More Than Losing Weight
Santiago Salazar spent years trying to reach and maintain a healthy weight on his own. When he realized that he needed a boost, the MOVE! team at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center in Memphis, TN, was there to provide it.
A Lasting Foundation
Santiago had struggled to maintain a healthy weight for much of his life. He had tried intermittent fasting and weight loss supplements, but any results were always temporary. Along with his weight, Santiago started to experience health problems including high blood pressure and poor sleep. Dealing with those conditions "made it harder to stay active and maintain the energy I once had," he explains. Santiago brought his concerns to his VA care team, who shared the option of participating in the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans. He decided to give it a try, noting that "going it alone" hadn’t been working.
These tools and people didn’t just help me lose weight; they helped me stay consistent even on the days when my motivation was low.
Santiago Salazar
Setting Goals and Staying Accountable
Far from being on his own, Santiago found a structured, evidence-based approach enhanced by the support of his MOVE! team. They helped him learn and develop strategies that worked in him and his lifestyle. SMART goal-setting was especially valuable for Santiago, allowing him to "break down a massive goal into small wins that I could actually achieve." He also developed the awareness to manage portion sizes and choose meals and snack based on their nutritional content. The tools offered by MOVE! were a big asset for Santiago, as he used the MOVE! Coach app and MOVE! Food and Physical Activity Log to keep track and adjust his plan along the way. He also relied on the support and encouragement of his MOVE! team, including Casey Provo, Joanna Pascal, and Faith Keating, to stay motivated and accountable.
No Signs of Stopping
Santiago lost nearly 30 pounds while participating in MOVE! weekly group sessions and has experienced what he referred to as "a total transformation" in his health. His blood pressure has improved significantly along with his lab results. "My life is fundamentally different now because I no longer feel held back by my weight," he shares. "I have transitioned from being frustrated with my weight struggles to being someone who genuinely enjoys life more." He plans to continue his new, healthy lifestyle, keeping the support and accountability going through MOVE! Maintenance group. "It’s not about the weight you lose," Santiago explains, "but the life you get back."
