Health professionals for Obesity

Pantelis Athanasios MD, MSc (QMUL), FMBS, SCOPE Cert., FACS, is a General Surgeon with a private practice in Ilion. He specializes in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and holds two postgraduate degrees from Queen Mary University of London and the Medical School of Athens. He has received specialized training in laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery as well as in obesity and metabolic disease surgery, having trained at the prestigious Mohak centers in India and Ponderas in Romania as a fellow of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES). He has gained experience in hospitals in Greece and abroad, having served as a Consultant Surgeon in hospitals in Bucharest and India. Currently, he is a Consultant Surgeon at the Psychiko Medical Center and a Scientific Collaborator at the 1st Propaedeutic Surgical Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens at the General Hospital of Athens "Hippocrates." He maintains an active research portfolio, is an author and reviewer for international medical journals, and regularly participates in international conferences and educational programs. His expertise includes minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic surgery), bariatric and metabolic disease surgery, as well as the modern management of abdominal wall hernias, digestive system diseases, and thyroid gland disorders. His approach is founded on consistency, scientific evidence, and respect for the patient.

Garzonis Spyros is an Internist - Diabetologist and maintains a private practice in Cholargos. He graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and specialized in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital for Chest Diseases of Athens "Sotiria". Additionally, he received further training in Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Foot at the Diabetology Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko," where he remained as a collaborator for over 10 years. He holds official specialization in Diabetes Mellitus. He has a particular interest and involvement in diabetes technology and insulin pumps. He has participated as a volunteer physician in a Doctors Without Borders - Greece mission in Zambia and in programs within Greece. Finally, he is a member of the Hellenic Diabetological Association, the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, the Hellenic Society for the Study of Diabetic Foot Disorders, the Hellenic Society of Internal Medicine, and Doctors Without Borders - Greece.

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.

Vatalas Ioannis - Anastasios is an Endocrinologist with a private practice in Ampelokipoi, while also serving as an endocrinologist at the National Bank Personnel Health Fund. He holds a PhD in Medicine with distinction from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a medical degree from the same institution. He obtained his specialization in Endocrinology at the "Korgialeneio-Benakeio" Hospital of Athens. He has a significant research portfolio, with original publications in international scientific journals and active participation in numerous endocrinology conferences both in Greece and abroad. Additionally, Dr. Vatalas is a member of the European Society of Endocrinology, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the Hellenic Endocrine Society - Panhellenic Association of Endocrinologists, the Hellenic Diabetes Association, the Hellenic Medical Society for Obesity, and the Hellenic Society for the Study of Bone Metabolism.

Oikonomou Eirini is a Psychologist with a private practice in Panormou. She studied Psychology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed postgraduate studies in Health Psychology at the University of Surrey. She has specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the Center for Research and Therapy of Behavior. She served as a Researcher at the University of Oxford, gaining significant research and teaching experience. Her scientific interests include chronic diseases, eating disorders, and more. In her practice, she handles cases related to interpersonal relationships, trauma recovery, self-improvement, obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment, anxiety disorders, phobias, eating disorders, addictions, and others.

Iliopoulos Dimitrios MD, PhD is a Specialist Internist - Diabetologist with a private practice in Marousi. He holds a PhD from the Medical School of the University of Crete. He has specialized training in diabetology and serves as a scientific collaborator at the diabetology center of the 2nd University Clinic at the General Hospital of Athens "Hippocratio". He is also an associate internist at the "Mitera" Hospital. His primary goal is a patient-friendly approach, thorough clinical examination, and timely diagnosis and management of medical issues. In a simple and explanatory manner, the patient will fully understand their condition, receive updates on the latest medical data, and have any questions addressed. The practice manages a wide range of conditions, including infections, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and hyperlipidemia (cholesterol). Preventive screening is also performed, including clinical examination and prescription of laboratory and imaging tests. Finally, the physician also provides health certificates for sports and work, as well as medical reports for use in the KEPA committees.

