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Strive for a Healthy Weight

Strive for a healthy weight. Managing your weight helps you stay healthy now and in the future. 

What's Important to Know?

Keeping a healthy weight can help you feel good and have energy to do what you love. It also helps you prevent and manage many chronic conditions. Overweight and obesity are linked with low energy, pain, poor sleep, and greater risk of heart disease and diabetes. If you have a higher body weight, losing 5%-10% of your current weight can lower your risks for these and other conditions.

Body weight is affected by many factors. These include eating habits, physical activity, sleep, genes, certain medicines, and where you live, learn, work, and play. Talk with your health care team to find strategies that work for you to reach a healthy weight. These strategies may include helping you move more, being aware of hunger signs, managing stress, and tracking progress.

VA's MOVE!® Weight Management Program for Veterans can help you use tools and strategies to adopt healthy behaviors, meet your health goals, and manage your weight. VA also offers weight management medicines and surgery for use along with lifestyle changes. Talk with your health care team to learn about options that will help you meet your goals.

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When Striving to Maintain a Healthy Weight, Remember to:

  1. Make a commitment. Start by writing down the reasons you want to manage your weight. Focus on the many benefits you could experience including improved sleep, blood pressure, or blood sugar, as well as better mood and decreased pain.
  2. Gradually adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Make 1-2 small changes at a time so you can continue them long-term.
    • Move more every day. Try to reach a total of at least 2½ hours each week of moderate-intensity activity that makes you breathe a little harder and sweat.
    • Eat when you are hungry and eat slowly so you notice when you feel full. Choose satisfying foods that you enjoy, such as vegetables and fruit for fiber and lean protein options.
    • Use herbs and spices so you can gradually reduce excess salt, sugar, and dietary fat.
    • Drink enough water to help your body function properly. Drinking 9-13 cups each day is recommended for most adults.
  3. Develop connections and find purpose. Do activities that satisfy your social, emotional, and spiritual needs to enhance your overall wellbeing.

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Want to Know More?

If you are interested in weight management and healthy living, contact your VA health care team or local VA health facility. Ask for the MOVE! Program. If you’re not enrolled in VA health care, we recommend that you apply. Your eligibility will be determined during the application process.

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