A journey to health: David's story of transformation at the Jackson VA

Determination from Heartbreak

For David, the experience that motivated him to change his lifestyle and pursue better health was a visit from his grandson. "I live alone," he shares, "and was excited that my grandson was coming for the summer. I had planned to go different places and do different things with him." David soon found that it was difficult to maintain those plans, however. "My knees were swollen, and I wasn't in the best of health," he recalls. Moving was difficult, and he lacked energy. His grandson soon asked to go home, and once he did, David realized enough was enough. "My mind was made up," he explains. "The weight had to go." David had tried the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans twice before, but began again with new conviction to change for the long term.

Finding His Support

After starting MOVE! again, David began adjusting both his eating and physical activity habits. For David, MOVE! was effective in inspiring lasting change because it stressed repetition of healthy behaviors, provided useful information about the foods that would help him on his journey, and offered him support from his MOVE! team. In addition to encouragement from the MOVE! team and his family, David leaned on his faith to help him stay committed to his lifestyle change. "I sought guidance from God and asked that He lead my every step, and I feel that He has," David explains.

The Benefits of Better Health

Since starting MOVE!, David has lost 125 pounds! This weight loss has produced many health benefits. He has drastically reduced his required medications for blood pressure and diabetes and feels that his chronic knee pain has decreased. Most importantly, however, David is now able to spend more time with his grandson, which he shares is the joy of his life. With a healthy lifestyle and positive mindset, David looks forward to a future of maintaining his success.