“If you stick to the program, you're going to lose weight.”

In October 2022, Army Veteran Tom Howell was diagnosed with brain cancer by doctors at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and underwent chemotherapy in the Houston VA Cancer Center. From March to June 2023, Tom then underwent stem cell treatment at the Seattle VA Medical Center.

“He survived and they say he's a miracle,” said Laura Howell, Tom’s wife. “It's been two years since the (stem cell) transplant and we got a definitive cancer-free diagnosis. We had a great team at the VA.”

However, it wasn’t smooth sailing in other areas of Tom’s health as he experienced heart and respiratory failure and weight gain. Nor was it for Laura, who experienced the emotional roller-coaster and the stresses of being a caregiver to a cancer patient.

“I ate my way through it for sure,” said Laura. “I emotionally ate my way through it. I don't do drugs, drink or smoke. So food was my baby.”

Dr. Frank Ajatta, a Houston VA primary care physician, gave the Howell’s some gentle nudging on the benefits of weight loss and with their blessing, he referred them to MOVE!, VA’s weight loss program for Veterans and their spouse/caregiver.

“Dr. Ajatta is all about being healthier and bugged us to lose weight,” said Laura with a laugh. “He said you can always improve your health if you work on your weight loss, which helps your heart, lungs and everything. We listened and heard what he was saying.”

From February to May 2025, the Howell’s participated in a 16-week MOVE! group, which meets one-hour per week and focuses on nutrition, physical activity, mindfulness and behavior change. 

“We were floundering in a junk food ocean and the (MOVE!) program gave us direction and turned us back around to making good choices,” said Tom, who served from 1974 to 1976 in Air Defense Artillery. “If you stick to the program, you're going to lose weight.”

Through lifestyle changes and an all-in commitment to MOVE!, Tom lost over 45 lbs. and Laura lost almost 60. In addition, Laura was able to improve her A1C count and both improved their blood pressure numbers.

“Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight reduces the risk of obesity related co-morbidities like hypertension, type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and arthritis, promoting a better quality of life,” said Dr. Pallavi Raja Manuri, MOVE! clinical dietitian with Houston VA. “For cancer patients, studies have also shown that weight loss does contribute to improved cancer treatment outcomes and prognosis with higher remission rates.

While commitment to weight loss is vital, Veterans also benefit from the involvement and support of their spouse/caregiver.

“They can motivate the Veteran to ensure adherence to the program curriculum and celebrate victories along the way,” she said. “Both parties benefit from their teamwork while achieving health goals.”

The Howell’s weight-loss journey isn’t over with both now participating in a monthly MOVE! group.

“If you really want to lose weight and you really want to be healthier, you can do it if you apply what the VA teaches,” said Laura. “But you have to do your part.”

Learn more about the MOVE! program: https://www.va.gov/houston-health-care/programs/move-weight-management/.