{"id":7418,"date":"2026-07-23T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7418"},"modified":"2026-07-23T14:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T14:30:00","slug":"going-all-in-with-va-move-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7418","title":{"rendered":"Going all in with VA MOVE! Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2026-07-23T14:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

Marine Veteran Edward Chavez turned his health around with VA\u2019s MOVE! Program, losing 40 pounds in five months<\/h2>\n

When serious health issues began to surface, Marine Veteran Edward Chavez knew he was facing a turning point in his life.<\/p>\n

Over time, several medical issues appeared, including heart complications, diabetes, high blood pressure and severe swelling in his legs. His pulse rate fluctuated unpredictably, and the reality of his condition forced him to confront a difficult truth: His health and future were at risk.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a rude awakening,\u201d Chavez shared. \u201cMy first thought was my beautiful wife. If something happened to me, what would happen to her?\u201d<\/p>\n

Encouraged by his VA primary care team, Chavez enrolled in VA\u2019s MOVE! Weight Management Program<\/a>, a comprehensive lifestyle program designed to help Veterans improve their health through nutrition, physical activity and behavior change.<\/p>\n

Chavez initially enrolled in the MOVE! program years earlier but admits he was not fully committed. This time was different.\u00a0<\/p>\n

All in<\/h2>\n
\n
<\/a>
Marine Corps Veteran Edward Chavez uses VA Video Connect for a TeleMOVE! Appointment with Sophia Martinez, TeleMOVE! Coordinator.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cI knew something had to change, and it had to be me,\u201d said Chavez. \u201cBeing committed and honest with myself, I couldn\u2019t just test the waters. I had to go all in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Through the TeleMOVE! program, Chavez participated in the 90-day course, using tools such as the MOVE! handbook, mobile app and educational resources. With support from his TeleMOVE! Care Coordinator, Sophia Martinez, a clinical dietitian at the VA Amarillo Healthcare System<\/a>. His wife also played a key role, preparing healthier meals and supporting lifestyle changes at home. That\u2019s when Chavez began making consistent, meaningful changes.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery change they asked me to make, even the little ones, I did it,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s my life and my wife\u2019s on the line.\u201d<\/p>\n

During his journey, Chavez adopted a new mindset. Instead of viewing change as temporary, he embraced it as a permanent shift in how he lives his life.<\/p>\n

Chavez lost a total of 40 pounds and 8.6% of his body weight in five months and continues to maintain his progress. Beyond weight loss, he has experienced improvements in his overall health, energy levels and confidence.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo lose 40 pounds is mind-blowing to me,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m hoping I can stop taking some medications, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

A new way of life<\/h2>\n

Today, Chavez continues to apply the strategies he learned through MOVE! remaining mindful of his choices and committed to his health.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything has changed,\u201d he said. \u201cI watch and read labels. I stay busy and active. I avoid fast food and continue living the good fight. My goal is to lose 60 more pounds.\u201d<\/p>\n

He credits his success to his wife, his VA care team and his own determination.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy wife helped me so very much,\u201d Chavez said. \u201cAnd my MOVE! coordinator was instrumental\u2014always there to help and encourage me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are very proud of the progress he has made,\u201d said Martinez. \u201cHe has been an engaged and positive participant throughout the entire program.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now, Chavez hopes his story will inspire other Veterans to take the first step.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t let those negative thoughts enter your mind,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019ve got this. You owe it to yourself. Your friends and family notice how much better you feel, and your self-esteem skyrockets. It\u2019s coming. Don\u2019t give in, and don\u2019t give up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Get involved<\/h2>\n

VA\u2019s MOVE! Weight Management program is available to eligible Veterans and provides personalized support to help them achieve sustainable, long-term health improvements.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first step for Veterans to get involved is to attend a MOVE! information session,\u201d said Martinez.\u00a0\u201cThe MOVE! information session will provide a program overview and the different options to participate in the program.\u201d<\/p>\n

For many Veterans like Chavez, it\u2019s more than a program, it\u2019s a second chance.<\/p>\n

\n

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs<\/a>. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Edward Chavez lost 40 pounds in five months through VA\u2019s MOVE! Program, gaining better health, confidence and a new outlook with family support.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":91,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7418","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-u-s-veterans-news"],"yoast_head":"\nGoing all in with VA MOVE! Program - Its Veterans<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Edward Chavez lost 40 pounds in five months through VA\u2019s MOVE! 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