Marine Veteran Edward Chavez turned his health around with VA’s MOVE! Program, losing 40 pounds in five months
When serious health issues began to surface, Marine Veteran Edward Chavez knew he was facing a turning point in his life.
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.
“It was a rude awakening,” Chavez shared. “My first thought was my beautiful wife. If something happened to me, what would happen to her?”
Encouraged by his VA primary care team, Chavez enrolled in VA’s MOVE! Weight Management Program, a comprehensive lifestyle program designed to help Veterans improve their health through nutrition, physical activity and behavior change.
Chavez initially enrolled in the MOVE! program years earlier but admits he was not fully committed. This time was different.
All in
“I knew something had to change, and it had to be me,” said Chavez. “Being committed and honest with myself, I couldn’t just test the waters. I had to go all in.”
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. His wife also played a key role, preparing healthier meals and supporting lifestyle changes at home. That’s when Chavez began making consistent, meaningful changes.
“Every change they asked me to make, even the little ones, I did it,” he said. “It’s my life and my wife’s on the line.”
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.
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.
“To lose 40 pounds is mind-blowing to me,” he said. “I’m hoping I can stop taking some medications, too.”
A new way of life
Today, Chavez continues to apply the strategies he learned through MOVE! remaining mindful of his choices and committed to his health.
“Everything has changed,” he said. “I 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.”
He credits his success to his wife, his VA care team and his own determination.
“My wife helped me so very much,” Chavez said. “And my MOVE! coordinator was instrumental—always there to help and encourage me.”
“We are very proud of the progress he has made,” said Martinez. “He has been an engaged and positive participant throughout the entire program.”
Now, Chavez hopes his story will inspire other Veterans to take the first step.
“Don’t let those negative thoughts enter your mind,” he said. “You’ve got this. You owe it to yourself. Your friends and family notice how much better you feel, and your self-esteem skyrockets. It’s coming. Don’t give in, and don’t give up.”
Get involved
VA’s MOVE! Weight Management program is available to eligible Veterans and provides personalized support to help them achieve sustainable, long-term health improvements.
“The first step for Veterans to get involved is to attend a MOVE! information session,” said Martinez. “The MOVE! information session will provide a program overview and the different options to participate in the program.”
For many Veterans like Chavez, it’s more than a program, it’s a second chance.
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Upon completion of the “MOVE” Tela video program and scripting “WEGOVY” I have presently lost 85# with no side effects since Jan 01 2026 [7 months]! I am not a diabetic and use WEGOVY just for weight loss!!!
Well done my brother, I’ve completed MOVE program twice the first I lost 20pds 3yrs later 8 was given a scale and book to follow that made it a lot more helpful lost 30pds
I need this. I have lost and gained 40 pounds many times, now I just want to lose 25 to hit healthy BMI. I don’t care about being “skinny” anymore at the age of 67. I don’t run marathons any longer, which always helped me keep the weight off. I walk about 3-4 miles a day and swim laps at the base pool once or twice a week, and I have free weights I use at home. I just eat too much.
This move program and his issues sound awfully familiar to me. I have a meeting set this month with a V.A. dietitian to discuss losing weight. I’ll certainly be talking with her about this experience. Thank you, Mr. Chavez. You have been an inspiration to me. William
I went through this program with little outcome for myself.
And I lost over 60# on the Move Program. I meet with a lead pharmacist on a phone call every 4 weeks to monitor my weight loss. I have to buy more clothes, belt and shoes. I recommend this program to use Zepbound once a week. Thank you Move!
“Move” program is a great program! Worked for me, I lost about 25 pounds on program, then continued with what I learned losing another 25 and am now stabilized at a comfortable weight!
Did he lose 40 pounds with Terzepatide (GLP)?
I also attended M OVE weighted in at 216 now I’m at 169.1.
I enjoyed the MOVE Program when I was enrolled in 2012 or 2013. I enjoyed the handouts that I received and was able to print, they were very helpful. This new MOVE is just not satisfying to me. I learned hardly anything.
Well, I guess they won’t post my comment because I questioned what is the weight loss drug that this veteran was given it was probably Zepbound and the reason why they wouldn’t list that as the drug given is because they don’t want other veterans asking for that drug because after all veterans at third class citizens and I’m entitled to that type of drug yeah and I was questioning the mortality rate amongst older veterans who get all their care through the VA so I guess we’re not supposed to question things like that but if I was an older veteran 65 or old and getting all my camp for the VA, I definitely would start questioning that
Isn’t it strange how this article doesn’t mention the weight loss medication this veteran is taking. I’m sure it’s Zepbound. And the reason it’s not mention is the VA doesn’t want veterans requesting this medication for weight loss, even though there are so many veterans out there that if they were seeing doctors that do not work for the VA they would fall under the criteria for receiving this medication. The only reason why they cannot get it from the VA is because of the strict unreasonable criteria the VA has with this medication. . You see veterans at third class citizens they don’t get new medications like this. They don’t get medication. That could extend their life. Because if you extend the life of a veteran, you actually are costing the government money money. The government would rather see their older veterans and their overweight, sickly veterans die because then they don’t have to pay them any kind of benefits. It’s a way of cutting cost. I know the following statement will sound rather paranoid, but have you ever one day if there is a secret quota given to certain doctors regarding how many older veterans should be knocked off every year so that they can cut back on the expense of benefits paid to veterans especially older veterans we’re talking 65 and above and and I have to wonder what is the mortality rate for veterans 65 and above when they’re so care is provided by the VA I have a feeling it’s actually higher than when they have care outside of the VA. Ever noticed when you start getting care from the VA and you’re an older veteran how when you start receiving that care they go over all your meds and all of a sudden the medication that a Doctor Who doesn’t work for the VA is question and they have to go over all your medication you have to go through all those trials again because oh you were on medication that’s very expensive and now you have to show a reason why you should be on that medication even if you’ve been on it for 10 years or More because the VA does not want to spend money on pharmaceuticals for older veterans and that is a fact check it out.
This sounds like an excellent program, I’d would be interested in the program.
I’ve been involved in the program in Central Iowa for about 5 months (?) now and have lost about 25 pounds so far. I told my wife it’s like getting rid of a sack of potatoes I have been carrying around way too long. Feel better, health is better. Like to lose another 30-40 pounds and get back to the weight I was at when I went into the Air Force in 1968. I know it’s doable.
Congrats Edward on your success and we’re all rooting for you! God Bless!
Looking healthier! Congratulations on your weightloss Marine Veteran Edward Chavez! You have a great support system!
Might look into this program .
Sounds interesting!
Thanks for the info and Godbless.
it looks like a good program which I would like to receive the details of it for myself and a vet friend too
please send the data to me would be much appreciated
thank you
I have tried this and it worked pretty good, but I’m still overweight, but not at this time while I ask for it thank you
Losing weight changed my life and I have maintained a great weight since then. Lower blood pressure and great life, massive pleasure in life!!