Department of Veterans Affairs Operates MOVE! Program
The VA offers weight management support to veterans through nutrition education and physical activity guidance.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Weight Loss
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The Department of Veterans Affairs operates the MOVE! weight management program to help veterans lose weight and improve overall health. The initiative provides nutrition education, physical activity guidance, and behavioral support through individual and group sessions.
Why it matters
The program aims to help veterans manage their weight to mitigate health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. By offering various participation options, the VA seeks to improve long-term health outcomes for its veteran population.
Participants in the MOVE! program have achieved significant health milestones, including one veteran losing 35 pounds over 6 months and another reducing their A1C level to 5.4 from a pre-diabetic 6.0.
The players
Department of Veterans Affairs
This is the federal executive department that provides comprehensive healthcare services to military veterans.
Orlando VA Healthcare System
This regional healthcare network serves veterans in Florida and facilitates the local implementation of the MOVE! program.
The details
Veterans participating in the program learn to examine food labels, monitor portion sizes, and track their intake of sugar and sodium. The program connects individuals with support groups and accountability partners at VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics.
Timeline
Two years ago, Alex Moreno recorded an A1C level of 6.0.
Chip Hanson lost 35 pounds over a 6-month period.
Health Landscape
The VA's MOVE! Weight Management Program aligns with broader efforts in public health to manage chronic disease through lifestyle intervention. This approach follows a pattern set by established clinical weight management protocols for the prevention of diabetes.
Veterans can access weight management support through individual counseling, group sessions, or telehealth appointments at their local VA facility. These resources provide practical tools to track nutrition and establish sustainable health routines.
The takeaway
Weight management initiatives remain a critical tool for veterans looking to move their health metrics out of the prediabetic range. Consistent monitoring of food labels and portion sizes is often cited as a key factor in long-term success.
Further reading
Learn more about strategies for healthy living in the Weight Loss section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Military.
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