UF researchers to study weight management in medicaid-enrolled children

This winter, University of Florida researchers will begin studying two family-based approaches to weight management aimed at children and families in the Columbia County area who are 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.

"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 FLIP for Kids program will compare family-based group treatment to family-based individualized treatment. Children will have the opportunity to prepare and sample healthy, tasty snacks and participate in a physical activity during each session. The three-month program will have sessions starting in January 2009, but new groups will begin throughout 2009.

FLIP for Kids is available to children between the ages of 6 and 12 who are enrolled in Florida Medicaid. To participate, children must have a parent or legal guardian who is also willing to attend the weekly group sessions. All sessions will be held at the Columbia County School Board Administrative Complex in Lake City. Families will be compensated $5 per session to help offset the cost of gas. Families interested in participating or who have questions should call toll free at 1-866-673-9623.