The bar chart illustrates the proportion of overweight men and women in Australia over four decades, from 1980 to 2010.
Overall, men consistently led the pack across all years, with significantly higher percentages compared to women. While both genders showed an upward trend, the rate among men rose more sharply and remained notably above that of women throughout the period.
In 1980, men accounted for 46%, making them the highest group at the time. Followed distantly behind were women with only 29%, showing a considerable gap. Over the next two decades, both figures rose — men’s proportion climbed steadily to 52% in 1990 and reached 68% in 2000, while women’s rate increased more gradually, hitting 35% in 1990 and 45% by 2000. Despite the growth, men consistently led the pack, maintaining a visible lead.
After 2000, the trend continued upward for both genders. By 2010, men ultimately peaked at 70%, while women rose to 52%. Although the gender gap narrowed, men still accounted for a significantly higher proportion. In descending order, the final year saw 70% for men and 52% for women, solidifying men’s dominance throughout the observed period.