New Findings from the VA MOVE! Lifestyle Intervention Program
Recent findings from the VA MOVE! lifestyle intervention program have highlighted its significant role in reducing the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) over an impressive 15-year period. Presented by Piaopiao Li, MS, a PhD candidate at the University of South Florida, at the 2025 American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions in Chicago, Illinois, these results shed new light on long-term lifestyle interventions and their efficacy.
Overview of the VA MOVE! Program
The VA MOVE! program, designed to promote healthier lifestyle choices among veterans, integrates nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral strategies to support weight management and overall well-being. While previous studies have documented the short-term effectiveness of such interventions, the long-term data now available provide a deeper understanding of the program’s sustained impact on diabetes risk.
Key Findings on Diabetes Risk Reduction
The comprehensive study revealed remarkable outcomes. After a three-year follow-up, participants in the VA MOVE! program experienced a 49% reduction in the risk of developing T2D. Even after a lengthy 15 years, the risk remained notably reduced by 24%. These findings suggest that the benefits associated with lifestyle changes can extend well beyond the immediate future, reinforcing the potential for lifestyle interventions to play a crucial role in diabetes prevention.
Impact of Baseline Factors
Interestingly, the study also identified that specific subgroups of participants exhibited a greater benefit from the program. Individuals with higher baseline body mass index (BMI) or elevated random glucose levels were found to gain more from engaging in the VA MOVE! initiative. This insight suggests that targeted interventions may be particularly effective for those at higher risk, promoting a tailored approach to diabetes prevention.
Filling the Research Gap
As Hui Shao, MD, PhD, the primary investigator of the study and an associate professor in the Hubert Department of Global Health at Emory University, articulated, the study seeks to fill an essential gap in understanding the long-term effectiveness of lifestyle programs. "The success of this project is that it demonstrated the long-term benefit of lifestyle interventions," Shao noted. This innovative aspect of the research distinguishes it from previous literature, which has often focused on short-term outcomes without assessing the lasting effects of such programs.
Looking Ahead: Future Research Directions
Both Li and Shao expressed a desire for further research in the realm of lifestyle interventions. They emphasized that understanding the mechanisms by which lifestyle changes impact diabetes risk could enhance the effectiveness of such programs. Exploring diverse demographic profiles and emphasizing the importance of sustaining healthy changes over time are essential components for future studies in this field.
A Call for Continued Exploration
As the findings from the VA MOVE! program gain attention, they pave the way for a broader understanding of how lifestyle interventions can be employed effectively to combat the rising epidemic of T2D. By continuing to explore and refine these programs, researchers can contribute to a healthier future for veterans and the general population alike, underscoring the significance of adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyle choices.
Additional Information
The detailed findings were published in an abstract titled "Assessing the Real-World Effectiveness of the VA MOVE! Lifestyle Program in Preventing Type 2 Diabetes—A 15-Year Follow-up Study," making a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue surrounding diabetes prevention and management.
Li and Shao have disclosed that they have no conflicts of interest to report, which adds credibility to their research’s integrity and significance. For those interested in the specifics, the research was presented at the ADA 2025 conference, further emphasizing its relevance in today’s health discourse.