Zaxarodimos Nikolaos is a Clinical Dietitian - Nutritionist, a doctoral candidate at the Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life of the Agricultural University of Athens, and maintains a private practice in Agia Paraskevi. He graduated from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Technological Educational Institute of Crete and holds a master's degree in "Molecular and Applied Physiology" from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a research specialization in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Simultaneously, he collaborates with medical clinics, hospitals, and fitness centers, offering personalized nutrition programs and body composition analyses. His professional experience includes salaried practice at the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko," participation in research projects and scholarships within the framework of the "Research – Create – Innovate" initiatives, and active involvement with publications in international journals and conferences both in Greece and abroad. He also has experience as a lecturer and trainer for students, as well as extensive volunteer work in nutritional education activities. Furthermore, the specialist is a member of the Panhellenic Association of Dietitians and Nutritionists and ACSM Exercise is Medicine Greece. Finally, at his dietetic office in Agia Paraskevi, he provides nutritional guidance for conditions such as diabetes, obesity, autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, and muscle strengthening.

Η Αλεξιάδη Σοφία είναι Διαιτολόγος - Διατροφολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό διαιτολογικό γραφείο στο κέντρο της Θεσσαλονίκης. Είναι απόφοιτος του Τμήματος Διατροφής και Διαιτολογίας του ΑΤΕΙ Θεσσαλονίκης, από το οποίο αποφοίτησε με άριστα. Πραγματοποίησε την πρακτική της άσκηση σε ιδιωτικό διαιτολογικό γραφείο, όπου εκπαιδεύτηκε στη διατροφική αξιολόγηση, στον σχεδιασμό εξατομικευμένων προγραμμάτων διατροφής και στη διαχείριση κλινικών περιστατικών. Παράλληλα, έχει παρακολουθήσει πληθώρα σεμιναρίων και επιστημονικών ημερίδων σχετικά με τις διατροφικές διαταραχές, τη νευρική ανορεξία, την παχυσαρκία, τον σακχαρώδη διαβήτη και το σύνδρομο ευερέθιστου εντέρου.

Ιδιαίτερο επιστημονικό ενδιαφέρον παρουσιάζει για την ίδια η διαχείριση των διατροφικών διαταραχών και η αποκατάσταση μιας υγιούς σχέσης με το φαγητό. Πιστεύει ότι η διατροφή δεν πρέπει να βασίζεται σε αυστηρούς περιορισμούς και ενοχές, αλλά να αποτελεί ένα εργαλείο φροντίδας του εαυτού και βελτίωσης της ποιότητας ζωής.

Στόχος της είναι να βοηθήσει κάθε άνθρωπο να αποκτήσει γνώσεις και δεξιότητες που θα τον συνοδεύουν σε όλη του τη ζωή, ώστε να μπορεί να τρέφεται ισορροπημένα, με αυτοπεποίθηση και χωρίς εξαρτήσεις από δίαιτες. Για τον λόγο αυτό, δίνει ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στη διατροφική εκπαίδευση, στην εξατομίκευση και στη δημιουργία βιώσιμων συνηθειών που μπορούν να διατηρηθούν μακροπρόθεσμα.

Αναλαμβάνει περιστατικά διατροφικών διαταραχών, διαχείρισης βάρους και παχυσαρκίας, σακχαρώδη διαβήτη, λιπώδους διήθησης ήπατος, καρδιαγγειακών νοσημάτων, αρτηριακής υπέρτασης, παθήσεων θυρεοειδούς, συνδρόμου ευερέθιστου εντέρου (IBS), νόσου Crohn, παιδικής και εφηβικής διατροφής, διατροφής εγκυμοσύνης και θηλασμού, αθλητικής διατροφής, καθώς και vegetarian και vegan διατροφής.

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.

Karagiorgos Panagiotis is an Endocrinologist and maintains two private clinics in Vrilissia and Atalanti, Fthiotida. He also collaborates with the "IAZO" Polyclinic as the head of the endocrinology department. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has specialized in Endocrinology and Diabetology at the Endocrinology Clinic - Diabetology Center of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos" and the Athens Children's General Hospital "P. & A. Kyriakou." Additionally, he holds diplomas in Homeopathy from the "Hippocratic Center of Classical Homeopathy," the British School "The School Of Homeopathy," and the Portuguese Homeopathic Society. He possesses significant professional experience, having worked in both the private and public sectors, and also holds teaching experience as head of medical course instruction at the "Hippocratic Center of Classical Homeopathy" since 2007. Finally, in the context of his lifelong education, the doctor has participated in numerous scientific conferences and educational seminars in Endocrinology.

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.

