University of Athens School of Medicine: Free Obesity Programme Now Available at Clinical Departments through the State ‘Prolamvano’ Initiative

Obesity is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for cardiometabolic and cardiovascular disease. The ‘Prolamvano’ programme is a structured public health initiative overseen by the Greek Ministry of Health, clearly showing that prevention works when there is coordinated planning and support from the State and healthcare professionals.

Through a unified referral and record-keeping system, citizens can undergo preventive screening and, where clinically indicated, gain access to comprehensive care for obesity, including medical monitoring, dietary advice, and—where appropriate—free pharmacological treatment.

Supporting the Ministry of Health from the outset, the University of Athens School of Medicine actively participates through special centres within its Clinical Departments, where citizens can access information and services.

1. General University Hospital of Athens ‘Laiko’, 1^st Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine (Director: Professor N. Tentolouris)

Academic coordinator: N. Tentolouris

17 Agiou Thoma St, 115 27 Athens, tel. 213 20 61 458, 214 20 61 459, and 1566

2. ‘Attikon’ General University Hospital of Athens, 2^nd Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine (Director: Professor A. Psyrri)

Academic coordinator: V. Lambadiari

1 Rimini St, 124 61 Haidari, tel. 210 5832013 and 1566

3. Athens General Hospital of Thoracic Diseases ‘Sotiria’, 3^rd Department of Cardiology (Director Professor G. Siasos).

Academic coordinator: V. Lambadiari

154 Mesogeion Ave., 115 27 Athens, tel. 213 20 34 260 and 1566

Target group:

• All citizens aged 30-70 (beneficiaries of the cardiovascular risk prevention programme)
• Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher
• BMI of 37-39.9 with at least one obesity-related comorbidity

Comorbidities referred to in the programme include (among others): type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, heart failure, cerebrovascular accident, steatotic liver disease (MASLD), chronic kidney disease, etc.

Eligible for free pharmacological treatment for obesity are only those who:

• Have completed the preventive laboratory and cardiac screening under the ‘Prolamvano’ programme, and
• Have received a notification via text messaging or email, referring them to a public healthcare facility for medical assessment and free provision of treatment

Step 1: Referral Notification

Following the ‘Prolamvano’ medical examinations, eligible citizens receive a notification via text messaging or email referring them to a public healthcare facility for obesity management.

Step 2: Appointment at a public healthcare facility

Patients contact the Obesity Clinic reception to schedule their appointment, having the referral details and the related notification (text message/email) ready.

During the visit, the clinic team:

• Takes a detailed medical history and performs a clinical examination
• Verifies eligibility (BMI and comorbidities, if applicable)
• Evaluates indications and contraindications and determines the treatment goal
• Records all information in the system according to the programme’s procedures

Patients follow the prescribed treatment plan and are regularly monitored for

• Effectiveness of treatment (weight loss/improvement of clinical indicators)
• Safety and side effects
• Adjustment of the treatment plan as needed