at the Laboratory for the Study of Human Relations. She has worked for several years in different contexts in the field of psychology, such as in prisons, nursing homes and orphanages. She has given lectures at Goldsmiths University of London (UK) and at Mediterranean College (Greece). Since 2002, she has taken part in several seminars, with the aim of informing either the laymen or specific groups, such as parents, teachers and/or mental health care professionals. Since 2005, she has been working in private practice at her office in Agia Paraskevi, Athens, as a psychologist-psychotherapist for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, as a group therapist, and also as a supervisor. Moreover, since 2005, she has been cooperating with a number of nurseries and, since 2012, she is in collaboration with the European Network of Women, which is an NGO dealing with issues of interfamilial violence and racial discrimination.

Theodoridou Tzouli is an Endocrinologist – Diabetologist with a private practice in Thessaloniki.

Her primary focus is weight loss and metabolic health in individuals who are tired of diets and restrictions — but do not see results.

Her approach is based on identifying the underlying causes that block the body — hormonal, metabolic, nutritional, and lifestyle-related — and creating personalized strategies that lead to effective outcomes.

Medical Education & Experience

She graduated from the Medical School of the State Academy of Saint Petersburg.

She has trained and worked in major hospitals in Thessaloniki (AHEPA, Papageorgiou, Theageneio, Agios Pavlos), gaining significant clinical experience across the full spectrum of endocrinology and metabolic diseases.

She combines contemporary endocrinology with nutrition (holder of a Nutritionist diploma).

Areas of Expertise

• Weight loss & metabolic balancing

• Thyroid disorders & ultrasound

• Diabetes mellitus & metabolic syndrome

• Hormonal disorders & women's health (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause)

Her practice provides comprehensive medical assessment, enabling each patient to gain a clear understanding of their body and receive a targeted plan from the very first visit.

She caters to those who want to understand their body, invest in their health, and achieve lasting change.

Pinelopi Katsiveli is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Neo Psychiko. She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specializes in cases of endocrine hypertension, adrenal, and pituitary diseases. She completed her residency in Endocrinology at the Endocrinology Department of the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas" and the Pathology Department of the General Hospital of Patision. Furthermore, during her career, she served as an Attending Physician in the Endocrinology Department at "Errikos Dynan" Hospital and attended the Endocrinopathies - Diabetes in Pregnancy Clinic at the Endocrinology Department of the University General Hospital - Maternity "Elena Venizelou." She currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Clinical Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes Department at "Errikos Dynan" Hospital Center. In her practice, she manages cases of both classical endocrinology and diabetology. Additionally, she has published original research articles in international medical journals, presented oral and written abstracts at Greek and international conferences, and has extensive research experience.

Kapoulas Spyros is a General Surgeon and maintains his private practice in Panorama. He holds a Medical degree from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a Doctorate from the same University. The physician has trained in hospitals in Greece and the United Kingdom, managing a wide range of cases spanning the entire spectrum of his specialty, always prioritizing the best possible care for every individual he treats.

Η κ. Καλιακάτσου Ειρήνη είναι ειδικός Ενδοκρινολόγος - Διαβητολόγος και διατηρεί το ιδιωτικό της ιατρείο στο Κουκάκι ενώ, παράλληλα, εργάζεται ως Ενδοκρινολόγος στο Ιδιωτικό Πολυϊατρείο LIFECHECK Καλλιθέας, Χαϊδαρίου και Κορυδαλλού. Είναι πτυχιούχος της Ιατρικής Σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Ειδικεύτηκε στην Ενδοκρινολογία στην Ενδοκρινολογική Μονάδα και Κέντρο Σακχαρώδους Διαβήτη- Κέντρο Εμπειρογνωμοσύνης Σπάνιων Ενδοκρινολογικών Νοσημάτων στο Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Αθηνών “Γ. ΓΕΝΝΗΜΑΤΑΣ”.  Διατελεί μέλος του Ιατρικού Συλλόγου Αθηνών και της Ελληνικής Ενδοκρινολογικής Εταιρείας. Έχει εκπαιδευτεί και διαθέτει μεγάλη κλινική εμπειρία σε μεγάλο εύρος ενδοκρινολογικών παθήσεων, συμπεριλαμβανομένων του σακχαρώδη διαβήτη τύπου 1 & 2, σακχαρώδη διαβήτη κύησης, των νοσημάτων θυρεοειδούς και παραθυρεοειδών αδένων, των νοσημάτων των επινεφριδίων και της υπόφυσης, της ενδοκρινικής υπέρτασης, της οστεοπόρωσης και των νοσημάτων του μεταβολισμού ασβεστίου, των ενδοκρινοπαθειών κατά την κύηση, των διαταραχών εμμήνου ρύσεως και της παχυσαρκίας. Έχει συμμετάσχει σε ελληνικά και διεθνή συνέδρια και σεμινάρια Ενδοκρινολογίας και Σακχαρώδους Διαβήτη με συνεχή ενημέρωση για τις εξελίξεις της επιστήμης στον τομέα της. Τέλος, είναι κάτοχος πτυχίων στην Αγγλική, Γαλλική, Γερμανική και Ισπανική γλώσσα.

