Researchers launch weight management study for children enrolled in Medicaid

This fall, University of Florida researchers will begin studying a family based weight management intervention program for children and families enrolled in Florida Medicaid.

The Family Lifestyle Intervention Project for Kids, or FLIP for Kids, is designed to help children and parents modify their dietary and physical activity to promote a healthy lifestyle, positive self-image and effective weight management. The program helps families work together to learn how to manage real-life situations and make gradual, modest changes in their lifestyles.

FLIP for Kids is led by David Janicke, Ph.D., Janet Silverstein, M.D., and Marilyn Dumont-Driscoll, M.D., and is supported by a grant from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.

More than 30 percent of American children and adolescents are overweight or obese, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

"The problem of childhood obesity is reaching epidemic levels and Florida is no exception," said Janicke, an assistant professor of clinical and health psychology in the College of Public Health and Health Professions. "We have received a number of requests from families and physicians regarding lifestyle interventions for children who are overweight or obese. This study can benefit families enrolled in Medicaid by providing an additional option for the treatment of obesity and associated health problems such as type 2 diabetes."

The results of the study, which will evaluate the program's impact on dietary intake, physical activity, long-term weight status and use of health services, can also be used to inform Medicaid policy, Janicke said. More than 1.5 million Florida children are enrolled in Medicaid.

The FLIP for Kids program is delivered in a group format, with about six to 10 families participating in each group. Children and parents will meet in separate but simultaneous groups during each meeting. Children will have the opportunity to prepare and sample healthy, tasty snacks and participate in a physical activity during each group session.

The three-month program will have sessions starting this fall, but new groups will begin throughout 2009. All families will have the opportunity to participate in the group intervention. While some families will begin the group intervention soon after signing up for the program, some families will first receive individual clinics visits, followed by group sessions later in the year.

FLIP for Kids is available to children between the ages of 6 and 12 who are enrolled in Florida Medicaid, and their parents. To participate, children must have a parent or legal guardian who is also willing to attend the weekly group sessions. All treatment sessions will be held at Shands at UF and families will be compensated $5 per session to help offset the cost of gas. Families interested in participating or who have questions should call 352-273-5285 or toll free at 1-866-673-9623.