Introduction to the VA MOVE! Program
The VA MOVE! program is designed specifically for veterans looking to achieve and maintain a healthier weight. With an emphasis on personalized support, nutrition education, and physical activity, this program has helped numerous veterans on their weight loss journey. I am proud to share my own experience of losing 150 pounds through this initiative, demonstrating that you too can achieve your goals.
VA MOVE Program 2026: Free Weight Loss for Veterans (How to Join)
for the $3,000 Special Allowance
The VA MOVE Program is a free, nationwide weight management program specifically for veterans who receive VA health care and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or higher . It is not a diet—it is a comprehensive lifestyle intervention that gives you access to dietitians, behavioral health coaches, physical therapists, and even weight loss medications or bariatric surgery if clinically appropriate . You can join through group classes, one-on-one coaching, an at-home telehealth program called TeleMOVE!, or even a mobile app you use on your own time .
The most important thing to know: You do not need a separate referral to join the core MOVE program—contact your local VA’s MOVE! coordinator directly or ask your primary care provider at your next appointment .
What Veterans Need to Know Right Now
Here is the raw reality: nearly 8 in 10 veterans struggle with weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea. The VA created MOVE! specifically to address this, and it has helped veterans lose 75, 100, even 150 pounds . The program is 100% free for enrolled veterans and has no hidden costs or copays .
The single most important thing to know: Even losing just 5-10% of your body weight—10-20 pounds for a 200-pound veteran—can significantly improve your health, reduce medications, and give you more energy . The VA does not expect you to become a bodybuilder. They want to help you make small, sustainable changes that add up over time.
Latest Updates for 2026
1. MOVE! Program Is Fully Operational Nationwide
Every VA medical center across the United States offers the MOVE! program. In 2026, most locations offer both in-person and virtual options, including group classes via VA Video Connect (VVC) and individual telehealth coaching .
2. TeleMOVE! 90-Day Program Now Standard
The TeleMOVE! program—a 90-day at-home messaging program—is now available at most VA facilities. Participants receive daily check-ins via phone or computer, plus monthly coaching calls with a clinician. No need to drive to the VA for every session .
3. Weight Loss Medications Available (With MOVE! Participation)
VA now offers FDA-approved weight management medications (such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and others where clinically appropriate) to veterans who:
- Are actively participating in MOVE! or another comprehensive lifestyle intervention
- Have BMI ≥ 30, OR BMI 27-29.9 with at least one weight-related condition (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, etc.)
4. Bariatric Surgery Referrals Also Require MOVE!
Veterans seeking metabolic/bariatric surgery must complete MOVE! or a similar program before being considered for surgical intervention .
Who Qualifies for the VA MOVE Program
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| VA enrollment | You must receive health care through the VA |
| BMI of 25 or higher | Overweight or obese classification. Use the CDC’s BMI calculator to check yours |
| Interest in weight management | You must genuinely want to make lifestyle changes |
There is no cost to participate . You do not need a service-connected disability. You do not need a specific discharge type beyond standard VA health care eligibility.
MOVE! Program Options: Choose What Works for You
The VA recognizes that one size does not fit all. You can choose from the following options after attending a required orientation .
1. MOVE! Group Classes (Most Popular)
- What: 12 weekly sessions (virtual or in-person) led by dietitians, psychologists, nurses, or social workers
- Focus: Nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral change using the 16-module MOVE! curriculum
- Best for: Veterans who benefit from peer support and group accountability
- Commitment: One session per week for 12 weeks
Real veteran result: Shaunelle Tharpe lost 75 pounds, resolved her sleep apnea, and credits “real battle buddies” in her MOVE! group as the reason she succeeded .
2. TeleMOVE! (At-Home, Less Structure)
- What: 90-day in-home messaging program with daily check-ins via phone or computer
- Focus: Self-paced learning with periodic clinician check-ins to evaluate goals
- Best for: Veterans who prefer to work independently but want accountability
- Commitment: Daily 5-10 minute check-ins; monthly coaching calls
3. Individual MOVE! Support (One-on-One)
- What: Weekly individual sessions with a MOVE! clinician
- Focus: Personalized coaching for nutrition, exercise, and behavior change
- Best for: Veterans who need privacy or have complex medical/mental health needs
- Commitment: Weekly sessions, duration varies
4. Be Active and MOVE! (Physical Therapy Focus)
- What: 8-week virtual group led by a physical therapist
- Focus: Supervised group physical activity tailored to your abilities
- Best for: Veterans who need help getting started with exercise safely
- Requirement: Must be enrolled in or have completed another MOVE! option first
5. MOVE! Coach Mobile App (Self-Directed)
- What: Free smartphone app available on Apple iTunes and Google Play
- Features: Full 16-module MOVE! curriculum, exercise and calorie trackers, stress management tools
- Best for: Veterans who want to work entirely on their own
- Note: Using the app alone does NOT count as “program participation” for medication eligibility
How to Join the VA MOVE Program (Step by Step)
Step 1: Check Your BMI
Use the CDC BMI Calculator (search online). If your BMI is 25 or higher, you qualify .
