What it means
Tesamorelin is a lab-made version of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It prompts the pituitary gland to release more of the body's own growth hormone, which can shrink deep belly fat in a specific group of patients.
The FDA approved it as Egrifta in 2010 to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV who have lipodystrophy, a change in fat distribution linked to some HIV treatments. The label states it is not indicated for weight loss management.
Side effects can include joint pain, swelling, injection-site reactions and higher blood sugar. Growth hormone pathways raise questions about cancer risk, so it is not used in people with active cancer, and it should not be used in pregnancy.
Tesamorelin is sometimes mentioned online beside unapproved growth hormone peptides such as CJC-1295 and ipamorelin. Unlike those, it is an approved drug with a specific, limited use.
Why it matters
Tesamorelin is the approved member of a peptide family that is widely marketed online for uses it was never approved for.
Related terms
Sources
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