Which statement about acanthosis nigricans is false?

Which statement about acanthosis nigricans is false?

• A. It indicates risk of insulin resistance.
• B. It occurs in 10% of white obese kids.
• C. It occurs in 50% of black obese kids.
• D. It is not related to BMI.

Answer: (D)

Acanthosis nigricans is a sign of insulin resistance. It appears as dark, velvety patches in skin folds such as the neck, underarms, and groin, and it’s more common in people who are overweight or obese. This skin change signals higher risk for insulin resistance and related metabolic issues, including impaired glucose tolerance and increased diabetes risk. Among obese children, it’s more frequent in Black youth than White youth, with estimates around 10% in white obese kids and about 50% in Black obese kids, reflecting racial/ethnic differences in susceptibility and the amount of adiposity. Saying it’s not related to BMI is incorrect because excess body weight and insulin resistance are key drivers of its development.

Acanthosis nigricans is a sign of insulin resistance. It appears as dark, velvety patches in skin folds such as the neck, underarms, and groin, and it’s more common in people who are overweight or obese. This skin change signals higher risk for insulin resistance and related metabolic issues, including impaired glucose tolerance and increased diabetes risk. Among obese children, it’s more frequent in Black youth than White youth, with estimates around 10% in white obese kids and about 50% in Black obese kids, reflecting racial/ethnic differences in susceptibility and the amount of adiposity. Saying it’s not related to BMI is incorrect because excess body weight and insulin resistance are key drivers of its development.