TO BE. Clínica offers a unique and innovative concept in health and wellness, which forms the foundation for our programs in Weight Management, Athletic Performance, Healthy Longevity Medicine, Anti-Inflammation, and Gut Health, as well as a range of complementary treatments developed by a multidisciplinary team
What you can expect from us
The method
The method developed by Professor Teresa Branco draws on the complementary expertise of specialists from a wide range of fields, including Weight Management, Exercise Physiology, Clinical Nutrition, and Clinical and Medical Psychology.
All our programs are based on 5 premises: Adequate Physiological and Hormonal Control; Stress and Emotion Management; Vitamin and Mineral Balance; Adequate and Regular Physical Exercise and Balanced Nutritional Management.
Our main goal is to help you regain balance and well-being in your life, and we do this through a preventive and educational approach.
To broaden our portfolio of services, we also offer you a differentiated therapeutic approach through a wide range of body, face, hair, wellness, hair removal and musculoskeletal physiotherapy treatments.
We are committed to teaching you how to manage and control your weight, optimize your metabolism, improve your sporting performance and postpone premature ageing, manage bodily changes, promote your physical and mental well-being in a natural and harmless way and without resorting to miracle formulas, in order to achieve the fullness of your well-being.
Our Team
A specialized team focused on weight management, sports performance and healthy ageing.
With over 25 years' experience in the development and management of weight loss and weight management programs, Teresa Branco complements this practice with a solid scientific and academic profile that allows her to remain at the forefront of knowledge associated with the physiological issues of weight and its understanding.
Academic Career
2012 – Ph.D. in Health and Physical Fitness with a focus on Weight Management from the Faculty of Human Kinetics – Technical University of Lisbon 1999 – Master’s Degree in Exercise and Health from the Faculty of Human Kinetics – Technical University of Lisbon 1993 – Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise and Health from the Faculty of Human Kinetics – Technical University of Lisbon
Further training
2018 – IASO-certified weight management specialist – International Association for the Study of Obesity 2011 – Completed the course on Prevention and Treatment of Obesity developed by the International Association for the Study of Obesity, University of Cambridge, London 2010 – Completed courses in Lifestyle Medicine/Nutrition, Exercise Prescription, Stress Management, and Weight Management at Harvard University, USA
Research projects
Since 2011 – Coordinator of a scientific project in the field of weight management in partnership with the following institutions: Champalimaud Foundation; University of Évora; Lusófona University; Joaquim Chaves Laboratories; Clinical Genetics Laboratories – CGC 2000–2005 – Fellow at the Foundation for Science and Technology as a researcher in weight management
Professional Projects
Director of the Prof. Teresa Branco Institute until 2022 2015 – Assistant Professor at Lusófona University 2015 – Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Weight Management at Lusófona University 2011 and 2013 – Weight management physiologist on SIC television programs – Seasons 1 and 2 of “Peso Pesado” and “Toca a Mexer”
Publications
Author and co-author of several articles in international scientific journals; author of 9 books for the general public
Last three books published
How to Overcome Emotional Hunger – Lua de Papel Publishing, 2014 When the Body Begins to Change – Lua de Papel Publishing, 2017 Anti-Inflammation – Lua de Papel Publishing, 2020
Presentations
He is a regular guest on television shows. He regularly presents scientific papers at conferences and in corporate settings.
Recognition
2010 - Nutrition Awards Finalist 
2007 - Prize for Professional Performance awarded by the University of Lisbon
Medical Association, Professional License No. 54464
Dr. Vanessa Sousa Mendes is a family physician specializing in longevity and healthy aging, with a particular focus on menopause and the management of chronic conditions such as obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. In her clinical practice, she combines a holistic approach with personalized patient care, implementing preventive measures, advocating for healthy lifestyles, and exploring therapeutic interventions to ensure that people have the opportunity to age while enjoying an optimal quality of life. A graduate of NOVA Medical School with a specialization in General and Family Medicine, she also holds training in Health Management and Hormonal Modulation. Her career includes roles coordinating General and Family Medicine teams and mentoring students at NOVA Medical School. With extensive experience at leading institutions, Dr. Vanessa Sousa Mendes combines technical expertise with compassionate care to provide exceptional patient care.
