Supplement Scholar
Growth Hormone Secretagogues

Tesamorelin

Research compound. This is not a dietary supplement. Unless it is identified as an approved prescription drug, it is not approved by the FDA for human use. This page summarizes published research for education only; we do not sell it or link to sellers.

Tesamorelin. A long-acting GHRH analog originally approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy and visceral fat reduction.

How it works. Binds the GHRH receptor on the pituitary to stimulate endogenous GH release, with downstream reductions in visceral fat.

What the research supports. 3 graded claims. Strongest: Targeted visceral fat reduction (preclinical).

Hormonal impact. Effects on Growth hormone, IGF-1, Insulin sensitivity, Free fatty acids.

Side effects and interactions. 2 medication interactions listed. Serious: Reduced insulin sensitivity over long-term use.

Stacking. Pairs well with Resistance training. Avoid combining with Active malignancy, Pregnancy.

Common forms. Available as Subcutaneous injection.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Tesamorelin. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Tesamorelin. A long-acting GHRH analog originally approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy and visceral fat reduction.

44-residue chainC221H366N72O67S · 5136 g/mol

What it is

Tesamorelin is a stabilized analog of GHRH with extended half-life, FDA-approved in some regions for reducing visceral adipose tissue in HIV lipodystrophy.

How it works

Binds the GHRH receptor on the pituitary to stimulate endogenous GH release, with downstream reductions in visceral fat.

Pathways

  • GHRH-R signaling
  • Lipolysis in visceral adipose

Effects

  • ↓Visceral adipose tissue decreases
  • ↑IGF-1 levels increases
  • +Lipid profile improvements supports

What the research supports

Targeted visceral fat reductionpreclinical
Improved triglycerides in studied populationspreclinical
May improve cognition in some older adultspreclinical

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Hormonal impact

↑Growth hormoneincreases
↑IGF-1increases
↓Insulin sensitivitydecreases
↑Free fatty acidsincreases

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Injection-site reactions
  • Arthralgia
  • Peripheral edema

Serious

  • Reduced insulin sensitivity over long-term use

Medication interactions

Insulin / antidiabeticsmoderate

Monitor glucose; dosing may need adjustment.

Corticosteroidsmoderate

Blunt GH response.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Resistance trainingSynergistic for body-composition outcomes.

Avoid combining

  • Active malignancyGH/IGF-1 elevation is generally avoided.
  • PregnancyNot studied; avoid.

Common forms

  • Subcutaneous injection

Discussion

Loading discussion…