Nutrition Services. Your healthy weight is likely to be quite different from anyone else.

A variety of factors influence your weight, including your genes which play a role in determining your body size and shape, physical activity, and the food you eat.

Whether your weight is healthy depends on where your body fat is located, how much of your weight is fat, and whether you have weight-related health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Are you apple-shaped with more fat on your upper body (around your abdomen), or pear-shaped with fat gathering around your lower body (on the buttocks and thighs? "Excess weight below the waist creates a pear-shaped body and does not appear to pose as much risk for weight-related health problems as weight carried above the waist,'' the Department says.

"Being underweight is linked with heart problems, lowered resistance to infection, chronic fatigue, anaemia, depression and other illnesses.

"The good news is that healthy eating and exercise habits can help to prevent these illnesses,'' according to department.

Managing your weight plays a vital role in achieving and maintaining good health while enhancing the quality of your life.

Preparation key to successful surgery GETTING READY -- A patient is prepared for surgery in King Edward VII Memorial Hospital's induction room in its new wing. The room features muralson the ceiling to help patients to relax prior to surgery.