The line graph illustrates the rate of overweight by age categories in a country from 1971 to 2005.
Overall, it is seen that all age categories recorded an upward trend throughout the period. Regarding the 45-64 age bracket, it consistently experienced the highest prevalence of obesity across the 34 years, whereas the youngest category consistently accounted for the lowest rates.
In 1971, the overweight figures for the two oldest age categories (45-64 and 65-74) started at a similar point, approximately at 18%. After remaining steady until 1976, both age groups underwent a sharp increase over the next two decades, comprising just above 35% in 1999. From this point until 2003, these categories remained unchanged at about 35%. The 45-64 group experienced a moderate increase, hitting the peak of the chart at above 40% in 2005.
Regarding younger generations, the 30-44 age group began at around 15% in 1971, and mirrored the same figure until 1976, after which it climbed steadily, reaching approximately 30% in 1999. By 2005, the figure had risen, reaching just above 35%, matching the 65-74 age category’s figure. Meanwhile, the lowest obesity rates were found in the youngest 18-29 age cohort, starting at roughly 8% in 1971, but experienced significant growth, accounting for nearly 25% by the end of the period.