News Corp Australia is launching a national campaign, 'Health of the Nation', aimed at inspiring Australians to lead a more active lifestyle. The campaign, which will run for 16 weeks across the company's state mastheads and on healthofthenation.com.au, includes dedicated content from leading health media brand Body+Soul.

Fitness expert Sam Wood is the face of the campaign and has created a free 8-week Health Club for all Australians.

The campaign seeks to address the issue of sedentary behaviour, with 50% of Australians admitting to sitting for more than 8 hours a day. A 'Health of the Nation' survey of over 3000 Australians reveals that 80% believe they need to be more active, 60% believe they are overweight, and 40% admit to being junk food junkies. Only 50% of parents play outside with their children for 1-3 hours each week, according to the survey.

The campaign is presented nationally in partnership with Woolworths and is also supported by The a2 Milk Company and sports retailer Rebel. Woolworths is focused on making healthier choices more affordable for customers and has earned the title of Australia’s healthiest own brands for the fifth year in a row according to the George Institute.

"No issue is bigger than health, and our mission is to help our millions of readers have their healthiest year yet," said Peter Blunden, News Corp Australia National Executive Editor. "We're committed to the most authoritative, engaging health advice across all platforms, from nutrition, wellness, mental health, weight loss and fitness guides to our national Health Survey and a new free Health Club for all Australians run by leading trainer Sam Wood. Our goal is to motivate readers into action and help them feel stronger and live healthier."

Sam Wood, Health of the Nation ambassador, added: “Without action, kids are at risk of becoming sitting ducks for poor health,” and “I’ve created the Health Club especially for this campaign to help Aussies jumpstart their 2024 wellness journey.

Kerrie McCallum, News Corp Australia Editorial Director - Premium Food, Health and Travel, said: "Health of the Nation has been an inspiring project to work on as we garner a real-time view of how healthy Australians really are. Based on the outcomes and needs determined from our national Health of the Nation survey, our News Health Network of brands has come together to inform and advocate for every Australian to live a healthier life. We see Body+Soul as the ultimate health companion for the long haul, where we'll be curating an extensive content guide over 16-weeks to help Australians along the journey, bridging the gap between every stage and encouraging our audience to achieve their health and wellbeing goals.”

Edith Bailey, The a2 Milk Company’s Chief Marketing Officer said: "With a strong belief in the nutritional benefits of dairy, a2 Milk® is proud to partner with the Health of the Nation initiative, motivating Australians to take strides towards better health and wellbeing."

Rosemary Martin, Rebel General Manager eCommerce and Marketing, said: "Rebel has partnered on the Health of the Nation initiative as it fully aligns with our brand vision ‘to inspire all Australians to chase their sporting dreams and passions’ and that is why we advocate for the transformative power of sport as it benefits both body and mind. Sport is Calling!”

The campaign launches this Sunday and will continue until April, with promotion across print, digital, TV and social channels.