Weight loss & metabolic health
Tesamorelin
An analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone approved to reduce abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy (Egrifta).
How it works
A synthetic GHRH: it makes the pituitary release more of the body’s own growth hormone, which raises IGF-1.
What it is used for
Approved to reduce excess belly (visceral) fat in people with HIV-related lipodystrophy. Also studied for fatty liver.
What the evidence says
Trials showed about a 15–18% drop in visceral fat over six months. The fat comes back after stopping.
Side effects and cautions
Joint pain, swelling, injection-site reactions and higher blood sugar. Not during pregnancy. Because it raises IGF-1, avoid it with active cancer.
Half-life
About 26–38 minutes (label)
Makes sense for
- Adults with excess belly (visceral) fat, especially HIV-related
Does not make sense for
- Active cancer
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Pituitary disorders
Boost the effect
- Inject on an empty stomach (2 hours after eating, no food for 30 minutes after): sugar and fat blunt the growth-hormone release
- Evening dose before bed and deep sleep: most growth hormone is released in deep sleep
- Enough protein: growth hormone needs building material to work on