According to Public Health Research & Practice, these are the top 10 most followed Australian Twitter accounts in health and medicine (all information correct at time of writing).
1. Michelle Bridges
Follower count – 130,000
Account focus – Fitness
Best known for both her position as a trainer on The Biggest Loser and her 12 Week Body Transformation program, Michelle Bridges is one of Australia’s most well-known personal trainers and health/fitness personalities. She is the author of several books, and makes regular appearances on television shows such as Can of Worms and The Project. Her 12 Week Body Transformation Twitter page also has 41,000 followers.
2. beyondblue
Follower count – 126,000
Account focus – Mental health
beyondblue is a non-profit organisation created to help address mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, along with the issues associated with them. beyondblue is quite possibly Australia’s most notable mental health organisation, having support from a huge number of politicians, and a partnership with the AFL.
3. Better Health
Follower count – 69,700
Account focus – General health
Better Health provides health and medical information to improve the health and wellbeing of people and the communities they live in. They have been ranked the No. 1 Health and Medical Website in Australia. They are fully funded by the Victorian Government.
4. headspace
Follower count – 66,800
Account focus – Mental health
headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds, along with assistance in promoting young peoples’ wellbeing. This covers four core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services. headspace is supported by the Federal Government and have headspace centres and eheadspace available to young people needing mental health support.
5. McGrath Foundation
Follower count – 64,500
Account focus – Breast cancer
Founded in 2002 by Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath and his wife after her diagnosis and recovery from breast cancer, the McGrath Foundation’s two main goals are:
- Placement of McGrath Breast Care Nurses in as many areas and communities as possible
- Awareness in young women about breasts and breast cancer
The services of McGrath Breast Care Nurses are completely free, and currently 87% of McGrath Breast Care Nurses are in rural and regional areas.
6. Women’s Health Australia
Follower count – 54,100
Account focus – General health
A popular Australian magazine, Women’s Health covers a variety of topics including fitness, weight loss, and nutrition. It was created as an American publication in 2004, but is now published internationally in 14 different countries, including Australia, China, Germany and Turkey. It also works with female celebrities, featuring a different woman in each issue.
7. Sarah Wilson
Follower count – 43,600
Account focus – Reducing sugar
Sarah Wilson is many things; a journalist, a TV presenter, and a blogger among others. But she became hugely well-known due to her authorship of I Quit Sugar, an immensely popular book which contains tips and recipes for removing sugar from one’s diet.
8. Roz Kelly Morkel
Follower count – 36,800
Account focus – Holistic health
Formerly a reporter for Channel 9, Roz Kelly is now a “holistic health and wellness coach” living in South Africa. Holistic health is a form of alternative medicine, and Morkel uses her Twitter account to share recipes and health tips.
9. Commando Steve
Follower count – 34,500
Account focus – Fitness
Steve Willis, better known as Commando Steve, is a personal trainer best known for his position as a trainer on The Biggest Loser (alongside No.1 on this list). He was in the army for about a decade before leaving to study personal training. He is also an author.
10. Australian Government Department of Health
Follower count – 34,400
Account focus – General health
The government department charged with overseeing the multiple facets of Australia’s health system, the Department of Health attempts to improve the general health of the Australian population. Its Twitter account is a bit dry, but shares important information about topics such as mental health and organ donation.
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