Dietary fats

The body needs some fats and oils as part of a balanced diet. But some fats (unsaturated fats) are healthier than others (saturated and trans fats).

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How to reduce visceral body fat (hidden fat)

Visceral or 'toxic’ fat is the harmful fat around your heart and abdominal organs. Learn how to tell if you have visceral fat and how to manage it.

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Is butter really better?

Butter is back in fashion because it's 'all natural', but since it's high in fat, is it healthier than margarine? And what about cholesterol-lowering spreads?

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Full-fat dairy is OK, says the Heart Foundation, but watch your meat intake

The Heart Foundation has softened its advice on full-fat milk, yoghurt and cheese for healthy Australians, but warns against eating too much red meat.

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Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood and are usually measured along with cholesterol. Find out more about the impact of high triglyceride levels and how to lower them.

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Cholesterol and lipid tests

Read about cholesterol (or lipid profile) blood tests, which look at cholesterol and other fats in your blood, and what the results mean.

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Epigastric hernia repair (adult)

An epigastric hernia is where fat pushes out through a weakness in the wall of your abdomen. Surgery can be performed to rectify the condition.

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How to lower your cholesterol

High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, but lifestyle changes and sometimes medicines can lower your levels of bad LDL cholesterol.

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Junk food and your health

Eating junk food, and having sweet drinks, can lead to short and long-term health complications such as weight gain, diabetes and heart problems.

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Liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure. It’s used to reshape your body by removing fat. You can read more about liposuction here.

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Healthy eating over 60

As your body changes over time, so do your nutritional needs. Here's how to get enough fibre, vitamins, minerals and more in your diet as you age.

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Fatty liver

Fatty liver disease might not cause any symptoms, but it can lead to health problems. Learn how to change your lifestyle to prevent fatty liver.

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Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance made by your body and also found in food. It is needed for good health, but too much can increase your risk of heart disease.

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How to read food labels

Food labels contain detailed nutrition information about packaged foods. Learn how to make informed decisions when shopping for food for your family.

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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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Foods high in vitamin E

Vitamin E is found in fats and oils from both animal products and vegetables and seeds. Learn more here, including how much vitamin E you need.

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The truth about exercise and eating junk food!

A healthy diet and regular exercise — you can’t have one without the other. Get tips on how you can be more consistent with your health.

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Ketogenic diet

A ketogenic or 'keto' diet is very low in carbohydrates. It is sometimes used as a complementary treatment — like for epilepsy in children.

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Foods high in vitamin A

Vitamin A plays an important role in keeping you well and maintaining a healthy immune system. Here's how to include enough vitamin A in your diet.

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Dairy foods

Dairy foods such as milk, yoghurt and cheese are rich sources of many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, which is essential to bone health.

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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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How to build the perfect kids' lunch box

Children consume about 30% of their food at school, so a healthy lunch is important for good nutrition. Preparing the perfect lunch box is easier than you might think.

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Lipoedema

Lipoedema is an incurable condition featuring an abnormal build up of fatty tissue usually in the legs. It causes pain and swelling. Learn to help manage it.

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Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference

Learn how to calculate your body mass index (BMI) and measure your waist circumference. These measurements tell you if you are a healthy weight.

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Blepharoplasty

A blepharoplasty is an operation to make your eyelids appear younger and may improve your vision.

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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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Breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue flap

A breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue is an operation to recreate a breast shape. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

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Healthy eating for children

Healthy eating helps kids stay well and helps prevent illness. Read on for tips on how to encourage healthy eating habits in children, and lay good foundations for healthy eating throughout life.

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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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Glycaemic index (GI)

The glycaemic index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrate foods based on their immediate effect on blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. Learn more here.

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