A Lasting Accomplishment
Struggling to maintain a healthy weight, Kevin Faucett went to the VA Oklahoma City Healthcare System to find a path to change that would work for him.
A Turning Point
Kevin explains that his weight had gradually increased over the years, leading to a cycle of temporary progress followed by setbacks. By December 2023, he recognized the need for change, not only to lose weight but to improve his overall health. "I finally realized I needed to lose weight to improve other health issues related to the obesity," he shares. While he found initial success on his own, he knew he needed support to stay the course. That's when he discovered the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans through a Veterans assistance program at a local college.
The OKC VA MOVE! Program was instrumental in helping me to receive the right information, with the right support system, at the right time to jump start my weight loss/weight management goals.
Kevin Faucett
The Power of the Group
Excited to find a program that aligned with his goals, Kevin enrolled in MOVE! and found the group setting invaluable. "Having the MOVE! facilitator along with the support group was instrumental to helping keep me on track and accountable," he recalls. With MOVE!, Kevin learned strategies to improve his lifestyle and developed healthy eating and physical activity habits. He also received educational materials and resources to help him understand the connection between nutrition, exercise, and overall wellness. Armed with new knowledge and a supportive community, Kevin focused on modifying his diet, tracking his calorie intake, and using the tools MOVE! provided for him.
Achieving His Goals
Despite temporary health limitations that prevented him from exercising, Kevin successfully lost 30 pounds. "I was able to achieve my initial weight loss goals by using the food tracking log and applying weight management guidance," he explains. Kevin's progress extended beyond the numbers on the scale. He experienced significant improvements in his energy levels, mood, and sleep quality. "As a result of my weight loss, I reduced my waist 2 sizes, lost dangerous visceral fat," and gained a "renewed outlook on life in general," he shares. Now that he can exercise again, he is incorporating stretching, cardiovascular, and strengthening into his regular routine. Even after completing the program, Kevin continues to utilize the tools and strategies he learned in MOVE! He remains committed to his weight loss journey, incorporating exercise into his routine and focusing on lifestyle changes he can maintain for a long time.
