Tesamorelin Guide
Egrifta Dosing, VAT Reduction & Protocol
Complete Tesamorelin (Egrifta) guide: FDA-approved GHRH analog for HIV lipodystrophy, 2 mg/day dosing, 18–20% visceral fat reduction in trials.
Egrifta: FDA-Approved GHRH Analog for Visceral Fat Reduction & Body Composition (2026)
Tesamorelin (brand name Egrifta) is a modified GHRH analog that stimulates growth hormone release with superior stability and potency compared to native GHRH. FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, Tesamorelin delivers 15–20% reductions in visceral adipose tissue in clinical trials and is used off-label for body composition optimization.
What Is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of endogenous GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone) with a trans-3-hexenoic acid chemical modification at the N-terminus. This modification stabilizes the molecule against enzymatic degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), giving Tesamorelin a longer active half-life and more potent pituitary stimulation than native GHRH or Sermorelin.
The FDA approved Tesamorelin as Egrifta in 2010 specifically for reducing excess abdominal visceral fat in HIV-positive adults on antiretroviral therapy (ART). HIV lipodystrophy — characterized by central fat accumulation despite peripheral fat loss — is a major metabolic complication of long-term ART. Tesamorelin addresses this by restoring GH pulsatility and promoting visceral fat lipolysis.
Off-label, Tesamorelin has attracted interest from bodybuilders, biohackers, and anti-aging practitioners for its powerful visceral fat reduction, IGF-1 elevation, and potential cognitive benefits. Research also suggests Tesamorelin may improve cognition in mild cognitive impairment — a finding from National Institute on Aging-funded trials at Vanderbilt University.
Mechanism & Key Effects
Tesamorelin Dosing Protocol
Inject into abdominal subcutaneous tissue, rotating sites. Monitor IGF-1 at baseline and every 6 weeks. Target IGF-1: 200–350 ng/mL. Use Shotlee to track daily injections and body composition changes.
Side Effects & Considerations
Guide FAQs
Complete Tesamorelin (Egrifta) guide: FDA-approved GHRH analog for HIV lipodystrophy, 2 mg/day dosing, 18–20% visceral fat reduction in trials.
Yes. Shotlee supports tracking Tesamorelin doses, side effects, and health metrics. It is free to use.
Track Your Tesamorelin Protocol in Shotlee
Free dose logging, side effect tracking, and health metric monitoring for your complete protocol.