Making Better Health a Priority
Erik Lemieux found a "lifeline" with MOVE! and worked to build a healthier lifestyle.
With the help of the MOVE! team at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Madison, WI, Erik discovered new strategies to establish healthy eating and physical activity habits.
The Choice to Change
Erik had struggled to maintain a healthy weight for 20 years. At first, he tried to address the issue with popular diets and over-the-counter supplements, but explains that even when he did feel as if he had made some progress in managing his weight, it was always short-lived. The entire time, he shares, "I wanted to feel better and live longer. Quality of life is very important to me." When his VA provider suggested the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans, Erik decided to give it his all.
I made [MOVE!] a priority and then things fell into place.
Erik Lemieux
Beginning to MOVE!
After Erik started attending individual sessions with his MOVE! team, he soon discovered that MOVE! was unlike the diets he had tried in the past. "It is about realistic behavior changes," he shares. Instead of radical adjustments to his diet or exercise routine, MOVE! focused on the importance of making small, healthy changes that Erik could develop and sustain over time. Erik explains, "My MOVE! Dietitian trained me how to use tools for better eating and activity and it was my job to put them to use." In addition to support from his MOVE! team, Erik also received encouragement from both his wife and his friend Bob, who had himself experienced positive changes in his health with MOVE! several years before.
Staying on Track
Erik has lost 114 pounds since starting MOVE!, and has experienced multiple benefits to his overall health. "The MOVE! program is the best thing that has happened to me. I breathe better and feel better," he explains. "I feel comfortable in my body. It feels good to do long distances. It motivates me to do more. I used to be on 17 meds and now I’m on 6. I have sleep apnea and that has improved since losing weight." As he continues to work toward maintaining his healthy lifestyle, he remains mindful of the habits that have led him to success. Best of all, Erik says, "I feel like my weight loss has given me my life back…added years to my life."
