Veteran loses over 100 pounds with MOVE! program

Natasha White lost 100 pounds with the MOVE! program.

Over years, White watched her mother's health deteriorate due to uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and poor lifestyle habits.

A hard look in the mirror made White, a North Texas VA licensed vocational nurse, realize her fate would be the same if she didn't make life saving changes. Weighing 350 pounds with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and anemia, White's poor dietary habits were leading her down a destructive path.

"I knew what I was facing if I didn't change, so I decided that I would not allow the same things that impacted my mother happen to me," she shared.

The MOVE! program offers personalized support, education and resources to help Veterans and staff achieve their health goals. It emphasizes the importance of healthy eating, regular physical activity and weight management. By joining MOVE!, Veterans and staff can take proactive steps to improve their health and quality of life.

According to VA Health Research, statistics on Veterans and weight-related health issues are alarming. Approximately 78% of Veterans receiving care from VA are either overweight or obese and nearly 40% of Veterans have high blood pressure, a condition closely linked to being overweight.

"Being overweight and unhealthy is a significant issue affecting many of our Veterans and our staff," said North Texas VA clinical dietitian Brenda Greer.

Research shows that Veterans are also 10% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to the general population, with obesity being a significant contributing factor. Additionally, heart disease is the leading cause of death among Veterans with obesity and related conditions being major risk factors.

Through MOVE!, White found a group of Veterans and VA staff who provided support and education by offering personalized support and resources. "I learned the importance of portion sizes, calorie counting, reading ingredient labels and how to prepare healthy foods," said White.

Since joining MOVE! and beginning her journey to better health, White has shed over 100 pounds and is no longer taking medications for high blood pressure and diabetes.

Her journey wasn't easy, but her tremendous progress is an inspiration to her coworkers and patients. Visitors to her office do not recognize displayed pictures of the old White, which often leads to conversations on how they can also begin a journey to better health.

"I was determined to make a change and live my best life. Thanks to the program, I feel healthy and vibrant," she said.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.