Growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog · FDA-approved (HIV lipodystrophy)
A peptide that prompts the pituitary to release the body's own growth hormone, FDA-approved specifically to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
✦ 2 min read · 2 sourcesWhat it is
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), marketed as Egrifta. The FDA approved it to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy. It is not FDA-approved for general weight loss, bodybuilding, or anti-aging in healthy people.
How it works
Tesamorelin binds GHRH receptors on pituitary cells, stimulating the natural pulsatile production and release of endogenous growth hormone, which in turn raises IGF-1. Increased growth-hormone signaling promotes lipolysis, preferentially reducing visceral (deep abdominal) fat.
What the evidence shows
FDA approval was based on two Phase 3 placebo-controlled trials involving 816 HIV-infected adults with lipodystrophy; CT imaging showed significantly greater reductions in visceral abdominal fat versus placebo. Follow-up work also linked tesamorelin to modest reductions in liver fat in this population. The honest gap is that rigorous evidence outside HIV-associated lipodystrophy, including in otherwise healthy men, is limited, and benefits reverse when treatment stops.
Quick check
Four questions, ~60 seconds, with a sourced result.
The honest take
FDA-approved and well-studied for HIV-related visceral fat, but evidence for general body-composition or anti-aging use in healthy men is lacking.
Status & safety
Tesamorelin is a prescription drug; legitimate access is through a clinician for its approved HIV-related indication, and other uses are off-label. As a GHRH analog it is prohibited at all times in sport under WADA category S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors). Reported considerations include effects on blood glucose/insulin sensitivity and injection-site reactions; medical supervision is appropriate.
Summaries of published, third-party research for educational purposes. Not medical advice; not a claim of efficacy or safety for any use.
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