02/01/2026
Did you know that can skin tags can also be related to obesity and diabetes?
Skin tags form from extra skin cells and blood vessels getting trapped, primarily due to friction in skin folds (like armpits, neck, groin) from rubbing, but are strongly linked to overweight/obesity, diabetes/insulin resistance, hormonal shifts (like pregnancy), aging, genetics, and metabolic issues, though the exact cause can be complex.
Key Causes & Risk Factors:
Friction: Skin rubbing against skin, clothing, or jewelry is a major trigger, especially in skin folds.
Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome: Extra skin folds and insulin resistance are strongly associated with skin tags.
Diabetes & Insulin Resistance: High insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia) can stimulate skin growth, making tags a potential sign of underlying insulin issues.
Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and shifts in estrogen/progesterone levels increase risk.
Genetics: A family history of skin tags increases your likelihood of developing them.
Aging: They become more common as people get older.
Hormonal Growth Factors: Elevated growth factors, sometimes seen in conditions like acromegaly, can play a role.
