In plain English
Tesamorelin is a lab-made, longer-lasting version of the hormone that tells your pituitary gland to release growth hormone. It is best known for shrinking visceral fat, the deep fat around the organs in the belly, and is FDA-approved for that use in people with HIV-related fat changes.
What it's used for
- Reducing excess abdominal (visceral) fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy (Egrifta)
- Body composition and belly fat reduction more generally
- Raising natural growth hormone and IGF-1
- Being studied for fatty liver and memory in older adults
Benefits
In human studies, tesamorelin has shown:
- About 15–18% reduction in deep belly fat over 26 weeks
- Higher IGF-1 levels within the normal range
- Improvements in liver fat in people with fatty liver
- Better triglyceride levels in some studies
Users report a slimmer waistline, better sleep and improved recovery.
How it works
In simple terms: tesamorelin tells your pituitary to release more of your own growth hormone, which in turn helps burn deep belly fat.
It is the full 44-amino-acid growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with a small chemical change that protects it from breakdown. It binds GHRH receptors on the pituitary, producing natural pulses of growth hormone and raising IGF-1. Growth hormone encourages the breakdown of stored fat, especially visceral fat.
Development history
- 2000s: Developed by Theratechnologies in Canada.
- 2010: FDA-approved as Egrifta (2 mg daily) to reduce excess belly fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy.
- Later: Egrifta SV (1.4 mg daily) and, in 2025, Egrifta WR (1.28 mg daily, mixed once a week) were approved as easier-to-use formulations.
Typical protocols
Prescription tesamorelin follows the label below. Users of research vials for body composition report similar daily doses.
| Product | Daily dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Egrifta (original) | 2 mg | The dose used in the main studies |
| Egrifta SV | 1.4 mg | Delivers the same effect as 2 mg of the original |
| Egrifta WR | 1.28 mg | Mixed once a week, smaller daily injection |
| Research vials (users report) | 1–2 mg | Once daily, often in the evening |
Cycling
Prescription use is continuous. Users of research vials often run 12–26 weeks, then take a break. Belly fat tends to return gradually after stopping.
Administration options
Subcutaneous injection once daily in the belly, rotating sites.
Reconstitution and dosing calculator
Research tesamorelin often comes in 5 mg or 10 mg vials and is commonly mixed with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water.
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Side effects and safety
- Most common: injection-site redness or itching, joint pain, muscle aches, swelling in the hands or feet, and tingling or numbness.
- Can raise blood sugar; people with diabetes should monitor closely.
- Not for use during pregnancy.
- People with active cancer, or with pituitary problems or past pituitary surgery, should not use it.
- Prohibited in competitive sport (WADA).
Common stacks
- Ipamorelin: pairs with tesamorelin for a larger growth hormone pulse, in the same way it pairs with CJC-1295.
- Users report combining it with GLP-1 peptides for fat loss.
Storage
Egrifta products: follow the label (some are stored at room temperature before mixing).
Research powder: refrigerate; after mixing, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and protect from light.
Compare with
- CJC-1295 and sermorelin: shorter GHRH peptides with less human data on belly fat.
- Ipamorelin: works through the ghrelin receptor instead and is often combined with tesamorelin.
Frequently asked questions
Is tesamorelin only for people with HIV?
Its approved use is for HIV-related belly fat, but it is widely used for body composition more generally.
Why are there three different doses (2, 1.4 and 1.28 mg)?
They are different formulations designed to give the same effect; newer versions are absorbed better, so a smaller dose is needed.
How long until results?
Studies measured clear belly-fat reduction at 26 weeks; users often notice changes after 2–3 months.
Does it build muscle?
Its strongest effect is on deep belly fat. Effects on muscle are modest.
References
- Falutz J, et al. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. N Engl J Med. 2007;357:2359-2370.
- Egrifta SV and Egrifta WR (tesamorelin for injection), US prescribing information, Theratechnologies.
- Theratechnologies. FDA approval of Egrifta WR (2025). https://theratech.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/theratechnologies-receives-fda-approval-egrifta-wrtm-tesamorelin