A weight management program designed for Veterans with PTSD
Official title: MOVE!+UP: Testing a Tailored Weight Management Program for Veterans with PTSD
Funded at VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · NIH-11234230 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a special weight loss program called MOVE!+UP designed for Veterans with PTSD, combining support for losing weight with helpful therapy to tackle challenges like stress and unhealthy eating, while also encouraging group activities like walks to boost both weight loss and mental well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Puget Sound Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX002755-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11234230 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are overweight Veterans diagnosed with PTSD who are seeking effective weight management solutions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Veterans or those without a PTSD diagnosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a tailored weight management program called MOVE!+UP specifically for Veterans suffering from PTSD. The program combines standard weight loss support with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address unique challenges faced by these Veterans, such as hypervigilance and unhealthy eating habits. Participants engage in group sessions that include both educational components and community walks to promote physical activity. The program aims to improve weight loss outcomes and reduce PTSD symptoms through a structured and supportive approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved weight management and reduced PTSD symptoms for Veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot programs have shown promising results in improving weight loss and reducing PTSD symptoms among Veterans, indicating potential for success in this larger trial.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoerster, Katherine — VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Hoerster, Katherine
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how PTSD affects self-control and brain function
Researchers are studying how PTSD changes the brain’s control over thoughts and actions, and how this might affect Veterans’ daily lives and responses to treatment.
-
Ketamine to boost fear extinction and memory on PTSD patients
A study testing whether ketamine can help people with PTSD better relearn and forget fear when given in a guided treatment plan.
-
Treating PTSD and opioid use disorder in residential care with Written Exposure Therapy (WEST)
A short, patient-friendly plan to adapt a proven PTSD therapy for people with opioid use disorder in residential treatment and test its practicality and impact.
-
Dynamic PTSD-Related Cognitive Risk in Aging WTC Responders
This project follows World Trade Center responders as they age to understand how PTSD symptoms relate to changes in thinking skills over time.
-
Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Researchers are studying brain proteins that may contribute to PTSD and alcohol use disorder in US veterans to find new ways to help people who struggle with both conditions.
-
Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy for Veterans with Social Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms
A clinical trial tests whether a flexible brain-behavior therapy helps veterans with social anxiety and PTSD symptoms feel better and engage more in daily life.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.