News Australia has launched the third annual Health of the Nation, a four week editorial campaign to inspire Australians to establish and sustain healthy habits that deliver tangible, long-term health benefits.
Woolworths returns for the third consecutive year as presenting partner, with supporting partner Anytime Fitness joining Health of the Nation for the first time. Championed by News’ health media brand Body+Soul, together with news.com.au, the campaign is informed by this year’s Health of the Nation report, a survey of more than 3,000 Australians.
Results reveal happiness remains the number one wellbeing goal for 2026, followed by a cross-generational shift towards longevity, with “staying healthy as I age” emerging as the second-biggest health goal, ahead of weight management, mental health and appearance.
Longevity and healthy ageing now sit among the top five motivations to get and keep fit and to eat well, and 45 per cent of Aussies say healthy ageing is why they’re drinking less alcohol.
Functional nutrition is surging, with nearly two-thirds (68 per cent) eating with at least one health goal in mind—such as gut health, energy, immunity and mental health—reflecting a proactive approach that treats food as a tool to fine-tune both mind and body. Dieting motivations have also shifted to more holistic goals, including healthy ageing (26 per cent), hormone balance (20 per cent) and mental focus (19 per cent).
“As a brand, Body+Soul cares deeply about creating content that will shape a healthier Australia. This year’s comprehensive Health of the Nation report reveals some of the biggest shifts in the country’s physical and mental wellbeing, along with the trends making major waves, from the rise of functional eating and ongoing demand for strength training to longevity as a primary health goal,” said Body+Soul content director Jacqui Mooney.
“These insights have allowed our editorial team to hone in on what matters most, delivering practical ways to help Australians feel fitter, stronger and happier long-term. Over the next four weeks and beyond, we’ll roll out tips, tools and techniques from leading experts across Body+Soul’s print, digital, social and video channels to make 2026 our audience’s healthiest year yet.”
As the Fresh Food People, Woolworths is supporting Health of the Nation for a third year and, according to managing director, Woolworths Retail, Annette Karantoni, is strongly committed to
making health easier for Australians.
“We know that health is a priority for our customers, alongside price and quality,” she said.
“Australians want access to simple, affordable and healthier options. Beyond the fantastic fresh food produced by farmers across the country, we also work with many other suppliers—focusing on great new product innovation, to bring healthier options to our supermarket shelves at great prices.
“Our commitment to helping Australians live healthier lives is exactly what Health of the Nation is all about, and we’re proud to again be supporting this important campaign.”
“As Australia’s largest gym network, we see first-hand how health, fitness, nutrition and mental wellbeing are interconnected. Working with Body+Soul on this year’s campaign is a natural fit for Anytime Fitness, and we’re proud to support a national conversation driving stronger, healthier outcomes across Australia,” added Anytime Fitness chief brand and marketing officer Caitlin Bancroft.
Through written, video and interactive storytelling, the editorial series will explore demographic perspectives that enhance people’s understanding of both their own health profiles and the broader
health of the nation.
The Health of the Nation campaign runs across healthofthenation.com.au and Body+Soul in The Sunday Telegraph (NSW), Sunday Herald Sun (VIC), The Sunday Mail (QLD), Sunday Mail (SA),
Sunday Tasmanian (TAS) and news.com.au.
A consumer marketing campaign will support Health of the Nation, with promotion across digital, print, video and social channels.
