Veteran Mollie Andrews lost 70 pounds with VA’s MOVE! Program. She previously tried other weight loss programs, including VA’s TeleMOVE !, but failed to reach her goal weight and keep it off.
Then, as she sat on the couch and watched TV, she remembered that her 30th high school reunion was approaching. This impending event caused her to do whatever she could to truly lose weight. She has joined the MOVE! Program again, as well as the program’s group sessions which helped her stay accountable and make new friends.
Andrews before MOVE! Weight loss program
Andrew’s determination and commitment was evident in her exercise and changes in healthy eating. For the exercise, Andrews committed to walking regularly. By the end of her third week of hiking, she was traveling up to six miles a day. Andrews also made changes by eating healthier, smaller meals and not drinking soda.
Andrews (photographed above after weight loss) found great support from the MOVE! Coworkers and their friends. They wanted to know how she was doing each week and wrote, emailed, and posted Facebook posts to motivate them and let them know that they were thought of often.
At the time of their high school reunion, Andrews lost 70 pounds. She enjoyed compliments from friends she hadn’t seen in 30 years. As a result, she was inspired to continue working toward her weight loss goal: to lose 30 pounds more.
She continues to eat right and exercise. In the meantime, Andrews is enjoying the benefits of her weight loss, including more energy, a better sense of yourself, a better fit, and buying smaller sizes of clothes.
Why should you consider the program?
The move! Program is a national weight management program that works. Thousands of veterans participated in the program and made it through. The program can help you lose weight, keep it off, and improve your health. You will also receive expert guidance and support.
Through the movement! Program and move! In the care team, you can reduce health risks, prevent or reverse certain diseases, improve your quality of life and even live longer.
As with veteran Andrews, the MOVE! The team will do everything possible to help you.
The program is free for veterans who are cared for in VA. There is also MOVE! Coach, a mobile app for iOS devices (iPhones and iPads) available to veterans as well as anyone interested in a health and wellness app.
To learn more about MOVE and join it! Program, go to MOVE! website and contact a program coordinator at your nearest VA Medical Center.
Samantha Owens is a communications specialist for VHA Internal Communications.
