What to do if you are underweight

Being underweight could lead to health problems such as a weak immune system and bone fractures. Discover the causes, symptoms and when to get help.

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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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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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Gastric bypass surgery

Gastric bypass surgery helps you lose weight by changing how your stomach and small intestine absorb food. It is usually very effective.

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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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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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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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Lumbar spine

Your lumbar spine lets you move, supports you and protects your spinal cord. Injury is common. Prevent it by handling loads safely and being active.

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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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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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Garcinia cambogia

Garcinia cambogia is a tropical fruit with claims to help weight loss. Separate myth from facts and follow links to other ways of managing weight.

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Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental illness and an eating disorder: It is not a choice. Find out more about the symptoms and treatment of anorexia.

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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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Anaemia medicines

Anaemia medicine is mostly used to treat iron-deficiency anaemia. Learn how this medicine works, who takes it and associated side effects.

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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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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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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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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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Hormonal system

The endocrine (hormonal) system influences your metabolism, growth and other functions. Learn more about what it is and related conditions.

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Calcium channel blockers (CCB)

Find out what the most common types of calcium channel blockers are used for, how they work and any side effects associated with taking them.

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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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Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is when the tissue on the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed. It commonly causes heel pain. Learn how to manage the pain here.

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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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Joint pain and swelling

Joint pain and swelling can affect any joint in the body and often accompanied by stiffness and aches. Learn more about managing pain and living well.

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'Morning after' pill (emergency contraception pill)

The 'morning after' pill is a type of emergency contraception. It can be used within a few days of unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

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Skin tags (acrochordons)

Skin tags are small growths on the skin. Most are harmless and generally don’t cause pain, but if one is bothering you, ask your doctor about removal.

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Baker’s cysts

Baker's cysts are caused by fluid that comes from the knee joint. Here's how to treat the symptoms once diagnosed, and respond to complications.

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Knee injuries

It can be easy to injure your knee and cause a strain or sprain. Find out how knee injuries are treated and can be managed at home.

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How to improve your posture

Good posture is important. Here are some tips and exercises to follow so you can improve your posture both in the workplace and at home.

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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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