It's a funny phenomenon that all the popular kids peaked around 19-20, had kids or found comfort in the high school mentality and never got better. Meanwhile the nerds continually self improved, started exercising regularly, constantly upgrading careers, relocating, etc.
That happens to some individuals but I can't say that, that's always the case.
I know plenty of "Nerds" who're contempt with working
minimum wage jobs,only to buy the latest and greatest videogames and comic
books.
And I also know "popular" kids that went on to graduate
highschool with 4.0's, get into nice universities and continue
to excel at life.
I will say that I have witnessed individuals who
fit this "Uncool to Desirable" change in stature.
Especially a few girls who were fat/awkward in highscool
and then they turned around and lost the weight.