Yasmin Ahmed Almubarak Altwaijri: Leading Epidemiologist and Advocate for Public Health in Saudi Arabia

Dr. Yasmin Ahmed Almubarak Altwaijri is a pioneering Saudi Arabian epidemiologist and a Senior Scientist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) in Riyadh. As the Head of Epidemiology Research, Altwaijri studies the causes and effects of diseases within Saudi Arabia, with a strong focus on obesity, mental health, and public health policy. She is also an outspoken advocate for social and political changes that promote healthier lifestyles in the Kingdom.

Academic Background and Early Career Altwaijri’s academic journey began at King Saud University, where she earned a B.Sc. in Community Health in 1992. After marrying, she moved to the United States for graduate studies, where she worked with Johanna Dwyer at Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She earned her M.Sc. from Tufts in 1996 and later completed her Ph.D. in 2002. Her parents played a key role in encouraging her to pursue a professional career and achieve financial independence.

Returning to Saudi Arabia in 2002, Altwaijri joined King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences before taking on her current leadership role at KFSH&RC. She is now considered one of Saudi Arabia’s leading senior scientists in epidemiology.

Research and Advocacy Dr. Altwaijri designs and leads epidemiological studies that focus on Saudi women, children, and adolescents. One of her key research initiatives aims to develop pubertal growth standards specific to Saudi children, replacing the reliance on Western growth models that do not consider local socioeconomic, dietary, and environmental factors.

She has also been a key voice in addressing non-communicable diseases, identifying obesity, smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and physical inactivity as leading risk factors in Saudi society.

Her advocacy extends beyond research. She promotes policy changes such as:

• Physical education for girls in schools
• Safe public play spaces for children
• Affordable fitness centers for men and women
• Food price regulation to encourage healthier choices

She has also personally encouraged active lifestyles by enrolling her children in competitive team swimming, helping them qualify for the AAU Junior Olympic Games.

The Saudi National Mental Health Survey A major focus of Altwaijri’s work is mental health research, an area largely overlooked in Saudi Arabia before her involvement. She is the Principal Investigator for the Saudi National Mental Health Survey, launched in 2009, which was the first broad-scale effort to assess mental health disorders across Saudi communities.

This landmark study involved interviewing 5,000 men and women across the country, with an 86% participation rate. Conducted in collaboration with Harvard University, the University of Michigan, and the World Health Organization (WHO), this research aims to understand the burden of mental health disorders and shape national mental health policies.

Obesity in Saudi Arabia: A Growing Public Health Concern Saudi Arabia faces a rising obesity crisis, with childhood obesity rates increasing globally and affecting the Kingdom significantly. Current statistics indicate that one in six Saudi children is obese, correlating with decreased physical activity and cognitive focus in schools.

Among adults, obesity prevalence stands at 42.4% in men and 31.8% in women. This epidemic places enormous pressure on the healthcare system and increases the risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular conditions. Altwaijri attributes this trend to a Westernized diet and economic shifts that have altered lifestyle habits in Saudi Arabia.

Women in Science and Leadership Dr. Altwaijri is a champion for women in STEM. She chairs the Saudi Women in Science Committee, a national network supporting female scientists. She strongly encourages Saudi women to pursue careers in science and technology, emphasizing the importance of digital collaboration in overcoming social barriers.

Recognizing the challenges Saudi women face, she has spoken about how transportation restrictions (such as the former ban on women driving) hinder professional and fitness opportunities. She continues to advocate for greater gender inclusivity in scientific and public health fields.

Global Recognition and Achievements Dr. Altwaijri’s contributions have earned her widespread recognition, including being featured in:

• Arab Women Rising – a book highlighting 35 influential women from the Arab world.
• BBC’s 100 Women List (2014) – recognizing her as an international leader in public health and epidemiology.

Impact and Future Vision Dr. Yasmin Altwaijri is at the forefront of public health transformation in Saudi Arabia. Through her epidemiological research, advocacy for policy change, and commitment to women in science, she is shaping the nation’s approach to health and well-being.

Her research on obesity, mental health, and disease prevention aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, a national initiative to create a healthier and more sustainable society.

By championing data-driven health policies and empowering women in science, Altwaijri is ensuring that Saudi Arabia’s future generations will have access to better healthcare, healthier lifestyles, and more inclusive scientific opportunities.

Her work, deeply rooted in science, advocacy, and leadership, is a perfect fit for Sciarabia, where stories of groundbreaking research and public health progress take center stage.