Abstract
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ON THIS TOPIC? Body fat percentage (BF%) is a fundamental indicator of body composition that provides critical insights into fat distribution patterns. However, comprehensive national data on BF% and its geographical distribution patterns among the Chinese preschoolers aged 3 to 6 years remain limited. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT? This study presents novel national data analyzing the prevalence and geographical patterns of BF% among Chinese preschool children, along with key determinants. The findings reveal a mean BF% of 20.7% among the Chinese preschoolers, with distinct geographical clustering patterns. The analysis identifies significant hotspots and cold spots aligned with major geographical boundaries, while demonstrating that sex, parental characteristics, education level, and environmental factors significantly influence preschool children's BF%. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE? These findings provide critical baseline data on preschool children's BF% levels and reveal substantial geographical disparities. The observed regional variations suggest the need for targeted public health interventions and region-specific strategies for childhood obesity prevention, emphasizing the importance of implementing evidence-based health education and intervention programs tailored to local contexts.