Background: Obesity is a complex, individualized health issue best addressed through multi-disciplinary care teams. However, healthcare system strains—including limited resources, time, and funding—restrict this approach, prompting interest in alternative strategies. Yoga teachers may offer unique value in obesity care, given their physiological knowledge and ability to provide holistic, low-impact, and accessible healthcare.
Objective: This study explores yoga teachers’ perspectives on integrating yoga into primary care multi-disciplinary teams to support individuals living with obesity.
Method: A co-designed qualitative study interviewed 15 yoga teachers, analysing perspectives using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis.
Results: Three key themes emerged: (1) widespread misunderstanding of authentic yoga; (2) alignment between yoga practices and obesity-related health needs; and (3) the need for professional recognition of yoga teachers. Participants voiced frustration with social media’s portrayal of yoga as exclusive, advanced postures typically performed by young, thin, white individuals. In contrast, authentic yoga was described as a cross-cultural, holistic, and low-impact health practice with broad accessibility. Teachers emphasized a commitment to “do no harm,” likening their ethical standards to the Hippocratic Oath. Notably, weight change was rarely discussed as a yoga benefit; instead, teachers highlighted improvements in psychological and social well-being. All participants stressed the need for certification or accreditation to ensure qualified, safe yoga instruction. While informal clinician referrals were common, teachers preferred formal referral pathways.
Conclusion: Yoga teachers possess strong physiological knowledge, a client-centred approach, and a nuanced understanding of obesity as a complex condition. Participants advocated for integrating yoga into multi-disciplinary care, emphasizing existing precedents such as Pilates referrals. Further research is needed to explore patient perspectives, test pilot referral models, and assess accreditation feasibility within Western healthcare systems.