Learning How to Change
For Isaac Dede, education about healthy lifestyle choices was vital in building a new routine and losing weight.
Isaac worked with the MOVE! team at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center in Palo Alto, CA, to make small, manageable changes to his eating and physical activity habits.
A Promising Start
Isaac shares that his motivation to change began in November 2023, when he decided that he didn't want to gain any additional weight. "One of the big things that my weight affected was my sleep," he explains, but that wasn't the only issue. "I was told I was pre-diabetic and just generally had low energy and other health problems." Isaac began weighing his food portions and being more mindful of his choices. He soon lost some weight, but his progress stalled out. Isaac's provider suggested that the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans could provide the guidance and support he needed to continue his efforts.
Education is just as important, if not more, as implementing changes. Without it, it's like you are flying blind.
Isaac Dede
A Surprising Turn
"I actually thought it was going to be a workout program," Isaac shares. "When I learned I wouldn't be working out and instead would just be talking about things and learning weight loss techniques and lifestyle management changes I was initially disappointed, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed." While Isaac did supplement his physical activity with Be Active and MOVE!, he learned strategies to make healthier food and beverage choices in his group sessions. For Isaac, learning how to track his food and physical activity regularly was a major help. He also learned how to easily add small moments of activity into his day, such as parking farther away, taking the stairs, and even riding his bike.
A Positive Future
In the months since he started MOVE!, Isaac has lost nearly 40 pounds. He reports that he's stronger and able to move more, which allowed him to enjoy using a paddle board during a recent family reunion. He's also excited to discover other activities he can enjoy more thoroughly now that he's lost weight and has more energy. Isaac is grateful for the support he received from his girlfriend, friends, and other Veterans in MOVE! and is paying it forward by inspiring family members to improve their health. He now lives a life full of simple, healthy habits that will help him continue his journey toward his goals.
