As children hit their teens, putting on weight can be a perfectly normal part of growing up. However, certain signs of weight gain may be a red flag of something more serious than the typical puberty changes.
According to experts, one subtle sign could suggest that a young person is at risk of developing a common medical condition. According to the National Child Measurement Programme, nearly a quarter (22.7%) of reception children and over a third (37.7%) of primary school leavers were classed as overweight or obese from 2022 to 2023.
While some weight gain is a natural part of development, childhood obesity remains a significant concern across the UK. Dr Dominic Greenyer, director and GP at The Health Suite, has said one particular ‘little-known’ change that parents should watch out for if they are worried about their child’s weight, and it has nothing to do with a number on the scales.
Dr Greenyer said: “One of the key indicators that your child could be struggling with their weight is a noticeable change in the skin. A darkening and thickening of the skin in the folds of the neck and armpits, known medically as acanthosis nigricans, can be an indicator of insulin resistance in children, a condition closely linked to obesity.”
He said that, if left unaddressed, it is “a stepping stone towards type two diabetes”. Many parents frequently overlook the change, as it can easily be mistaken for a tan line, a patch of dry skin, or simply dirt.
View 3 ImagesObesity in children is still a cause for concern in the UK(Image: Getty)
Dr Greenyer added: “This is why clinical assessment matters if you’re concerned about your child’s weight.” Alongside changes to the skin, there are further symptoms that may warrant a professional evaluation, reports the Express.
These include a BMI consistently at or above the 91st centile, weight gain that is disproportionate to the child’s height and development, and a family history of obesity related conditions such as type two diabetes.
The medical professional said: “It can be difficult for parents to discern weight gain in children that is part of a healthy development, and weight gain that requires speaking with a medical professional.
View 3 ImagesSome people also have tiny growths (skin tags) on the patches, the NHS claims(Image: NHS)
“The key is whether weight gain is crossing centile lines upwards over time, and whether it is accompanied by unusual signs, such as changes to the skin, that suggest something more is going on beneath the surface.”
The NHS states that acanthosis nigricans patches “often appear gradually without any other symptoms”. Anyone with new dark patches on their skin or any unexplained skin changes is advised to consult their GP.
A statement on the NHS website says: “Sometimes healthy people with no other conditions get acanthosis nigricans. This is more common in people with black or brown skin.”
Once a GP identifies the underlying cause of acanthosis nigricans, they can advise on the most appropriate course of treatment. The patches should fade over time once the cause is treated.
If you’re significantly overweight, a GP may advise weight loss. Depending on the underlying cause, they might also prescribe medication to regulate your hormones or insulin levels. A doctor could also suggest switching your medication to one that doesn’t trigger the patches.
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The NHS said: “There is no specific treatment for the patches themselves. A skin specialist (dermatologist) may be able to suggest treatments to improve their appearance, but finding and treating the cause is usually recommended first.”