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.
Overweight or obesity are described as weight that is greater than what is considered healthy for a person’s height. This definition can vary from person to person. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a screening tool for adult overweight and obesity. It is calculated using a weight to height ratio. BMI does not indicate you have a specific health condition or reflect how much fat you have. It can be a useful starting point for learning about your health. Talk with your health care provider to learn more.
A person’s body weight is affected by many factors. These include:
- Eating patterns: what, how much, and how often you eat and drink.
- Physical activity: how much you move your body.
- Sleep: the quality of your sleep and how long you sleep can affect your food, beverage, and activity choices.
- Genetics: certain genes can alter how hungry you feel.
- Medicines: some medicines can cause weight changes.
- Environment: where you live, learn, work, and play can affect what and how much you eat and drink.
- Society: your culture, education, and the pressure that you experience from peers and the media can affect what and how much you eat and drink.
Overweight and obesity may contribute to:
- Low energy: many people with higher body weight report having low energy.
- Pain: low back and knee pain are common in people with higher body weight.
- Poor sleep: trouble sleeping is often linked with higher body weight. It can cause problems with how you feel during the day and may lead to other health problems.
- Chronic diseases: higher body weight can lead to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, many types of cancer, and other conditions.
If you have a higher body weight, losing 5%-10% of your current weight can improve these symptoms. Keeping a weight that is healthy for you can help you feel good and have energy to do the things you want to do.
VA’s MOVE!® Weight Management Program for Veterans can help you adopt a healthy lifestyle, meet your health goals, and manage your weight. Participating in MOVE! can increase your ability and confidence to make healthy behavior, nutrition, and physical activity changes.
If you have a higher body weight, losing 5%-10% of your weight can improve your health. Keeping a weight that is healthy for you can help you feel good and have energy to do the things you want to do.
With the help of your MOVE! care team, you can:
- improve your quality of life, and even live longer
- reduce health risks
- prevent or reverse certain diseases
VA also offers weight management medicines and surgery. These options can be helpful when used along with lifestyle changes that are part of MOVE!. Talk with your health care team to learn more about these choices and how they can help you meet your goals.
If you are interested in weight management and healthy living, speak to your primary care provider or VA health care team. You may also contact your local VA health facility, and ask for the MOVE!® Program.
If you're not enrolled in VA health care, you can apply now. Learn how to apply for VA health care.
We work to provide you with the right care at the right time and location for you. We provide your care at the VA facility closest to your home that has the know-how to manage your needs. If you need a high level of specialized care, you may need to travel to the VA facility that can provide that care. Virtual care may also be an option.
VA recommends that you get screened every year for overweight and obesity. To get screened, talk with your VA health care provider.
These issues are common among Veterans and all Americans. Rates have increased in both groups over recent decades.
People who have higher Body Mass Index (BMI) are at increased risk for serious diseases and health conditions, including:
- High blood pressure
- High total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides
- Type 2 diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Osteoarthritis (a breakdown of cartilage and bone within a joint)
- Sleep apnea and breathing problems
- Different types of cancer
- Low quality of life
- Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions
- Body pain and difficulty with physical functioning
Overweight and obesity are also linked with a higher overall chance of death.
Working towards a weight that is healthy for you can help you feel good and have energy to do the things you want to do. It can also help you prevent and manage many chronic health conditions.
To aim for a healthy body weight:
- Talk with your health care team about your goals and to identify what is healthy for you.
- Move more during your day. Try to include at least 2½ hours each week of moderate activity that makes you breathe a little harder and sweat a little, such as walking, gardening, slow biking, or hand cycling.
- Eat when you are hungry, pay attention to when you are full, and look for foods that you enjoy, such as vegetables and fruit for fiber and lean protein options.
- To track your progress, weigh yourself at least weekly and keep a log of your food and activity.
Some conditions, including obesity, may qualify you for VA disability compensation. If you have certain related health problems, you may also be eligible for compensation for those conditions.
Learn how to file a claim for disability compensation or increased compensation.
You can also get help from a VA accredited representative or Veteran Service Officer (VSO) to file a claim or request a decision review. Find a VA accredited representative or VSO today.
