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GH secretagogue

Tesamorelin

Also known as Egrifta

The strongest peptide for stubborn belly fat, FDA-approved for visceral fat.

Clinical evidence

Overview

Tesamorelin is a potent synthetic GHRH analog - the most clinically validated peptide specifically for reducing visceral fat, the deep abdominal fat that wraps around internal organs. It is FDA-approved under the brand name Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, a condition that causes abnormal fat accumulation, and is used off-label for visceral fat reduction in other populations. Its primary goal is fat loss, particularly stubborn belly fat. Secondary goals include modest muscle support, some cognition benefit, and general longevity support. It tends to be considered for patients where visceral fat is a meaningful health concern rather than purely aesthetic. Tesamorelin is given as a subcutaneous injection of 1-2 mg, taken daily before bed. A course typically runs three to six months before reassessment. The bedtime timing is consistent with the natural pattern of overnight GH secretion. The most clinically relevant caution is its effect on blood sugar - tesamorelin can affect glucose metabolism, and this is monitored at the time of consult and during the course. Like all GH secretagogues, it is contraindicated in anyone with a cancer history. It should not be combined with MK-677. It pairs well with ipamorelin and AOD-9604. In the US it is available as a compounded preparation outside the FDA-approved HIV lipodystrophy indication. Its evidence base is clinical - it has a meaningful body of human trial data behind it, which distinguishes it from emerging or anecdotal-only options. Your licensed provider in the PepDepo network will review your metabolic history and determine whether tesamorelin is appropriate and what monitoring is needed during your course.

At a glance

Route
SC injection
Dose
1-2 mg
Frequency
Daily
Timing
Before bed
Cycle
3-6 months

Combining

Stacks well with: Ipamorelin, AOD-9604

Avoid combining with: MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

Safety

Can affect blood sugar; monitored at consult.

Regulatory: FDA-approved (Egrifta) for HIV lipodystrophy; used off-label for visceral fat.

Not appropriate if: cancer-history.

Questions

What makes tesamorelin different from other GH secretagogues for fat loss?

It's the only peptide in this category with an FDA approval specifically for reducing visceral (deep abdominal) fat, earned in clinical trials for HIV lipodystrophy. That's a meaningful evidence bar that most secretagogues haven't cleared.

How is tesamorelin taken?

As a subcutaneous injection of 1-2 mg, once daily before bed. Your exact dose is set at your PepDepo consult.

What should I know about blood sugar?

Tesamorelin can affect glucose metabolism. Blood sugar is one of the things monitored at consult and potentially during the course. If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, this is especially important to flag.

Who should not use tesamorelin?

Anyone with a cancer history is excluded. GH-axis stimulation is contraindicated in that setting.

Is tesamorelin FDA-approved?

Yes, as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Its use for visceral fat reduction in other patients is off-label, which is a legal and common prescribing practice.

How long does a course run?

Typically three to six months, then a reassessment. The right duration depends on your response and goals.

Can it be combined with MK-677?

No. Tesamorelin and MK-677 should not be combined.

Related protocols

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Exact dosing is set with a licensed provider in the PepDepo network. This page is education, not a prescription.

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Education only, not medical advice. Peptides discussed are for informational purposes and many are not FDA-approved. Eligibility, prescribing, compounding, and dispensing are handled by appropriately licensed entities. Exact protocols and dosing are set with a licensed provider in the PepDepo network at consult. Content is pending clinical review.