Marine Corps and Army Veteran, Robert Kaczor, understands the significance of his weight loss journey.
Now, 100 pounds lighter, he stands confidently with renewed energy and purpose.
In October 2017, Robert discovered the MOVE! Program (Managing Obesity for Veterans Everywhere) at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center (VAMC) and hasn’t looked back since.
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.
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.
Discovering the program
The MOVE! Program 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.
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.
“I can now walk without gasping for air and tackle small hills easily. I feel a thrill every time I buy clothes in smaller sizes,” he shared.
With the help of VA’s 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’t return to old habits.
He strongly encourages other Veterans to consider the MOVE! Program but emphasizes that it takes real commitment. “It’s not just a stroll in the park,” he said. “It 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.”
To learn more about the MOVE! Program, visit: MOVE! Weight Management Program Home.
This article was originally published on the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center site and has been edited for style and clarity.
Topics in this story
More Stories
Maggie DeRee has a 25-year relationship with VA, clocking in nearly 28,000 volunteer hours.
Breast cancer affects one in eight women in their lifetime, and some men as well.
Army Veteran William Huff credits VA for turning his life around.
I started the Move Program in March of 2024 and a couple of months later started Zepbound shots and have lost 87lbs.
Not long after I started the Move Program my Dr told me to stop taking my BP meds because I don’t need them any more.
I’ve gone down from XXL shirts to L and from 42 in my waist to 36.
I highly recommend the program and the shots for obvious reasons.
I too have struggled with weight loss even when on active duty. Never failed a fitness test. I still am physically active.
I am now retired from active duty. I am compensated by VA for cardiac condition linked to Agent Orange. Wygovy was a godsend to me yet Tricare for life just took that away on August 31st after 3 weeks notice. I now will try to pay the $500/month to protect my health. All the VA will offer me is another “fat boy” program. No thanks!
I have lost 108 pounds and taking Wegovy. I look and feel so much better.
I’m enrolled in the move program also. My nutritionist/dietitian in Hinesville is very positive, knowledgeable and helpful when it comes assisting me with my weight goals. Since I have a myriad of health issues ( MS, RA, fibromyalgia, DJD etc) the topiramate, phentermine and my pain medication kept my weight at a great place. I was taken off my pain medication and my phentermine was delayed for 2 months and my weight was at a stand still. Since being off the meds, I can’t move my body like I was use too. I’ve gained weight even though I’m still trying to exercise and eat right. I still don’t have my pain medication (which I’ve been on for 18 years without any problems ) helped control my weight loss until I was abruptly taken off by an idiot that knows nothing about me or my health issues. The meds helped control my pain, enabled me to exercise, dance and move my limbs. Needless to say my weight increased and I’m unable to get around or move around. Hopefully my meds will be given back to me so I can resume my weight loss goal. I’m miserable now and all I do is lay around all day everyday. Pain management said I need pain medication keep management not injections, procedures or other needles going in my spine or neck. I’ve had 23 operations on my body and the medication I was own helped control my weight, which is something a person with MS requires. Weight loss is essential in maintaining my weight loss goal. I can always depend on on my dietitian to give me positive energy and encouragement when it comes to losing weight ( recipes, articles and words of encouragement. ) Thank you Ms. Aileen (Hinesville, Va) for all of your support.