The line graph demonstrates obesity rate in one country over a three-and-a-half decade period, between 1971 and 2005. All age groups are represented from young adults to the elderly.
Overall, a strong trend can be identified in all age categories. Comparing 1971 to 2005, it becomes evident that the rate of obesity in the general populaton increased in the observed period. In fact, the percentage of obese individuals doubled in all age groups.
Focusing on young people first, we can see that in general, they are not as affected by obesity as all other groups. In 1971, only about 7% of individuals aged 18-29 were obese. The numbers show a steady increase that eventually levels out following 2001. In 2005, approximately 24% of people aged 18-29 are considered obese, which is still lower than in other observed groups.
Taking a closer look at the other three age categories, we can see similar changes; however, the exact numbers show a higher prevalence of obesity in each group. In 1971, obesity rate among people aged 30-44, 45-64 and 65-74 was between 15 and 20 percent. Following a 15-year period of rapid growth, there was a brief period around the turn of the millenium when the percentage of obese individuals remained relatively stable in all three groups, but from 2003 onwards numbers began to rise again. In 2005, around 35-42 percent of adults above the age of 30 are classified as obese.