How does Tesamorelin work?
GHRH analog with structural modifications that resist proteolytic breakdown. Binds the same GHRH receptor as Sermorelin and CJC, with longer activity window. Specifically reduces visceral fat through GH-mediated lipolysis. In plain terms, Tesamorelin is used to shrink deep belly fat. A GHRH analog that's FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy and used off-label for visceral fat reduction. Mechanistic detail like this comes largely from preclinical and early research, the human picture is limited.
What people use it for
- Users targeting visceral (deep abdominal) fat specifically
- Older adults wanting GH-axis support without HGH
- People with elevated visceral fat on DEXA
References
- Tesamorelin for HIV-associated lipodystrophy — Falutz J et al., NEJM, 2007
- Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial — Stanley TL et al., JAMA, 2014
- Effects of tesamorelin (TH9507), a growth hormone-releasing factor analog, in HIV-infected patients with excess abdominal fat: a pooled analysis of two multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 trials with safety extension data — Falutz J et al., Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2010
Pepdex is an editorial reference, not medical advice. Peptides vary in legal and approval status by country, many are research compounds without full human safety data. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting anything.
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Last updated 2026-06-06.