Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a synthetic, stabilized GHRH analog FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy and studied for visceral-fat reduction; research protocols typically use 1 mg subcutaneously nightly while fasted to align with the overnight GH pulse.
Adults with visceral-fat concerns, particularly those with HIV-associated lipodystrophy (the FDA-approved indication) or research interest in deep abdominal-fat reduction
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Specifically, a 44-amino-acid peptide with a stabilizing N-terminal modification (trans-3-hexenoic acid) that extends its half-life well beyond endogenous GHRH's ~7-minute window. FDA-approved as Egrifta in 2010 for HIV-associated lipodystrophy (HALS), the abnormal fat redistribution that affected patients on early antiretroviral therapies and remains a clinical concern in long-term HIV management.
Tesamorelin acts on the pituitary to stimulate physiological growth hormone release through the natural GHRH receptor, which in turn drives lipolysis preferentially in visceral adipose tissue. Pivotal clinical trials demonstrated 15-20% reductions in visceral fat area over 26 weeks in HIV-lipodystrophy patients, without significant changes in subcutaneous fat or muscle mass. The visceral-fat specificity is the distinctive feature: unlike total caloric restriction or general weight-loss interventions, Tesamorelin appears to selectively target the metabolically-active deep abdominal fat depot most strongly associated with insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis (fatty liver), and cardiovascular risk.
Research interest has expanded to non-HIV populations with central obesity, NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), metabolic syndrome, and even cognitive effects observed in HIV-cohort studies. The compound is generally well-tolerated; main side effects relate to GH-pathway activation (mild joint stiffness, modestly elevated insulin / fasting glucose during use).
Subcutaneous injection nightly. Typical research dose 2mg/day, administered before bed to align with the natural overnight GH pulse
Visceral-fat changes typically detectable on imaging studies over 12-24 weeks of consistent use
Used standalone or paired with general GHRH-supportive peptides like Sermorelin or CJC-1295 for amplified GH-pulse effects
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This page is educational reference material about compounds studied in research settings. It is not medical advice, and nothing here is a recommendation to buy, possess, or use any compound. Research findings described are from published literature; individual compounds may not be approved for human use. Talk to a licensed clinician about anything that affects your health.