Finding Purpose and Support
Joseph Marzian knew that he needed to make a change for his health and well-being. The MOVE! team at the Robley Rex Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Louisville, KY, helped him build a plan and realize his vision.
A Family Affair
Aware that his quality of life was not what he wanted it to be, Joseph knew that losing weight would help him get there. However, he had not yet found the right path for his journey. He tried a variety of diet plans but never found one that led to lasting progress. For Joseph, the reason to change was clear. "My motivation has been, and still is, my family," he explains. "I wanted to see my grandchildren grow." Joseph’s VA care team encouraged him to try the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans, and he began a new journey with a positive outlook.
Don’t try to lose weight alone. MOVE! gives you another group of supporters.
Joseph Marzian
A Different Direction
Unlike in his previous experiences, Joseph found that MOVE!’s focus on realistic goals he could advance at his own pace helped him make progress. He began to see change in the short term and began to adopt a healthier lifestyle for good. "You’re not pressured to meet a certain goal," he explains. "You set your own goals." For Joseph, these goals included "more exercise, watching food intake, looking at calorie content, basically eating healthier." His new approach to selecting and eating different kinds of foods started him on his path to reaching his goals. He complemented these changes with an increase in physical activity to really maximize his benefit.
A New Normal
Joseph relied on the support of his wife, children, friends, and Veterans to keep him motivated and accountable throughout his journey to better health. "Sharing with other Vets has given me a purpose and support to lose weight," he reflects. Since starting MOVE!, he has lost 70 pounds and is inspired to lose even more and maintain the positive changes he’s made. Regarding his new lifestyle, he reports, "I’m exercising more. I’m more aware of what I’m eating and how it affects me. I feel better when I play golf, and my wife and I can dance 4 to 5 nights per week." By continuing to incorporate these new healthier habits, Joseph is looking forward to enjoying even more rewards and enjoy the benefits of healthy living.
