The purpose of this study is to determine if adding metformin to a healthy lifestyle program would help children and teens control weight gain caused by certain medications.
This study involves children and teens ages 8-19 years who are overweight with certain mood disorders and who may start or are currently taking a second-generation antipsychotic. Weight gain is a significant concern in this patient population. See recent survey results for more information.
This study is being conducted by the University of Cincinnati in collaboration with Northwell Health and Cincinnati Childrens' Hospital Medical Center. This study is being funded by PCORI (Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute; Award # PCS-1406-19276). Approximately 1800 youth will be taking part in this study at 24 public and private mental health practices in the Greater Cincinnati and New York City regions. Study length for each patient is 2 years.
See the Study Promotional Flyer
See a TV segment about the study with a patient story (1 of 2)
See a TV segment about the study with a patient story (2 of 2; starts at 23:07 in video)
Recent analysis of telepsychiatry in MOBILITY
We are
excited to tell you about a voluntary, new research study called MOBILITY TEACH (Telemedicine
Enhanced Access during COVID-19 to Healthcare).
All
children, adolescents, and their caregivers who are enrolled in MOBILITY are invited to
participate in MOBILITY TEACH. This is totally separate from MOBILITY and
will not impact your participation in MOBILITY at all.
The
purpose of MOBILITY TEACH is to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has
impacted how you receive care from your mental health providers. We also
are interested in how your schooling may have changed due to COVID-19.
Children,
adolescents, and their caregivers will be asked to complete a brief telephone
interview and online survey with a member of the MOBILITY TEACH research team 2
times over 6 months. This will be a different and separate survey from
MOBILITY. The first visit will take about 45 minutes. About 6 months later
children/adolescents and their caregivers will be asked to complete another
brief telephone interview and online survey. The second visit will take
approximately 30 minutes.
Caregivers and children/adolescents will each be given a $20 gift
card to pay you for your time in completing these visits. There is no cost to
participate. Participation in this research study is voluntary. You are free to
not participate or withdraw at any time for any reason.
A member of the MOBILITY TEACH team will be reaching out to you to see if you are interested in participating.
If you have any questions or would like to participate, please
reach out to the MOBILITY TEACH Team based on your location:
For
patients who see their MOBILITY mental health provider in Ohio, Texas, or
California, please contact Alique Topalian, PhD, MPH by Phone/Text:
513-549-1265 or Email: topaliag@ucmail.uc.edu
Bipolar Disorders are common mental illnesses defined by periods of mania and depression. With mania, or high moods, people may have high energy, excitement, irritability and sleeplessness. With depression, or low moods, people can experience sadness, anxiety and hopelessness.
Research studies suggest that these disorders most commonly begin during adolescence. Youth with Bipolar Disorders have poorer work and school functioning and poorer quality of life when compared to others who develop the illness later in life.
For more information please visit:
Metformin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of type II diabetes in youth 10 years of age and up. Metformin also decreases food intake in obese, non-diabetic individuals. Metformin is well tolerated and safe in youth. But like any drug, it has side effects. Some of the side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, but these side effects usually decrease over time.
Metformin has previously been studied for reducing weight in youth treated with second generation antipsychotics, a common treatment for bipolar spectrum disorders. These studies suggest metformin treatment is possibly associated with lower weight.
More Information on Metformin
More Information on Metformin (Spanish)
All patients enrolled in this study receive a healthy lifestyle program. This program gives recommendations about healthy eating and physical activity. Healthy lifestyle programs designed for youth may lead to weight loss in youth who struggle with weight control.
The healthy eating plan divides food into three categories: Green, Yellow and Red foods, like a traffic light. Healthy (Green) foods should be eaten regularly and high calorie (Red) foods should be eaten rarely. The physical activity plan includes a variety of moderate exercises with clear instructions and pictures. Watch the video below or follow the links for plan details.
VIDEO - Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Plan
Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Plan
Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Plan (Spanish)
For more information on healthy lifestyles please visit:
Cincinnati Children's Health Works
Or send us an e-mail at mobilitystudy@uc.edu