Excess Body Fat and Associated Factors in 7‐ to 10‐Year‐Old Schoolchildren in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil: Trend Analysis of Four Cross‐Sectional Surveys, 2002–2019

Objectives This study aimed to assess the trend and factors associated with body fat percentage in 7‐ to 10‐year‐old schoolchildren in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, from 2002 to 2019. Methods This is a trend analysis of four cross‐sectional surveys involving 6597 schoolchildren attending public and private schools. Body fat percentage (outcome variable) was calculated from triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses using Lohman equations and categorized into “no excess body fat” and “excess body fat.” Sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics were also investigated. Trends and associated factors were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Results The prevalence of excess body fat was 22.6%, 25.5%, 37.5%, and 33.6% in 2002, 2007, 2013, and 2019, respectively, representing a 48.6% increase from 2002 to 2019. Schoolchildren assessed in 2013 (OR = 1.93) and 2019 (OR = 1.69), as well as those who were male (OR = 1.0) or older (9–10 years) (OR = 1.60), were more likely to have excess body fat. Conclusions The increasing trends of body fat percentage and excess body fat in 7‐ to 10‐year‐old schoolchildren from 2002 to 2019 underscore the need for targeted strategies to address the growing rates of childhood obesity, with particular attention to high‐risk groups.