IHBLT Program: Family-based Behavioral Treatment (FBT)

Brief Description

"Family-based Behavioral Treatment (FBT) is a family-centered, evidence-based intervention designed to address childhood obesity and is consistent with USPSTF recommendations. FBT emphasizes an individualized approach based on a family’s challenges, children’s age, and their resources. FBT focuses on application of self-regulatory skills, behavioral economics, and social and learning theory principles to the practice of weight maintenance behaviors across multiple socio-environmental contexts (e.g., home, school, community, work). Parents learn how to achieve their own weight-loss goals and positive parenting techniques that support their child in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Primary care providers identify interested families and refer for FBT. FBT is delivered by program-trained behavioral health professionals and/or registered dietitians in coordination with the child’s primary care provider. The program is structured to deliver reimbursable services aligned with the MO HealthNet obesity treatment benefit which may also be reimbursable under other state Medicaid or commercial insurance plans with a behavioral obesity treatment benefit."

If Community-Based, Where

Healthcare Setting

Medical Connection

Yes

Health Outcomes

Maintenance of weight loss at 1-2 years, improved mental health, statistically significant reduction of zBMI

Eligible Population

FBT has been evaluated in children age 2-20

Length of Intervention

In line with the USPSTF recommendations, FBT is delivered at a minimum of 26 hours to encompass everything from individual factors all the way up to a child’s home environment and their peers. Treatment delivery can occur in person or virtually, in a group setting and individual sessions with the child and parent/caregiver.

Links/Contact Info

https://familybasedbehavioraltreatment.wustl.edu/

Lead Contact

Dr. Denise Wilfley