Tesamorelin

Tesamorelin is a synthetic 44-amino acid analog of endogenous GHRH with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminus that significantly extends plasma stability compared to native GHRH. It is FDA-approved (Egrifta) for reducing excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, representing one of few peptides with a formal regulatory approval and phase 3 trial evidence. Mechanistically it stimulates pituitary somatotrophs to release GH in a physiological pulsatile pattern, which in turn elevates IGF-1 and promotes visceral fat reduction. Off-label wellness and anti-aging use is growing, but evidence outside the lipodystrophy indication is limited to small investigational studies without definitive efficacy data.

fat lossbody compositionmetabolicgrowth hormone

Evidence last reviewed: 19 Apr 2026

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Research / clinical compound

Not a routine supplement — not recommended for self-directed use.

Information here is educational only, not a recommendation to use. See our Safety page.

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Evidence

5 records

5 recordsBest grade:High

Biomarkers

TriglyceridesIGF-1Lean / Muscle MassBody Fat %Cognitive Function

Evidence is from research or clinical settings — does not imply safety outside supervised contexts.

Tesamorelin has strong evidence for reducing visceral and liver fat in HIV patients, supported by multiple randomized controlled trials. However, its efficacy in non-HIV contexts remains largely unproven, with only small studies available.

Neurocognitive performance

HIV patients with abdominal obesity · RCT

Moderate

Tesamorelin showed a trend towards improved neurocognitive performance, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Dose in study: 2000 mg(trial dose)Duration: 6 monthsForm: Subcutaneous injection

Citation: Stanley et al. (2012). Reduction in visceral adiposity is associated with an improved metabolic profile in HIV-infected patients receiving tesamorelin. Journal.

Liver fat reduction

HIV patients with NAFLD · RCT

High

Tesamorelin reduced liver fat and prevented fibrosis progression in HIV-associated NAFLD.

Dose in study: 2000 mg(trial dose)Duration: 12 monthsForm: Subcutaneous injection

Citation: Fraile et al. (2021). Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) - A Review of a Crowded Clinical Landscape, Driven by a Complex Disease. Journal.

Muscle area increase

HIV patients with abdominal obesity · RCT

Moderate

Tesamorelin decreased muscle fat and increased muscle area.

Dose in study: 2000 mg(trial dose)Duration: 6 monthsForm: Subcutaneous injection

Citation: Adrian et al. (2019). The Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analogue, Tesamorelin, Decreases Muscle Fat and Increases Muscle Area in Adults with HIV. Journal.

IGF-1 increase

HIV patients with abdominal fat accumulation · RCT

High

Tesamorelin increased IGF-1 levels, which may contribute to its effects on body composition.

Dose in study: 2000 mg(trial dose)Duration: Long-termForm: Subcutaneous injection

Citation: Falutz et al. (2008). Long-term safety and effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue, in HIV patients with abdominal fat accumulation. Journal.

Visceral fat reduction

HIV patients with abdominal fat accumulation · RCT

High

Tesamorelin significantly reduced visceral fat and hepatic fat in HIV patients.

Dose in study: 2000 mg(trial dose)Duration: 12 monthsForm: Subcutaneous injection

Citation: Fourman et al. (2021). Delineating tesamorelin response pathways in HIV-associated NAFLD using a targeted proteomic and transcriptomic approach. Journal.

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Forms & usage▾

Subcutaneous injection

Typically administered as a daily injection.

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