Visceral Fat / Metabolic
Tesamorelin
The only FDA-approved peptide shown to preferentially reduce visceral abdominal fat. A GHRH analogue that stimulates natural growth hormone release through your own pituitary feedback system. Physician-prescribed and pharmacy-compounded for California patients.
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Physician-reviewed peptide therapy, prescribed only when appropriate.
Protocol at a glance
- Dose
- 2 mg
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection (abdomen)
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Course
- 26 weeks to assess
- Typical cost
- $200–350/mo
Physician-reviewed. Prescribed only if appropriate after a telehealth consult — full refund if a licensed clinician determines it isn't right for you.
Why patients choose it
Why patients choose tesamorelin
Targets visceral fat
One of the few interventions shown to preferentially reduce deep abdominal fat — clinical trials saw 15–20% visceral fat reduction at 26 weeks.
Works with your body
Stimulates your own pituitary to release GH in natural pulses, so feedback loops stay intact and GH cannot over-accumulate.
Strongest evidence base
The only GHRH analogue with FDA approval (Egrifta), backed by the most robust clinical data among GH-stimulating peptides.
Overview
What tesamorelin is
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It binds to GHRH receptors in the anterior pituitary, stimulating somatotroph cells to produce and release growth hormone in natural pulses. GH then stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1.
The GH/IGF-1 axis promotes lipolysis (fat breakdown), particularly in visceral adipose tissue, while preserving lean muscle mass. Because GH is released in response to tesamorelin rather than injected directly, the pituitary's negative feedback remains intact — GH cannot over-accumulate, which reduces acromegaly risk.
Candidacy
Who it's for
Not all fat is equal. Subcutaneous fat under the skin is largely cosmetic. Visceral fat — the deep abdominal fat packed around the liver, pancreas, and intestines — is metabolically active. It secretes inflammatory cytokines, drives insulin resistance, and is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Standard weight-loss diets reduce visceral and subcutaneous fat proportionally. Tesamorelin is one of the few interventions shown to preferentially reduce visceral fat — making it relevant for patients with central obesity even at normal BMI. It is FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy; physicians may prescribe it off-label for visceral fat reduction in appropriate patients.
What to expect
How it unfolds, week by week
01
Weeks 1–4
Daily abdominal injections begin. The drug is reconstituted from a lyophilized powder and refrigerated; most patients establish their routine in this window.
02
Weeks 4–12
The GH/IGF-1 axis responds and lipolysis ramps up. IGF-1 may be checked to confirm response and guide ongoing dosing.
03
Week 26
The endpoint studied in trials — meaningful visceral adipose tissue reduction (15–20%) is typically assessed at this point with consistent daily use.
Tesamorelin vs. Sermorelin / CJC-1295
| Tesamorelin | Sermorelin | CJC-1295 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDA approved | Yes (Egrifta) | No | No |
| Half-life | ~26 min | ~11 min | 7–8 days (w/ DAC) |
| Dosing | 2mg/day | 200–500mcg/day | 1–2x weekly |
| Primary use | Visceral fat | Anti-aging / GH | Anti-aging / GH |
Safety
Side effects & contraindications
Tesamorelin is contraindicated in active malignancy, disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (from tumor, surgery, or radiation), and pregnancy. Patients with diabetes should be monitored closely, as GH can impair insulin sensitivity.
Those with a history of cancer should discuss the risks thoroughly with their physician before starting any GH-stimulating therapy. Your prescribing physician will screen for these contraindications.
Pricing
Cost in California
Compounded tesamorelin runs $200–350/month from a California-licensed pharmacy. Brand Egrifta is expensive and rarely covered outside its approved HIV indication. Consultation fees are $99–199 for the initial visit. See our full cost guide.
FAQ
Tesamorelin questions
Related peptides
Often explored together
Sermorelin
Shorter GHRH fragment used for general anti-aging and GH optimization.
Learn more →CJC-1295
Long-acting GHRH analogue; commonly stacked with ipamorelin.
Learn more →Ipamorelin
A selective GH secretagogue that amplifies the GH pulse.
Learn more →Semaglutide
GLP-1 agonist for broader weight loss and metabolic goals.
Learn more →Get tesamorelin in California
Physician consultation, prescription, and pharmacy delivery. No clinic visit required.
Check Your EligibilityTesamorelin
Physician-reviewed