Systematic Review of Behavioral Weight Management Program MOVE! for Veterans

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Behavioral Medicine
• Weight Management Programs

Background:

• The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has offered the population-based MOVE! behavioral weight management program since 2006.
• Numerous studies have evaluated the effectiveness and participation in the MOVE! program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing studies on the MOVE! program.
• To understand MOVE! participation rates among Veterans.
• To examine the association between MOVE! participation and weight change.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed up to December 2016.
• Eligible studies underwent full-text review and data extraction.
• Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Scale.

Main Results:

• Twenty-six studies were included, primarily retrospective cohort studies.
• Program participation rates varied significantly (2%-12%).
• Higher participation levels were consistently associated with greater weight loss at 6 and 12 months.

Conclusions:

• MOVE! participation is linked to modest short-term weight loss.
• Increased participation correlates with more significant weight reduction.
• Further research is required to identify barriers and facilitators to participation and long-term outcomes.