diff --git a/init.lua b/init.lua
index 5b0d2d4..7b52933 100644
--- a/init.lua
+++ b/init.lua
@@ -1,9 +1,10 @@
 local hotbar_size = minetest.setting_get("hotbar_size") or 16
+local health_visible = minetest.setting_getbool("hotbar_health_visible") or false
 
 minetest.register_on_joinplayer(function(player)
 	player:hud_set_hotbar_itemcount(hotbar_size)
 
-	player:hud_set_flags({crosshair = true, hotbar = true, healthbar = true, wielditem = true, breathbar = true})
+	player:hud_set_flags({crosshair = true, hotbar = true, healthbar = health_visible, wielditem = true, breathbar = true})
 	player:hud_set_hotbar_image("hud_hotbar.png")
 	player:hud_set_hotbar_selected_image("hud_hotbar_selected.png")
 end)