Step 2: Contact Your Local VA MOVE! Coordinator
Option A – Call directly: Search “[your city] VA MOVE program” or call your local VA medical center’s main line and ask for the MOVE! program.
Option B – Ask your primary care provider: During your next VA appointment, tell your PCP you want to join MOVE!. They can provide a direct referral or give you the contact information .
Option C – Secure message: Log into My HealtheVet and send a secure message to “MOVE!” or your primary care team.
Step 3: Attend a MOVE! Orientation
Most VA locations require a one-time Jumpstart Orientation (often called a “MOVE! 101” or “new patient orientation”) before you can enroll in full program options . This orientation is typically offered by phone or VA Video Connect. It takes about 60-90 minutes and covers:
- What the program offers
- How to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, Time-based)
- Which program option fits your lifestyle
Step 4: Choose Your Program Option
After orientation, select the option that works for you—group, TeleMOVE!, individual, or app-based .
Step 5: Start Your Journey
Attend your first session, download the app, or begin your daily TeleMOVE! check-ins. The VA care team will support you throughout.
Weight Loss Medications Through VA: What You Need to Know
Yes, the VA prescribes weight loss medications like Wegovy (semaglutide), Zepbound (tirzepatide), and others when clinically appropriate .
Eligibility for Medications
To receive weight management medications through VA, you must:
- Actively participate in MOVE! or another comprehensive lifestyle intervention
- Meet BMI criteria: BMI ≥ 30, OR BMI 27-29.9 with at least one weight-related condition
- Have no contraindications (your VA provider will review)
How to Get Medications
- Step 1: Join MOVE! and participate actively (attending sessions, tracking progress)
- Step 2: Discuss medication with your MOVE! clinician or primary care provider
- Step 3: If appropriate, your provider will prescribe and the VA pharmacy will fill it
Important: The VA does NOT prescribe these medications without lifestyle intervention participation. Joining MOVE! is the gateway to medication access .
Bariatric Surgery Through VA
For veterans with severe obesity (typically BMI ≥ 35-40 with weight-related conditions), VA offers metabolic/bariatric surgery at select VA medical centers .
Requirements for Surgery
- Completion of MOVE! or a similar comprehensive lifestyle program
- Medical clearance from multiple specialists
- Commitment to lifelong follow-up care
The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System has one of the largest surgical weight loss programs in the VHA, with a dedicated team of surgeons .
Real Veteran Success Stories
Shaunelle Tharpe: 75 Pounds Lost
“MOVE! rescued me from a years-long battle with weight loss,” Tharpe says. “This journey wasn’t just about shedding pounds; it was about rebuilding strength, resilience and a powerful support network.” Her sleep apnea is now gone .
Pamela Merritt: 150 Pounds Lost
At age 65, Pamela lost 150 pounds through MOVE! at the Durham VA. She went from a size 26-plus to a size 17 and walked her daughter down the aisle at her wedding. “I feel like a new person,” she says .
Robert Kaczor: 100+ Pounds Lost
A Marine Corps and Army veteran, Robert struggled with weight for over 20 years. After a hospitalization for shortness of breath, he joined MOVE! and has since lost 100 pounds. “I can now walk without gasping for air and tackle small hills easily,” he shares .
Common Mistakes Veterans Make
Mistake #1: Thinking You Need a Referral to Start
You do NOT need a doctor’s referral to join the core MOVE! program. You can call your local MOVE! coordinator directly . Referrals are only required for medications, surgery, or if you have specific medical conditions .
Mistake #2: Assuming It’s Just an “Exercise Class”
MOVE! is not an exercise class . It is a comprehensive lifestyle program covering nutrition, behavior change, and physical activity. You will learn why you eat what you eat, not just how to work out.
Mistake #3: Skipping Orientation
Most VA locations require orientation before you can join group classes or TeleMOVE! . Skipping orientation delays your enrollment. Just attend it—it is usually one hour, offered virtually.
