Trends and Factors Associated With Central Obesity in Schoolchildren in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil: Cross Sectional Panel Study From 2002 to 2019

Objective: This study aimed to assess the trend and factors associated with central obesity in four cross-sectional panels in schoolchildren aged 7–14 years between 2002 and 2019. Methods: Waist circumference data were used to assess central obesity, and independent variables were gender, age, school shift (morning and afternoon), commuting to school method, mother's schooling, and family income. The chi-square test was used to assess the association between outcome and independent variables, and binary logistic regression was used to assess the predictors of central obesity and the effect size by odds ratio. Results: In total, 9939 students participated in all years of the research. The prevalence of central obesity was 26.4%, 27.1%, 30.0%, and 32.9% in 2002, 2007, 2013, and 2019, with an increase of ~25% between 2002 and 2019. In the adjusted analysis, schoolchildren assessed in 2019 were more likely to have central obesity at 49% (95% CI: 1.26–1.76), those who commuted passively had a probability of 13% (95% CI: 1.03–1.25) of being centrally obese; females and children aged 11–14 were 14% (95% CI: 0.78–0.94) and 13% (95% CI: 0.78–0.98) less likely to be centrally obese. Conclusion: These findings reinforce the need to strengthen and expand public actions and policies that encourage a healthier and active lifestyle.