What to do if you are underweight

Being underweight can affect your health adversely. So, it’s important to understand what ‘underweight’ means and how you can gain weight safely if you need to. Learn more here.

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BMI calculator

Do you know how being overweight can affect your wellbeing? Estimate whether your weight is healthy by using the healthdirect BMI calculator to work out your BMI.

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Anorexia nervosa

People with anorexia nervosa have an irrational fear of gaining weight and put themselves on restrictive diets and harsh, punishing exercise routines.

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Gastric bypass surgery

Gastric bypass surgery, a very effective surgery for weight loss, helps you lose weight by changing how your stomach and small intestine absorb food.

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Kilojoules

Kilojoules are the way to measure both the energy in food and drink, and the energy the body uses. Find out more about kilojoules and how many you need.

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Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference

Learn to estimate whether or not you are a healthy weight by calculating your body mass index (BMI) and measuring your waist circumference.

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Obesity in children

Childhood obesity is when a child has too much body fat for their age. There are simple steps to take to help your child move towards a healthy weight.

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Weight loss and dieting

Many diets are promoted in Australia, but they don't all work. Follow a healthy eating and exercise plan and you're more likely to keep weight off long term.

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Obesity

Obesity is a term used to describe being overweight. Obesity can lead to symptoms that affect your life. Learn about BMI, prevention and treatment options.

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Garcinia cambogia

Garcinia cambogia is a tropical fruit reputed to enable weight loss. This article separates myth from facts and provides links to other ways of managing weight.

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Gastric sleeve surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery involves the removal of a large part of your stomach. It helps you to feel full after eating only a small amount of food.

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Lap band surgery

Lap band, also called gastric banding, is a type of weight loss that helps you to feel full after eating only a small amount of food.

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Inserting a gastric balloon

Inserting a gastric balloon may help you achieve long-term weight loss if a simple approach involving eating less, improving your diet and doing more exercise does not work.

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Strength training for beginners

Strength training is any form of exercise involving weights or resistance. Learn how it improves your physical and mental health.

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How to reduce visceral body fat (hidden fat)

The fat that might be stored deep inside your body can be a danger to your health. This fat is known as visceral fat (or 'hidden' fat). Here's how to find out if you have visceral fat and what you can do about it.

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Bunions

A bunion is a bony lump that forms at the main joint between the big toe and the foot and pulls the joint out of line. Read about the treatments and more here.

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What you should know about breast cancer in young women

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, learn how to spot the signs and symptoms of breast cancer — particularly if you're too young for routine mammograms.

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Metabolism

Metabolism refers to all the chemical processes your body uses to produce energy. Find out more about metabolism, what affects it and whether you can boost your metabolism.

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Endocrine glands and their hormones

The hormone system is the way in which one part of the body tells another part of the body to do something important. Find out more about different parts of the hormonal system.

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Menstruation (periods)

Menstruation happens about once a month. Learn more about the menstrual cycle, what causes your period and health problems related to periods.

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Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus also grows outside the uterus. It can be painful, but treatment is available.

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Paracetamol

You can take paracetamol for mild to moderate pain. Here’s some information on how paracetamol works, when you should not take it and possible side effects.

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3 other ways COVID-19 affects Australians’ health — and what to do about it

COVID-19 can impact wellbeing in surprising ways, from affecting mental health to increasing hand-sanitiser poisoning. Find out how.

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Cancer of the uterus

Cancer of the uterus (womb) includes endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Find out about the symptoms, tests and treatments for cancer of the uterus.

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Chilblains (perniosis)

Chilblains are itchy, swollen and painful lumps or patches on the skin caused by the cold. They usually affect the fingers and toes. Find out more about the symptoms and treatment.

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Angina

Angina is chest pain or discomfort that usually comes on during physical activity. Here’s how to recognise angina and what to do about it.

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Bulimia nervosa

It's not unusual to be concerned about body image or diet, but using extreme weight loss methods can lead to eating disorders, like bulimia nervosa.

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Benefits of physical activity for children

Children over 5 should be physically active for at least 60 minutes each day. Encourage your child to be active and set them up for a healthy life.

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Living with osteoporosis

There is no cure for osteoporosis, but medicines and lifestyle changes can help. Find out how to manage with osteoporosis.

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Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, most teas, chocolate, energy drinks and elsewhere. It acts on the brain and nervous system and it’s addictive. If you want to reduce your caffeine intake, learn more here.

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