Dr. Maria Livanou, PhD, MSc, Senior Lecturer, is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist specializing in child and adolescent therapy, with a particular emphasis on the psychodynamic approach. She has an academic background in the United States and the United Kingdom and holds an academic post at King’s College London (KCL). Her research focuses on child and adolescent mental health.

Her therapeutic approach is primarily grounded in psychodynamic therapy, aiming to understand deeper emotional processes and relationship patterns. At the same time, it remains individualized and holistic, responding to the unique needs of each child, adolescent, adult, and family.

During sessions, parental counselling and parent therapy are offered—from pregnancy through the early years of the child—along with support for families during early parenthood. Discussions may include topics related to early child development and the parent–infant relationship. She places particular emphasis on addressing communication difficulties, enhancing psychological well-being, building self-confidence, and improving social relationships.

She works with a wide range of issues concerning childhood and adolescence, including:

• Anxiety and anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic attacks)
• Phobias, separation anxiety, and attachment issues
• Depressive mood, depression, social withdrawal
• Adjustment difficulties and emotional distress
• Psychosomatic symptom
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulties in communication and social relationships, family conflicts, and adaptation to change (e.g., divorce)
• Grief and loss management
• Eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns
• School-related difficulties, academic stress, and performance anxiety
• Issues of identity, self-image, and adolescent development
• Conduct problems, anger management difficulties, delinquent behavior
• Family counselling and therapy
• Neurodevelopmental difficulties (e.g., autism, ADHD)
• Trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), developmental trauma, and adverse childhood experiences

Dr. Karamouzis Ioannis is an Endocrinologist - Diabetologist - Andrologist and maintains a private practice in Kalamaria. He holds a degree from the Medical School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a PhD from the same institution. He specialized in endocrinology, diabetes mellitus, and metabolism at the University Hospital "San Giovanni Battista" in Turin, Italy. He conducted four years of postdoctoral research at the University Endocrinology Clinic of the Medical School of the University of Turin, and received a research fellowship at the University Department of Endocrinology in Brescia, Italy. He worked as a full-time Consultant Endocrinologist - Diabetologist in the Italian National Health System at the University Hospital "Maggiore della Carità" in Novara, Italy, at the University Hospital "Città della Salute e della Scienza" in Turin, Italy, and at the University Hospital "Spedali Civili" in Brescia, Italy. He is specialized in diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, menstrual irregularities, osteoporosis, pediatric endocrinology, metabolism, and neuroendocrinology. Finally, Dr. Karamouzis is a member of numerous Greek and European scientific societies.

Priniotaki Katerina is a Mental Health Counselor with a private practice in Pangrati. She has experience in individual psychotherapy and counseling. She studied Psychology at the American College (Deree) and holds a Master's degree (MA) in Counseling and Psychotherapy from the University of East London, with extensive hands-on experience in psychoanalytic therapy and supervision. Additionally, she has worked at the Elderly Care Unit of the Moschato Social Welfare Center. She has expertise in cases of anxiety disorders, panic attacks, eating disorders, depression, relationship counseling, bereavement, and more.

• 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.

Krikeli Eleni is a Psychologist and Author. Her academic studies began in the Department of History, Archaeology, and Social Anthropology at the University of Thessaly and were completed at the University of Crete, where she graduated from the Department of Psychology. Since then, she has continued her studies at the Center for Systemic Study and Therapy (ΚΕ.Σ.ΜΕ.Θ), where she is training in Systemic Psychotherapy. During her professional career, she has collaborated as a volunteer Psychologist with the General Hospital of Rethymno in the Psychiatry Department and has worked for several years as a Psychologist at the private Neuropsychiatric Clinic "KASTALIA." Currently, her professional activity continues with online sessions, while she also serves as the lead Psychologist at the Elderly Care Unit "Leonia" in Kallithea, Attica. Additionally, organizing seminars related to her professional interests and the knowledge she acquires each time enriches an ever-expanding portfolio, which is a priority for her. Finally, writing articles and authoring books are significant facets of her life, playing an important role. Having already published a book titled "The Comfort of the Lion," she regularly presents the fascination and admiration inspired in her by human existence, diversity, flexibility, anxiety, and fear. As a Psychologist, she admires the truth revealed by the client during their sessions, takes pride in their courage and strength to focus on their real challenges, and equally rejoices in the changes they achieve! With all these perspectives she has had and continues to encounter, it is clear that the central theme of her articles and books is... the human being!