MOVE Program
The MOVE program consists of eight weekly group sessions focused on physical activity.
The Managing Overweight and/or Obesity in Veterans Everywhere! Program, also called MOVE! was launched at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS) in 2006. Since starting the program here, 8,304 Veterans have participated successfully and three have lost over 100 lbs.
MOVE! is a lifestyle intervention program designed to help obese and overweight Veterans achieve sustained weight loss. The program is designed to help Veterans lose weight, keep it off and improve their health. It is not only physical, but it is also educational. Nutritional facts and life-style change sessions are taught in every group setting.
Currently, Veteran’s spouses are able to participate in the SLVHCS MOVE! program to help add an extra dose of motivation to the Veterans. Someday, children and grandchildren will be able to join and encourage their Veteran family member.
“When families work together to help each other achieve goals, the goal then becomes more attainable,” said Dr. Ernest Sneed, SLVHCS MOVE! physician champion.
“While we are assisting Veterans in the program with reducing their weight, the program has been growing and expanding over the years,” said Susan Berryhill, SLVHCS MOVE! coordinator.
The program consists of eight weekly group sessions focused on physical activity, behavior modification and nutrition. It emphasizes individualized, patient-centered goal setting developed through motivational interviewing techniques. Veterans who are obese or overweight with a weight-related health conditions can participate in the program as long as their physician approves or refers them.
Veterans are able to follow up with the MOVE! program in a variety of methods, depending on what works best for their lifestyle. Individual clinic visits, group appointments, home telehealth, phone calls or online secure messaging is available to Veterans in the program.
If you would like to participate or obtain more information about the MOVE! program, contact Susan Berryhill, RN, MOVE coordinator, at (504) 566-8412 or via email at susan.berryhill@va.gov.
