{"id":7798,"date":"2025-08-29T18:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T18:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7798"},"modified":"2025-08-29T18:30:00","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T18:30:00","slug":"100-pounds-and-counting-one-veterans-story-of-weight-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=7798","title":{"rendered":"100 pounds and counting! One Veteran\u2019s story of weight loss"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2025-08-29T18:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

Marine Corps and Army Veteran, Robert Kaczor, understands the significance of his weight loss journey.<\/p>\n

Now, 100 pounds lighter, he stands confidently with renewed energy and purpose.<\/p>\n

In October 2017, Robert discovered the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans (MOVE!) at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center (VAMC) and hasn\u2019t looked back since.<\/p>\n

Before starting the MOVE! Program, Kaczor struggled with his weight for more than 20 years. He faced numerous challenges, including managing his diet and making healthier food choices, while also coping with the grief and loneliness that followed the loss of his wife.<\/p>\n

One morning, Kaczor woke up short of breath and was hospitalized for three weeks. That health scare became the turning point he needed. Determined to make a change, he left the hospital ready to take control of his health. At his next VA appointment, he noticed a MOVE! Program display table and decided to give it a try.<\/p>\n

Discovering the program<\/h2>\n

The MOVE! Program<\/a> offers Veterans comprehensive support in their weight loss journeys. It includes resources for Whole Health, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, empowering Veterans to improve their overall well-being, not just their weight.<\/p>\n

For Kaczor, the program became more than just a tool for weight loss; it became a source of community and strength. He found moral support from fellow Veterans in the program and encouragement from his VA care team, family and friends.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can now walk without gasping for air and tackle small hills easily. I feel a thrill every time I buy clothes in smaller sizes,\u201d he shared.<\/p>\n

With the help of VA\u2019s Annie App, participation in Be Active groups and a daily routine of cardio, strength training and stability exercises, Kaczor has maintained his weight loss and is confident he won\u2019t return to old habits.<\/p>\n

He strongly encourages other Veterans to consider the MOVE! Program but emphasizes that it takes real commitment. \u201cIt\u2019s not just a stroll in the park,\u201d he said. \u201cIt requires a desire to improve your health, learning about healthy foods, changing eating habits and exercising properly. But living a positive, healthy lifestyle is possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

To learn more about the MOVE! Program, visit: MOVE! Weight Management Program Home<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n

This article was originally published on the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center site<\/a> and has been edited for style and clarity.<\/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":"

Army and Marine Veteran Robert Kaczor shares how VA\u2019s MOVE! Program helped him lose 100 pounds and gain a healthier, more active lifestyle.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":327,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7798","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community-veteran-stories"],"yoast_head":"\n100 pounds and counting! One Veteran\u2019s story of weight loss - Its Veterans<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Army and Marine Veteran Robert Kaczor shares how VA\u2019s MOVE! 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