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VA MOVE program pushes Veterans to the next level

Move flier
By Cody Miller, Public Affairs Specialist

For many Veterans, weight struggles are a common foe. But thanks to the VA's MOVE program, Veterans are reclaiming their health and their waistlines.

MOVE is a free, evidence-based program designed to help Veterans achieve sustainable weight loss. Supported by VA's National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (NCP), MOVE combines education, support groups, and behavior modification techniques to empower veterans to make healthy lifestyle changes.

“Improving your weight allows you to take charge of your health,” said Karen Maher, a Ralph H. Johnson Health Care System registered dietician. “Just 5% weight loss can make differences in your blood pressure, blood sugars, and joint pain just to name a few.”

MOVE offers Veterans a comprehensive approach to weight management. Participants learn about healthy eating habits, portion control, and increasing physical activity. The program also emphasizes self-monitoring skills, goal setting, and overcoming challenges.

“The VA MOVE program really helped me make better diet and exercise choices,” said Wayne Capps, retired Air Force Lt. Colonel, and recipient of the program. “It’s more about better life choices and knowing how to take care of your body. I was able to drop 34 pounds in just two months!”

MOVE isn't about fad diets or quick fixes. The program focuses on gradual, sustainable weight loss of around 5%, which can significantly improve overall health. In a long-term study submitted the National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information, participants who attended the MOVE! program session at least 3 times demonstrated significant weight loss in 1 year and 2 years, suggesting the value for ongoing support to achieve long-term weight management success in a veteran population.

“Lifestyle changes that can made to improve your health can include eating wisely and cutting extra calories, being physically active, setting obtainable goals, keeping a daily record of what you eat and your physical activity, and weighing yourself weekly,” said Maher.

The MOVE program is available at VA medical centers nationwide. With MOVE, Veterans are not just losing weight, they're taking charge of their health and well-being. MOVE is a self-referral program, Veterans can ask a provider to place a consult, they can call and ask for an appointment (843-789-6676) or send a secure message via My healthevet-MOVE Program Charleston.