A Web site launched will allow people to read their bodies for clues as to their health and to consider possible help for any ailments.

Users of the online diagnostic tool -- www.mybodylanguage.co.uk -- face a range of questions such as "are you forgetful?," "do you crave butter?" and "have you lost your sense of humour?" from the cyber doctor.

Depending on the answer, patients are told the probable vitamin or mineral deficiency they may be suffering from, and what they should do to get rid of the symptoms.

"Body Language empowers the general public to have greater control over their own health and puts the emphasis on prevention rather than cure," one of the creators, biochemist Graham Cope, said in a statement.

Cope and co-creator Jim Campbell set up the free-to-users Web site to help people take steps to improve their health.

"We have developed the Body Language concept so that people can identify deficiencies and replenish them with healthy foodstuffs," said Cope.

Campbell, a forensic scientist, said many doctors use the same kind of thinking in their medical diagnosis as used by the Web site which gives detailed explanations as to causes and effects of health problems.