Veteran loses 150 pounds with MOVE! program

Pamela Merritt, 65, coped with obesity for years, facing numerous health challenges because of her weight. With a six-year old granddaughter and a daughter eagerly anticipating her mother walking her down the aisle, Merritt made a life-changing decision to join VA’s MOVE! program at Durham VA.

The program transformed her dietary habits and incorporated physical activity into her daily activities, fostering a healthier lifestyle.

“I recognized the need for change, for my well-being and overall health. The MOVE! program provided the essential support and resources to kickstart my journey toward a healthier life,” she shared.

MOVE! assists Veterans to achieve clinically meaningful weight loss to improve their health and reduce their risk for chronic health conditions. It features a comprehensive lifestyle intervention that provides Veterans support to make changes to their eating patterns, increase physical activity and use strategies to make these life changes.

Merritt’s path to success was not without obstacles. She faced setbacks and moments of doubt along the way. But fueled by determination and the encouragement of fellow Veterans, VA staff and her devoted daughter, she persevered.

“I learned to read food labels and discovered exercises.”

“I was skeptical about my ability to lose weight, given my long-standing struggle. Yet, under the guidance of physiologist David Warfield and other VA officials, I learned to read food labels and discovered exercises personalized to my physical limitations,” she said.

The unwavering support from her daughter and the VA community propelled her forward. Her daughter’s words served as a powerful motivator: “Mom, you got right back up after falling. You wouldn’t have been able to do that two years ago. I am so proud of you.”

Merritt is pictured above with her daughter, Shamika White.

After months of hard work, Merritt achieved a remarkable milestone, losing 150 pounds.

“I feel like a new person. I’ve transitioned from a size 26-plus to a size 17,” she added.

If you would like to learn more about how MOVE! has helped Veterans improve their health and their lives, visit MOVE! and Get Started – MOVE! Weight Management Program.