It’s no secret that maintaining a healthy lifestyle has many benefits. Being physically active can help reduce risk of disease, improve brain health and lower blood pressure. However, it can be difficult to prioritize your health when life gets busy. Marine Veteran Theo Deuel can attest to that.

Deuel had always enjoyed an active lifestyle. He was a member of the wrestling team in high school and then joined the Marines where he followed a strict fitness routine. While in the Marines, he trained and completed Ironman triathlons and became a martial arts instructor.  

After leaving the Marines, he gained 55 pounds. Juggling a full-time job and being a full-time student, Deuel felt like he no longer had time for a healthy, active lifestyle.

The MOVE! program fit in with his busy schedule. “I realized I needed to make a change if I wanted to start a family, so I figured why not.”

MOVE! program

VA’s MOVE! program focuses on nutrition, physical activity and behavior change. The program offers both individual and group sessions, which can be held either in person or via telehealth. There is also a self-guided version of the MOVE! program offered through the MOVE! Coach app which is available on the VA App Store.

Deuel chose to enroll in TeleMOVE!, the remote patient monitoring home telehealth version of the program as it allowed him to complete the program at his own pace. For TeleMOVE!, Veterans are matched with a remote VA care coordinator and provided with at-home health monitoring technologies such as blood pressure monitors, pedometers and scales.

Throughout the program, Deuel tracks his weight and reports it to his care coordinator. He also completes self-guided modules to learn about eating healthy and staying active.

“Leaving the Marines, I didn’t feel like I needed to stay in peak shape. This program helps to keep me accountable,” he shared.

Deuel is currently halfway through the TeleMOVE! program and he’s glad he enrolled. By incorporating healthier eating habits and increasing his daily exercise, he has started to see improvements in his overall health and well-being.

How to get started with MOVE!

Taking the first step toward a healthier lifestyle may seem daunting, but the MOVE! care team is available to help.

If you’re interested in participating in MOVE!—either in person or through telehealth—contact your local VA facility to inquire about the program. Or you can let your VA primary care team know that you’re interested.

If you have questions on how to enroll or want to learn more about the MOVE! program, visit the MOVE! Weight Management Program page.

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Move! Program

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5 Comments

  1. Dolores September 5, 2024 at 21:37

    I go to the VA for many things

  2. Annie Fitch, HMC (ret) August 28, 2024 at 19:13

    Sadly it is not always available to female vets. My VA doesn’t have a program. Telemove would be a great alternative for those of us without access.

  3. James Charron SR August 28, 2024 at 18:43

    This program is all, well and good, if you’re not in pain, if you don’t have “bone on bone”, arthritis. If you’re not 80+, and on multiple medications, for blood pressure. Not being a doctor, I know my limitations. I walk, when it’s not so hot. I try to eat healthy. It’s great when someone your junior can tell you, keep moving, and you won’t feel the pain. So why are there so many fat politicians.
    Thanks, but don’t hate me, ‘cause I’m beautiful.

  4. Dennis Peterson August 26, 2024 at 19:07

    My name is Dennis Peterson, 77 years old and a Marine. I gained weight to 315 pounds and Dr Arain at the VA Clinic in Mishawaka Indiana told me I had to lose weight or die early. He suggested the MOVE Program. So what the hell did I have to lose trying it but weight. The MOVE program has great people working there and so friendly but professional. After 6 months pf weighing my self every morning and following the program I lost 60 pounds. I owe the VA so much. This is a great program and if you are interested in losing a few pounds this is the way to go. Never went hungry either. I have not gained the weight back either.

  5. Janet Amos August 22, 2024 at 10:48

    It would be helpful to have information on the actual program, or information on how to access it. Is it online? At VA facilities?

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