Tesamorelin
A profile on the FDA-approved GHRH analog, famous for specifically targeting visceral belly fat.
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is a synthetic analog of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH). It is the most stable and potent member of the GHRH family.
It is unique among peptides because it is FDA-approved specifically for the reduction of visceral adipose tissue (belly fat) in HIV patients. In the fitness world, it is prized as a premium fat-loss peptide that also boosts natural HGH levels significantly.
Quick Specs
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Compound | Tesamorelin |
| Half-Life | ~30-40 Minutes (Biological effect lasts hours) |
| Mechanism | GHRH Agonist |
| Administration | Subcutaneous (SubQ) |
Mechanism of Action
Tesamorelin binds to GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, stimulating the synthesis and release of endogenous Growth Hormone.
Unlike shorter GHRH analogs (like Sermorelin), the molecular structure of Tesamorelin (44 amino acids with a trans-3-hexenoic acid group) makes it more resistant to enzymatic degradation, resulting in a more sustained release of GH and IGF-1.
Pharmacokinetics & Dosing
Dosing Protocol
- Dosage: 1mg - 2mg per day.
- Frequency: Once Daily.
- Timing:
- Pre-Bed: The standard protocol. Injecting before sleep mimics the body's natural nightly GH spike.
- Fasted: It is crucial to take it on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after eating) to avoid insulin blunting the GH release.
- Cycle Length: Clinical trials ran for 26 weeks. In bodybuilding, 8-12 week cycles are common.
Primary Effects
1. Visceral Fat Reduction
Tesamorelin is statistically superior to other peptides at targeting deep, visceral fat (the hard fat around organs).
2. IGF-1 Elevation
It significantly raises IGF-1 levels, promoting muscle retention and recovery.
3. Nootropic Effects
Many users report improved cognitive sharpness ("nootropic" effect), likely due to the GHRH receptors present in the brain.
Side Effects & Harm Reduction
Cost:
Premium Price: Tesamorelin is significantly more expensive to manufacture than other peptides like CJC-1295. If you find "cheap" Tesamorelin, it is likely fake or underdosed.
1. Injection Site Reactions
Redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site is reported in about 20% of users.
2. Joint Pain / Stiffness
High GH levels can cause temporary water retention leading to stiff joints.
Tracking Tesamorelin
Using the Anabolic Tracker app:
- Inventory: Add Tesamorelin.
- Scheduling: Daily (Pre-Bed).
- Metrics: Track Waist Circumference (to monitor visceral fat loss).
Disclaimer:
This guide is for informational purposes only. Tesamorelin is a prescription drug (Egrifta).