Kourkouti Chrysoula is an endocrinologist and runs her private practice in Markopoulo. She graduated from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed further training in the Pituitary Department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in the UK. During her residency, she served at Lamia General Hospital and Agia Sofia General Hospital, and has also worked at the Health Center of Markopoulo and AEMY Kera-tea. In her private practice, she addresses a wide range of cases within her specialty, always focusing on providing the best possible care tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Valsamidou Foteini is a General and Homeopathic physician with private practices in Glyfada and Pangrati. She graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a diploma from the International Academy of Homeopathy. She specialized in general medicine at the General Hospital of Athens "Korgialenio - Benakeio" and at the Markopoulo Health Center. The doctor provides individualized treatment for each case using classical homeopathy. In her private practice, she treats conditions such as allergic diseases, constipation, dysmenorrhea, polycystic ovary syndrome, headaches, menstrual problems, irritable bowel syndrome, and psoriasis.

Ektor Kappatos-Koutroumpas is a Dietitian – Nutritionist, and his office “Healthier with Ektor” is located in the Mavili Square area. He holds a master's degree in Clinical Nutrition from the University of Aberdeen (Medical School), is a holder of the European Diploma in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), the leading European clinical nutrition qualification, has been trained in the Low-FODMAP diet for managing irritable bowel syndrome symptoms by Life Academy, and in Eating Disorders through the training program of KEADD (Hellenic Center for Education and Management of Eating Disorders), under the auspices of the British Psychological Society. He also holds a certification in the program of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) titled "Stress Management and Health." He collaborates with psychologist - child psychologist Alexandra Kappatou as the head of the Dietetics Department. He has taught the course of Sports Nutrition for 2 years in the postgraduate program at the Scientific College of Greece (SCG) and has experience working in a private dietetic office. He is a co-creator and co-administrator of the dietitians’ group “Food for ... Nutrition.” Together, you will create a personalized intervention based on your unique needs and characteristics, aiming to achieve your goals without deprivation, hunger, or restrictions. He is here to listen to you, support you, and help you without judgment.

Eustratiou Amalia BSc, MSc is a Psychologist who maintains a private practice in Nea Erythraia. She holds a postgraduate degree in Mental Health and Psychological Therapies from the Medical School of Queen Mary University and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from The Open University in London. She has specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy for adults and adolescents, as well as in Systemic Psychodrama at the Center for Applied Counseling and Psychotherapy (KE.PSY.SY). Additionally, she has specialized in Clinical Hypnosis (Biothymic Psychotherapy). Finally, as part of her lifelong learning, the Psychologist has attended numerous seminars in Greece and abroad focusing on Psychology.

Kakoulidis Ioannis is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist maintaining a private practice in Nea Ionia. He holds a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a Master's degree in "Research in Female Reproduction" from the Medical School of NKUA. He specialized in Endocrinology at the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism of the General Hospital - Maternity Hospital of Athens “Elena Venizelou.” During his specialization, he focused on Pregnancy Endocrinology and Andrology, and received training in thyroid ultrasound. He has participated in conferences both in Greece and internationally and has been actively involved in the design and implementation of prospective and retrospective studies in the Endocrinology department, which have been subsequently published or presented in national and international journals and conferences. In 2019, he was awarded by the Hellenic Endocrine Society with the I. Giannatos Award for Best Research Work in Clinical Endocrinology. His practice manages cases covering the entire spectrum of Endocrinology, specifically: Thyroid - Parathyroid Glands, Gestational Diabetes, and Pregnancy Endocrinology.

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.