What's New

40 HealthierUS Veterans projects have been planned.  Click here to see what and where those projects are.       Get Fit for Life is an exercise DVD, new from HealthierUS Veterans.  On this DVD you will find safety tips, helpful hints and stories from veterans to help you Get Fit for Life.  Use the follow-along exercises to create your personal workout.  Activities include a warm-up, aerobics, cool-down, strength and balance, and stretching.  This DVD is designed for use in the privacy of your home.  A companion booklet with an activity log is also included.  To get your copy, check with your local VA or ask your VA health care team. Join the National President's Challenge The National President's Challenge runs from March 20, 2008 - May 15, 2008. The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports is launching the first National President's Challenge-a six-week physical activity challenge to encourage Americans to be more active.  The Challenge kicks off March 20, the first day of spring, and concludes May 15 during National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, giving participants eight weeks to complete the six-week program.  If you have an existing log for the President's Challenge, enrollment in the National President's Challenge is automatic. Click here for more information about fitness challenges and the National President's Challenge.

HealthierUS Veterans is a joint project between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The focus of HealthierUS Veterans is to encourage and educate veterans and their families about the health risks of obesity and diabetes, and to eat healthy, be active and get fit for life.  On this site veterans will find information about how to Eat Healthy, Be Active and Get Fit for Life.

The 5 components of HealthierUS Veterans are:

• VA's MOVE! Weight Management Program
• A Prescription for Health
• Fitness Challenges
• Collaboration between VA medical facilities and Steps to a HealthierUS and other HHS programs
• A Fit for Life Veteran Volunteer Corps

Why HealthierUS Veterans?

• In 2001, The Surgeon General issued a Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity.
• There has been a steady increase in obesity over the last 20 years. More than 64% of adults and children are overweight or obese.
• Research studies show that people who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for a number of health conditions, especially diabetes.
• There are 20.8 million people in the United States who have diabetes.

By focusing on veterans and their families, HealthierUS Veterans can reach nearly quarter of the U.S. population, about 70 million people.

HealthierUS Veterans Frequently Asked Questions