Medical Association, Professional License No. 38992.
Joana Costa is our specialist physician in charge of endocrinology consultations. She has a special interest in the areas of obesity, thyroid disorders, and diabetes mellitus. She completed her fellowship in endocrinology at the Endocrinology Department of Egas Moniz Hospital in Lisbon, the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, and the Royal Manchester Infirmary in Manchester, United Kingdom. She has been involved in several clinical trials as a principal investigator and co-investigator. She has presented numerous oral presentations and posters at national and international conferences and is the author and co-author of several publications. She has been teaching in the Bachelor’s program in Nutritional Sciences and the Master’s program at NOVA Biomedical Research (NBR) since the 2020–2021 academic year.
Medical Association, Professional License No. 52463
Catarina Aguiar is our aesthetic medicine doctor. She performs aesthetic procedures with the aim of minimizing the signs of ageing and smoothing out sagging caused by weight loss. In her clinical practice, Dr. Catarina uses Botox to attenuate and prevent wrinkles in the forehead and peri-orbital region. Hyaluronic acid is used to fill the lips, increasing their volume and promoting their contour and definition, and it is also used for gluteal augmentation. Biostimulators are recommended to stimulate the skin to produce collagen, resulting in healthier skin and less sagging. Tensioning threads are used to reduce sagging in the face and neck.
Medical Association, Professional License No. 58697.
Dr. Laura has been a specialist in Internal Medicine since 2020, but at the TO BE. Clinic, thanks to her interest, knowledge, and dedication, she has been responsible for conducting anti-aging consultations. With a comprehensive and integrated view of the patient, she does not focus solely on treating organs, systems, and diseases in isolation; instead, she takes an approach centered on personalized care, making her a valuable addition to our medical staff.
With an impressive academic background and a wide range of experience in various clinical settings, her résumé also includes more than 40 presentations at national conferences, numerous clinical sessions, and scientific publications.
Medical Association, Professional License No. 51840.
Dr. Joana Malho Rodrigues is a specialist in Internal Medicine with a master’s degree from the prestigious Charles University – Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen. She began her clinical career with a general internship at Cascais Hospital and the Barlavento Algarvio Hospital Center, and later completed her specialty training at São Francisco Xavier Hospital, where she earned her specialist certification in 2019.
She has developed a special interest in preventive medicine, with the goal of providing a better quality of life and delaying the signs and symptoms associated with aging for all her patients.
Since completing his initial training, he has continued to build on his experience and commitment to patient-centered care.
He has held leadership roles and practiced medicine at renowned institutions throughout the country.
Filipa Barros, who has a degree in Sports Science and a Master's in Exercise and Health, is one of our Exercise Physiology consultants. Her vast experience in drawing up training plans for all age groups allows her to help you achieve your best sporting performance regardless of your fitness and physical condition.
Order of Nutritionists, Professional License No. 5122N.
Patrícia Trindade, who has a degree in Human, Social and School Nutrition, Dietetics and Nutrition and a Master's degree in Exercise and Well-being (in the field of Exercise, Nutrition and Health), is one of our nutritionists. Her knowledge allows her to draw up dietary plans and monitor their implementation, focusing on the individual's dietary education.
Order of Nutritionists, Professional License No. 4226N.
A full professor in Brazil, author of several scientific articles, and co-author of the book *Nutrition and Pediatrics*. She is one of our nutritionists and will always be available to help her clients lose weight—but above all, to be part of a process of change that leads to an improved quality of life.
Order of Psychologists, Professional License No. 014691.
Rita Almeida has a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology and is our specialist in charge of Psychology consultations. Her guidance and support will help you maintain a healthy relationship with food, your body and yourself.
Professional License No. C – 039760073.
A physical therapist since 2011, she has, from an early stage, taken a critical approach to health issues and maintained a 360° view of the individual. A responsible professional focused on personalized care, she emphasizes a detailed assessment of each person, with a mission to empower them to improve their quality of life and promote well-being in all areas of treatment.
Certificate No. 135/2014.
Cosmetologist aesthetician since 2011. She dedicates herself daily to increasing her knowledge in order to provide an excellent service to all her clients in her different areas of expertise.
Management Team
Our Space
