Tesamorelin
The only FDA-approved growth hormone-releasing peptide. Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is a GHRH analogue that specifically reduces visceral fat — the dangerous belly fat wrapped around your organs.
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone) approved by the FDA for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It specifically reduces visceral adipose tissue (VAT) — the metabolically dangerous fat around your organs — by stimulating natural GH production. Unlike other GH peptides, it has Phase III RCT data and regulatory approval.
Who's interested: People with excess visceral fat, those interested in FDA-backed GH peptide therapy, and longevity practitioners looking for the most evidence-supported GH secretagogue.
Dive deeper into the researchPotential side effects
- Injection site reactions (redness, itching, pain)
- Joint pain and peripheral edema
- Potential blood sugar elevation with long-term use
What does tesamorelin do?
Tesamorelin is a 44-amino-acid peptide that mimics your natural GHRH — the hormone your hypothalamus releases to tell the pituitary to produce growth hormone. It's essentially a more stable, longer-acting version of what your body already makes.
The standout finding from clinical trials: tesamorelin specifically reduces visceral adipose tissue (VAT) — the deep belly fat that wraps around your organs and drives metabolic disease. In Phase III trials, it reduced VAT by ~18% over 6 months while preserving or slightly increasing subcutaneous fat distribution.
Who uses it?
- HIV lipodystrophy — FDA-approved indication; reduces trunk fat accumulation
- Visceral fat reduction — off-label use for metabolically significant belly fat
- NAFLD/NASH — clinical trials for liver fat reduction show promise
- Longevity protocols — practitioners using the most evidence-backed GH peptide available
What to know before trying
Tesamorelin has something almost no other peptide can claim: FDA approval based on Phase III randomised controlled trials. It has the strongest evidence base of any GH-releasing peptide.
- Daily injection required — 2 mg subcutaneous, typically in the abdomen
- Visceral fat specific — preferentially reduces deep belly fat, not subcutaneous fat
- Effects reverse on stopping — visceral fat tends to return within 3–6 months of discontinuation
- Expensive — pharmaceutical-grade (Egrifta) is costly; research-grade is more affordable but quality varies
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Get early accessFrequently Asked Questions
What makes tesamorelin different from other GH peptides?
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved with Phase III RCT data — a level of evidence no other GH secretagogue has. It specifically targets visceral fat reduction, has predictable dosing, and a well-characterised safety profile. Other GH peptides like ipamorelin or GHRP-2 lack this regulatory validation.
Can tesamorelin help with belly fat?
Yes — specifically visceral fat (the deep fat around organs). Phase III trials showed ~18% reduction in visceral adipose tissue over 6 months. It does not significantly affect subcutaneous fat (the fat you can pinch).
Is tesamorelin available in India?
Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is not widely marketed in India but can be obtained through specialty import or compounding pharmacies. Research-grade tesamorelin is available from peptide vendors. Prescription from a physician may be required for pharmaceutical-grade.
Does tesamorelin affect blood sugar?
Like all GH-elevating compounds, tesamorelin can modestly increase fasting glucose and reduce insulin sensitivity. In clinical trials, this effect was generally mild and manageable. Monitor HbA1c and fasting glucose during use.
How it works in your body
- GHRH analogue — mimics natural GHRH with enhanced stability (trans-3-hexenoic acid modification)
- Pituitary stimulation — triggers natural, pulsatile GH release
- IGF-1 elevation — downstream GH effects include sustained IGF-1 increase
- Visceral fat lipolysis — GH preferentially mobilises visceral fat stores
Clinical trial results
- Phase III (HIV): 18% reduction in trunk fat vs 2% in placebo over 26 weeks
- NAFLD trial: Significant reduction in hepatic fat fraction and improvement in fibrosis markers
- Cognitive study: Exploratory data suggests potential neuroprotective benefits via IGF-1 elevation
- Long-term safety: Well-tolerated over 12 months of continuous use in trials
Side effects & safety
- Injection site reactions — redness, itching, pain (most common; ~10% of patients)
- Arthralgia — joint pain, likely from GH/IGF-1 effects
- Peripheral edema — mild fluid retention
- Carpal tunnel symptoms — tingling in hands; GH-related
- Blood sugar — modest fasting glucose elevation possible
Who should avoid it: Active malignancy, known hypersensitivity, disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, pregnant or nursing women.
Which labs to monitor
- IGF-1 — target range; avoid supraphysiological levels
- Fasting glucose & HbA1c — every 3 months
- Visceral fat imaging — DEXA or CT for objective VAT measurement
- Liver enzymes — if using for NAFLD/liver fat
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