The chart illustrates the figures for obese individuals in the USA, Britain, Sweden, and Japan from 1980 to 2000.
Overall, it is clear that the percentage of overweight people in these four countries increased steadily between 1980 and 2000. However, while obesity levels in America and the UK grew considerably, those in Sweden and Japan rose at a slower pace, with the USA having the highest proportion and Japan the lowest.
Over the two decades, America consistently reported the highest figures. It began with an obesity rate of around 15% in 1990, which surged to about 25% in 1999, peaking at 30% by 2000. In contrast, Britain’s overweight population increased from approximately 7% in 1990 to around 15% in 1999, ultimately reaching about 20% in 2000.
In comparison, the rise in obesity levels in Sweden and Japan was more gradual. Sweden started with a relatively low percentage of about 4% in 1990, but it accelerated notably, reaching 10% in 1999 and climbing further to 15% by 2000. Japan had the lowest percentage of overweight adults, recorded at about 3%. This figure saw a gradual increase to around 5% in both 1999 and 2000.