The Science and Reality of Obesity

The Obesity Collective is the peak body for obesity in Australia and a national umbrella coalition with a vision to reduce the health and wellbeing impacts of obesity in Australia. 

Their aim is to raise awareness of the science and reality of obesity and promote evidence-based prevention and treatment action through a strong, cooperative, and inclusive network. We are a collective of advisors from a diverse range of perspectives and expertise. The course is tailored for yoga teachers but many of the content materials were developed collaboratively with the help the of nurses, dieticians, GP’s, People with lived experience, stigma experts, training experts and researchers.

The topic of weight and health is both sensitive and relevant for many people. It is an important part of overall wellbeing and so it is important for yoga teachers to be aware of the complexities as we aim to build bridges between Western and Eastern science and health treatment.

In this course we share information about:

• The science, drivers, reality, and impact of obesity
• What is obesity stigma and how does it pertain to yoga philosophy?
• Trauma and obesity
• The experiences of people living with obesity
• Collective action and how yoga is a part of this.
• Accessibility, inclusivity & strategies to better support your students

About the Facilitator

Monica Garner is a yoga teacher and a representative for the Obesity Collective. She hails from Canada originally and firmly believed at a young age that she wanted to help people with their well-being using Eastern science and healing. With her own lived experience navigating harmful diet culture and self-acceptance, she brings a clear insight and compassion to the complexity of wellness and obesity. Monica specialises in Yoga asana (hatha, restorative & yin), myofascial release, meditation, pranayama, reiki, training & education. She has completed over 1000 hours of yoga teacher training and is Yoga Australia certified. Additionally, Monica has had the pleasure of helping to train and build competent yoga teacher trainees from over 30 different countries. When Monica is not working with her yoga students, she supports training and education projects at The Obesity Collective – The peak body for obesity in Australia and a national umbrella coalition with a vision to reduce the health and wellbeing impacts of obesity in Australia. She is passionate about reducing weight stigma that occurs on and off the yoga mat and helping to create awareness on the complexities of obesity to fellow health & wellness providers.

Read more about The Obesity Collective here