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MOVE! Weight Management Program

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Q and A

Below are the most commonly asked questions about the MOVE! Program. If you have additional questions about the program, please discuss them with the MOVE! team at your VA medical facility.

MOVE!
What is MOVE!?
MOVE! is VA's national weight management program developed for Veterans by the National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (NCP). MOVE! is an evidence-based self-management program that focuses on health and wellness through healthy eating, physical activity, and behavior change. MOVE! can help you lose weight, keep it off, and improve your health. Every VA Medical Center has a dedicated MOVE! Coordinator who is available to assist you. If you are interested in losing weight and want to participate in MOVE!, talk to your local MOVE! Coordinator or VA provider who can help you get started.

Listen to the Fresh Focus Podcast to hear from VA staff about participating in MOVE! Start with "What is the MOVE! Program?" then listen to the other episodes for a sneak peek into topics covered in MOVE! NOTE: MOVE! program options may be different at your VA medical center.
Availability
Does my VA have a MOVE! Program?
All VA Medical Centers and many VA Community-based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) offer MOVE!. Contact the nearest VA facility to inquire about program availability.
Participation and Program Cost
I am a Veteran but I don't go to the VA for my health care. Can I participate in MOVE!?
Only Veterans receiving care in the VA can enroll in the MOVE! Program. However the MOVE!11 questionnaire, found on the MOVE! website, can be taken by anyone. It produces a report that is individualized and includes a list of recommended resources. The questionnaire also produces a report for health care providers. You can take this report to your provider for further advice on weight management. MOVE! Coach is an app for iOS and Android devices. The app can be downloaded and used by Veterans and non-Veterans, and encompasses the main principles of the MOVE! program in 16 modules.
I am not a Veteran. Can I participate in MOVE!?
Only Veterans receiving care in the VA can enroll in MOVE!. You are welcome to use any materials available on the MOVE! website.
I am a Veteran and considering participating in MOVE!. Can my spouse/partner participate with me?
For many, support from family members or friends is an important part of achieving weight management goals. Talk with your facility MOVE! Coordinator about how your family member may be able to help!
Is there a charge to participate in MOVE!?
No, the MOVE! Program is free of charge for Veterans.
MOVE!11
What is the MOVE!11?
The MOVE!11 questionnaire has 11 questions for you to answer about your health history, what you eat and drink, your physical activity and what you think may be getting in the way of managing your weight.

After you complete the MOVE!11 questionnaire, you will have the option to print a patient report. The report has a code at the top of the first page. You can bring the printed patient report or the code to your appointment with your VA health care team if you would like to share your report with them as part of your discussion and planning.
Nutrition
I am looking for a calorie counter. Can you recommend a resource?
Self-monitoring is an important tool and evidence shows that keeping track of the calories in your food and drink can help you manage your weight. There are many calorie counters available on the internet and on mobile devices. Consider doing an online search for “the best calorie counter websites or apps” to determine which ones are best for you. We suggest using sites, tools or apps from evidence-based sources such as Health Finder, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Some calorie counter sites or apps have a charge for their service, and this may affect your choice.
Physical Activity/Pedometers
Can I be physically active without having a gym membership or a personal fitness trainer?
Yes, you can! Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving more and sitting less. You can be active in your home and yard doing your daily routine. This may include housework, yardwork, and walking the dog. You can be active in the community by visiting a park or trail, recreation center, pool or by participating in sports with others. You may choose to view a video, follow along with books or photos, or be active with friends and family. Your MOVE! team will also share more ideas with you about ways to increase your activity.
Do I need to use a pedometer?
Some MOVE! programs provide pedometers to participants. You can also use a variety of activity tracking devices including a smartphone or smartwatch, a fitness tracker or health watch, mobile apps, etc. If you have questions, you can ask your MOVE! team to help you choose a device to suit your needs and preferences.
Do I have to have my doctor's permission before I begin exercising?
Being active is safe for almost everyone, and the health benefits far outweigh the risks. If you have symptoms such as chest pain or pressure, dizziness, or joint pain, or are concerned about a chronic condition, talk to your health care team before increasing activity.
Waist Circumference
What is waist circumference or abdominal girth, and why is it important?
Waist circumference or abdominal girth is the measure around your waist. For people with a BMI between 25 and 30, it is the most practical way to determine if you are at increased risk for developing health problems.
Weight Loss Medications
Are weight loss medications used with the MOVE! Program?
Some Veterans participating in MOVE! may benefit from the use of weight loss medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. To learn more, talk to your VA provider or local MOVE! Coordinator.
Bariatric Surgery
Is weight loss surgery available?
Metabolic Bariatric Surgery is a treatment option that may be helpful for some Veterans. To learn more, please contact your healthcare provider or VA medical facility MOVE! team.

 

The Power of Change... For the Long Term

Silvio Di Gregorio

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