R2 Medical Clinic

Tesamorelin

Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide analog of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH). It stimulates the pituitary gland to release endogenous growth hormone (GH), which then increases IGF-1 levels. Tesamorelin is one of the most potent GH-releasing peptides used clinically.

Potential Benefits

  • Visceral fat reduction
  • Body composition improvement
  • Increased GH / IGF-1 levels
  • Potential metabolic benefits
  • Possible sleep quality improvement

However, outside HIV lipodystrophy, these uses are not FDA-approved.

Most Common Side Effects

  • Injection site reactions
  • Joint pain or stiffness
  • Edema (can result in compression neuropathy)
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea
  • Possible increase in blood sugar
  • Possible insulin resistance

Contraindications

  • Active malignancy (cancer)
  • Pregnancy
  • Known hypersensitivity

Studies

  1. Tesamorelin and Visceral + Liver Fat (JAMA / NIH-indexed)
    Effect of Tesamorelin on Visceral Fat and Liver Fat in HIV-Infected Patients

    Key findings:

    • Tesamorelin significantly reduced visceral adipose tissue (VAT).
    • Also showed modest reduction in liver fat over 6 months.
  2. Phase III Randomized Trial – Visceral Fat Reduction
    Effects of Tesamorelin, a Growth Hormone–Releasing Factor, in HIV Patients With Central Fat Accumulation

    Key findings:

    • About 18% reduction in visceral fat with treatment.
    • Improvements in body image and abdominal fat profile.
  3. Tesamorelin and Metabolic Markers
    Reduction in Visceral Adiposity Is Associated With Improved Lipids During Tesamorelin Therapy

    Key findings:

    • ≥8% reduction in visceral fat associated with:
      • improved triglycerides
      • increased adiponectin
      • preserved glucose metabolism.
  4. Early Randomized Trial Showing Visceral Fat Loss
    Metabolic Effects of a Growth Hormone–Releasing Factor in HIV Patients With Abdominal Fat Accumulation

    Key findings:

    • 26-week therapy decreased visceral fat and improved lipid profiles.
  5. Study on Liver Enzymes and Visceral Fat
    Visceral Fat Reduction With Tesamorelin Is Associated With Improved Liver Enzymes in HIV

    Key findings:

    • Patients achieving ≥8% visceral fat reduction had improvements in ALT and AST.
  6. Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
    Tesamorelin Meta‑analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (PubMed)

    Summary of multiple trials:

    • ↓ visceral adipose tissue
    • ↓ hepatic fat
    • ↑ lean body mass
    • ↑ IGF-1 levels.

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Disclaimer: The information on this page was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence and compiled from publicly available sources. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, information may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect and should not be relied upon as medical advice.

R2 Medical Clinic uses medications sourced from compounding pharmacies. Compounded drugs have not been approved by the FDA; have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality; and have not been demonstrated to the FDA to be safe or effective for their intended use. The processes by which the compounded drugs are manufactured have not been reviewed by the FDA.