Mistake #4: Expecting Overnight Results
Veterans who succeed in MOVE! lose weight gradually—1-2 pounds per week. The goal is sustainable lifestyle change, not crash dieting. “Focusing on properly fueling the body rather than restricting the body” is the key, says VA dietitian Carrie Gentry .
What This Means for Your Health
The MOVE! program addresses the root causes of weight gain, not just the symptoms. According to the VA’s National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, losing just 5-10% of your body weight can :
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve blood sugar control (reduce or eliminate diabetes medications)
- Reduce sleep apnea severity
- Decrease joint pain from osteoarthritis
- Lower risk of heart disease and stroke
Long-term physical activity through programs like Be Active and MOVE! can reduce your risk of depression, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, eight types of cancer, and dementia .
Political & Government Context
The MOVE! program is a permanent, funded VA initiative managed by the National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (NCPHDP) . Unlike some VA programs that face budget uncertainty, MOVE! is considered a core clinical service because obesity is recognized as a disease and a risk factor for nearly every chronic condition affecting veterans.
Key fact: A 2026 quality improvement study published in the NIH journal Primary Health Care Research & Development confirms that MOVE! is the VA’s evidenced-based, comprehensive lifestyle intervention delivered at all VA facilities nationwide .
There are no pending cuts or changes to the program in 2026. Medications like Wegovy may face supply constraints nationally (non-VA issue), but VA pharmacies are generally well-stocked compared to commercial pharmacies.
FAQ Section
Q: What is the VA MOVE program?
A: MOVE! is the VA’s free, nationwide weight management program for veterans. It provides nutrition counseling, physical activity guidance, behavioral health support, and access to weight loss medications or surgery if needed .
Q: Who qualifies for the VA MOVE program?
A: Any veteran enrolled in VA health care with a BMI of 25 or higher qualifies. There is no cost to participate .
Q: Does the VA cover weight loss medications like Wegovy?
A: Yes, the VA prescribes FDA-approved weight loss medications to eligible veterans who are actively participating in MOVE! and meet BMI criteria (≥30, or ≥27 with weight-related condition) .
Q: Is the MOVE program free for veterans?
A: Yes, MOVE! is 100% free for enrolled veterans with no copays or hidden costs .
Q: Do I need a referral from my doctor to join MOVE!?
A: No. You can contact your local VA’s MOVE! coordinator directly. A referral is only required if you are seeking medications, surgery, or have specific medical conditions .
Q: Can I do MOVE! from home?
A: Yes. TeleMOVE! offers a 90-day at-home program with daily check-ins. Many group classes are also offered virtually via VA Video Connect .
Q: Does the MOVE program help with emotional eating?
A: Yes. The program includes behavioral counseling to address stress, emotional eating, and the psychological barriers to weight loss .
Q: How do I find the MOVE program at my local VA?
A: Search “[your city] VA MOVE program” or call your local VA medical center and ask for the MOVE! coordinator.
Final Takeaway (5-Minute Action Plan)
Here is exactly what to do right now:
- Check your BMI using the CDC BMI Calculator (free online). If it is 25 or higher, you qualify for MOVE! .
- Call your local VA medical center and ask for the “MOVE! program coordinator.” Or send a secure message through My HealtheVet .
- Schedule your MOVE! orientation—usually a one-hour virtual session required to enroll .
- Choose your program option during orientation: group classes, TeleMOVE! at-home, individual coaching, or the MOVE! Coach app .
- If you need medication, participate actively in MOVE! for a few weeks, then ask your MOVE! clinician or PCP about weight loss medications.
- Download the MOVE! Coach app from the App Store or Google Play to start learning the curriculum today .
You served your country. Now let the VA serve you. The MOVE! program has helped thousands of veterans lose weight, gain energy, and take back their lives. The next success story could be yours.
Steps to Join the Program
Joining the VA MOVE! program is straightforward and accessible. If you are a veteran with a BMI of 25 or higher, you can enroll through your local VA health facility. The program offers options for telehealth, allowing you to participate from the comfort of your home. Registering online or via a scheduled appointment with a healthcare provider is the best way to start your journey.
Success Strategies from My Experience
During my transformation, I found that the combination of professional coaching, a structured meal plan, and consistent exercise played a pivotal role in my success. The program encourages veterans to set realistic goals and provides resources that help in making sustainable lifestyle changes. Utilizing tools like food diaries and regular check-ins can provide the motivation needed to stay on track. Through determination and the support from the VA MOVE! program, I found not just weight loss but a way to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Remember, with the right guidance and commitment, you can embark on your own successful weight loss journey, just as I did.