Going all in with VA MOVE! Program
Marine veteran Edward Chavez turned his health around with a VA move! Program, lose 40 pounds in five months
When serious health problems began to surface, Marine veteran Edward Chavez knew he was facing a turning point in his life.
Over time, he developed several health problems, including heart complications, diabetes, high blood pressure, and severe swelling in his legs. His pulse fluctuated unpredictably, and the reality of his condition forced him to face a hard truth: his health and future were at risk.
“It was a rude awakening,” Chavez said. “My first thought was my beautiful wife. If something happened to me, what would happen to her?”
Encouraged by his VA primary care team, Chavez enrolled at the VA MOVE! Weight management programa comprehensive lifestyle program designed to help veterans improve their health through diet, physical activity and behavior change.
Chavez initially enrolled in MOVE! program years earlier, but admits he wasn’t fully committed. This time it was different.
All in
“I knew something had to change, and it had to be me,” Chavez said. “Being committed and true to myself, I couldn’t just test the waters. I had to go all in.”
Via TeleMOVE! Chavez participated in a 90-day course, using tools such as MOVE! manual, mobile app and educational resources. With the support of his TeleMOVE! Care Coordinator, Sophia Martinez, Clinical Dietitian VA Amarillo Healthcare System. His wife also played a key role, preparing healthier meals and supporting lifestyle changes at home. Then Chavez began to make consistent, significant changes.
“Every change they asked me to make, even a small one, I made it,” he said. “It’s my life and my wife is on the line.”
During his journey, Chavez adopted a new way of thinking. Instead of seeing the change as temporary, he embraced it as a permanent change in the way he lives his life.
Chavez lost a total of 40 pounds and 8.6% of his body weight in five months and continues to maintain his progress. In addition to losing weight, he experienced improvements in his overall health, energy levels and confidence.
“To lose 40 pounds is amazing to me,” he said. “Hopefully I can get off some of the medication as well.”
A new way of life
Today, Chavez continues to apply the strategies he learned through MOVE! taking care of your choices and committed to your health.
“Everything has changed,” he said. “I watch and read labels. I stay busy and active. I avoid junk food and keep living the good fight. My goal is to lose another 60 pounds.”
He credits his wife, his VA care team and his own determination for his success.
“My wife helped me a lot,” Chavez said. “And my MOVE! coordinator was crucial – always there to help and encourage me.”
“We’re very proud of the progress he’s made,” Martinez said. “He was an engaged and positive participant throughout the program.”
Now Chavez hopes his story will inspire other veterans to take the first step.
“Don’t let those negative thoughts enter your mind,” he said. “You’ve got this. You owe it to yourself. Your friends and family are noticing how much better you feel and your confidence is skyrocketing. It’s coming. Don’t give in and don’t give up.”
Get involved
VA’s MOVE! The Weight Management Program is available to eligible veterans and provides personalized support to help them achieve sustainable, long-term health improvements.
“The first step for veterans to get involved is to attend a MOVE! information session,” Martinez said. “The MOVE! information session will provide an overview of the program and various options for participating in the program.”
For many veterans like Chavez, it’s more than a program, it’s a second chance.
