Tesamorelin
Stronger clinical signalAlso known as: Egrifta · GHRH analogue
A synthetic GHRH analogue with an approved indication for reducing excess abdominal fat in specific HIV-associated lipodystrophy contexts—often referenced when discussing visceral fat and GH axis research.
Mechanism (plain language)
Stimulates endogenous GH secretion via GHRH receptors, increasing IGF-1 and influencing lipolysis patterns studied in indicated populations.
What research suggests
Randomized trials support visceral adipose reductions in labeled populations. Extrapolation to general fitness or aesthetic fat loss should be treated cautiously.
Uncertainties & risks
Approved drug with specific indication—not a general fat-loss peptide guide. IGF-1 elevation, glucose effects, and injection-site reactions are documented. Off-label athletic use lacks strong outcome data.
STACKD study summaries
Start with our in-house roundups—plain-language synthesis of the research, with primary sources cited at the bottom of each.
Primary sources
Secondary citations for verification. Prefer the STACKD summary above for context before opening these.
- Effects of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV
2014 · human
Examined visceral and hepatic fat changes with tesamorelin.
- Tesamorelin for reduction of visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy
2010 · human
Pivotal evidence for VAT reduction in indicated patients.