A New Course for Better Health
Working with the MOVE! team at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, Paul Black developed new habits that became the foundation for losing weight and improving his health.
A Permanent Solution
Paul’s experience with losing weight had been one of ups and downs. "Each time, I gained back more weight than I lost," he recalls. His VA primary care provider recommended the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans as a new direction for his weight loss efforts. Unlike the short-term diets that Paul had tried in the past, which he felt focused on restricting food, MOVE! provided a comprehensive lifestyle intervention that helped him progress toward his goals.
Try the MOVE! program. There is much to gain and nothing to lose except a little weight.
Paul Black
A New Lifestyle
Participating in MOVE! group sessions, Paul developed a new, healthier way of looking at food which resulted in food and beverage choices that helped him reach his weight loss goals. "I have changed my eating habits," he explains. "I eat balanced meals and cut out drinks with sugar, like sodas. I eat more fruit and vegetables and choose vegetables for snacks instead of chips." Paul also regularly tracks his progress by weighing every day and managing his portions. This way he makes sure to afford himself the flexibility to enjoy favorites like ice cream and pie and still stay on track toward his goals.
Embracing the Next Challenge
Paul has lost 50 pounds since starting MOVE! and has noticed improvements to his health. He shares, "It is not just about the weight. My annual physical...showed my labs improved to levels where I may be able to stop some prescription medications." He plans to lose more weight, adding up his short term goals over time to reach his final target. He has embraced his new, healthy habits and is looking forward to incorporating more physical activity into his routine. "I have lots of pain and need some surgery that will hopefully help with that," he reports. "Then I may be able to walk without my walker." Equipped with the right tools and a positive mindset, Paul is on track for success.
