Comparison of weight distribution in Charlestown between 1955 and 2015

The provided bar charts illustrate the weight assessment of Charlestown residents across five age brackets in 1955 and 2015. Overall, it is evident that the population experienced a substantial transition towards higher weight categories, with obesity rates rising sharply by 2015 compared to the mid-twentieth century.

In 1955, the majority of the population maintained an ideal weight, peaking at 70% for those aged 20-29. Obesity was virtually non-existent in younger cohorts, with only 5% and 10% of those aged 40-49 and 50-59 respectively falling into this category. Underweight individuals were also more prevalent in 1955, particularly among the 60-69 age group, where they accounted for 42% of the population.

By 2015, the landscape had altered significantly. Obesity became the dominant weight category for older residents, reaching 60% among those aged 60-69 and 52% for the 50-59 group. Conversely, the proportion of individuals with an ideal weight plummeted, dropping to as low as 5% for the oldest age group. While underweight individuals were common in 1955, their numbers dwindled by 2015, with the exception of the 20-29 age group, which saw 20% classified as underweight.