Tesamorelin
tess-ah-MORE-eh-lin
An FDA-approved growth hormone releasing peptide that specifically reduces visceral (belly) fat.
Also known as: Egrifta
FDA approved for: HIV-associated lipodystrophy (excess visceral fat)
Last reviewed: April 2026
What It Does
Tesamorelin is a GHRH analog — like sermorelin, but with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification that makes it more potent. It's FDA-approved specifically for reducing visceral abdominal fat. It stimulates natural GH production and has been shown to reduce liver fat and improve body composition.
Why People Take It
How It's Administered
Subcutaneous Injection
Daily injection into abdomen
Frequency
Daily
Pain Level
●○○ Minimal
Self-Administered
Yes — at home
Typical Range
2mg daily
What To Expect
Month 1
GH/IGF-1 levels begin rising.
Month 3
Measurable reduction in visceral fat.
Month 6+
Significant visceral fat reduction and metabolic improvement.
Side Effects
Overall: Mild
Very Common (>10%)
Injection site reactions
Redness, itching, or swelling at site.
Common (1–10%)
Joint pain
Related to GH elevation.
Uncommon (0.1–1%)
Peripheral edema
Mild swelling in hands/feet.
Who Should NOT Take This
• Active malignancy
• Pregnancy
• Disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary axis
Drug Interactions
• Glucocorticoids — may reduce effectiveness
• Insulin — monitor blood sugar
Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Clinical Details
Show Clinical Details (for healthcare professionals)Hide Clinical Details▼
Half-Life
~26 minutes (but GH effects last hours)
Bioavailability
~4% (subcutaneous)
Mechanism of Action
Modified GHRH (1-44) analog with trans-3-hexenoic acid attached to tyrosine-1. Binds GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating physiologic GH secretion. Preferentially reduces visceral adipose tissue (VAT) through GH-mediated lipolysis.
Published Research
Tesamorelin for Visceral Fat Reduction (2010) ↗Compare With Similar Peptides
The only FDA-approved GHRH analog (for lipodystrophy). More potent than sermorelin. Used off-label for body composition in general population.
Sermorelin
A peptide that tells your pituitary gland to make more growth hormone naturally — supports sleep, recovery, and body composition.
CJC-1295
A long-acting growth hormone releaser that provides sustained GH stimulation over days rather than minutes.
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin
The most popular growth hormone peptide combination — hits two pathways simultaneously for amplified GH release.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a compounded medication prescribed off-label. It has not been FDA-approved for the uses described. All prescribing decisions are made by your independent licensed provider.