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MOVE! Weight Management Program

Click on one of the following categories to find related questions and answers.

MOVE!
Availability
Participation
Cost
Disability
MOVE!23
Nutrition
Physical Activity/Pedometers
Weight Loss Medication
Surgery



MOVE!     Back To Top

Q. What is MOVE! ?

A. MOVE! is VA’s national weight management program for veterans. MOVE! can help you lose weight, keep it off and improve your health.


Availability     Back To Top

Q. Does my VA have a MOVE! Program? What if MOVE! is not available at a nearby VA medical facility?

A. All VA facilities have been mandated to initiate MOVE! or an alternative weight management program. Contact your nearest VA facility to inquire about their program.


 Participation     Back To Top

Q. I am a veteran, but I don’t go to the VA for my healthcare. Can I participate in MOVE!?

A. Only veterans receiving care in the VA can enroll in the MOVE! Program. However the MOVE!23 questionnaire can be taken by anyone. It produces a 4-6 page report that is individualized and includes a list of recommended MOVE! handouts (containing nutrition, physical activity, and healthy behavior change information). The MOVE!23 questionnaire also produces a report for non-VA healthcare providers. You can take this report to your health care provider for further advice on weight management.

Q. I am not a veteran. Can I participate in MOVE!? Can my spouse/partner participate with me?

A Only veterans receiving care in the VA can enroll in the MOVE! Program. Many facilities encourage veterans to involve family members in their MOVE! Program. You are welcome to use any materials available on the MOVE! website. The MOVE!23 questionnaire produces a 4-6 page report that is individualized and includes a list of recommended MOVE! handouts (containing nutrition, physical activity, and healthy behavior change information). The MOVE!23 questionnaire also produces a report for non-VA healthcare providers. You can take this report to your health care provider for further advice on weight management.

Q. Is there a separate MOVE! Program for women?

A. The MOVE! Program has been designed for both men and women.


Cost     Back To Top

Q. Is there a charge to participate in MOVE!?

A. As of June 16, 2008 there are No more Co-payments for MOVE! visits. When the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans started, we found that patients who had to make co-payments often dropped out after receiving their first bill. This was not in the best interest of veterans or our health care system. Veterans and VA staff members called upon VA to remove this requirement. To protect Veterans health, the VA removed the co-payment from individual and group MOVE! Weight Management counseling. NCP thanks the Business and Regulations Offices for their hard work and support of this change in the Federal Regulations. This change has increased access to weight management care.


Disability     Back To Top

Q. What if I am disabled?

A. The MOVE! Program is designed for veterans of all ability levels.


MOVE!23     Back To Top

Q. What is the purpose of the MOVE!23? Why is it so long?

A. The MOVE!23 is a 23-item questionnaire that asks about your weight, health, prior attempts at weight loss, and your individual issues with losing weight and becoming more physically active. The questionnaire results in a 4-6 page report that is individualized for you. A list of recommended MOVE! handouts (containing nutrition, physical activity, healthy behavior change information) is provided with the report. The MOVE! Development Team members have heard from veterans that this information is very helpful.


Nutrition     Back To Top

Q. I am looking for a calorie counter. Can you recommend a resource?

A. On the MOVE! website, a link is provided to the USDA’s MyPyramid (www.mypyramid.gov), which has a MyPyramid Tracker tool. The tool allows one to record food intake and calculate calories.

Physical Activity/Pedometers     Back To Top

Q. How can MOVE! participants obtain pedometers?

A. Ask your VA doctor for one, or purchase a pedometer at a local sporting goods store or the VA Canteen Store.

Q. Do I have to have my doctor’s permission before I begin exercising?

A. It is always a good idea to discuss beginning a new exercise program with your health care team.


Weight Loss Medication     Back To Top

Q.Are weight loss medications used with the MOVE! Program?

A. Talk with your primary care provider to see if these medications may be right for you.


 Surgery     Back To Top

Q.Is weight loss surgery available?

A. Weight loss surgery is not typically the first option for weight loss. This service is available at some VA facilities for suitable candidates. Talk with your primary care provider.