MRC Epidemiology UnitVisiting Scientist
Behavioural Epidemiology and Interventions in Young People
Current work and interests
Yanaina is interested in exploring the complex dynamics of the commercial food system and health – also referred to as the commercial determinants of health. Her work primarily examines the effects of ultra-processed food consumption on youth’s health. Her current role is a cross-departmental project involving nutritional epidemiology, childhood development, behavioural science, and population health interventions.
Yanaina has a passion for systems thinking approaches, science communication, and patient and public involvement to promote healthier food environments for young people.
Background and experience
Yanaina completed a bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering at the Universidad de las Americas, Puebla, Mexico. She holds an MSc in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health and a PhD in Population Health Sciences from the University of Bristol.
Her PhD investigated the commercial determinants of dietary behaviour associated with obesity in adolescence and used a complex systems perspective to incorporate these factors into public health thinking.
She has held different roles to enable people to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles, including as a Physical Activity Project Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, as a Health and Wellbeing Coach for the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, and as a Research Assistant at University College London.