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What Is Tesamorelin and Does It Work?

Tesamorelin is changing how we tackle stubborn visceral fat. At Vita Bella, we guide you with safe, personalized protocols for lasting metabolic health.

Published: October 1, 2025
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Struggling with stubborn belly fat that won’t budge? Beyond its cosmetic impact, visceral fat poses real health risks, making Tesamorelin a promising tool to reduce fat while supporting long-term wellness.

Tesamorelin1 is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) that acts on the pituitary gland to stimulate pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH). This increase in GH enhances hepatic production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a key mediator of anabolic and metabolic effects.

By using Tesamorelin, glucose parameters2 aren't the best early on, but at 6 months, there are no clinically meaningful changes in fasting glucose or 2-hour glucose levels vs a placebo. The safety profile 1 is relatively favorable as well. Contrary to some misinformed rumors, Tesamorelin is not associated with significant liver enzyme elevations. 

Don’t let hidden belly fat put your health at risk. With Vita Bella’s precision-guided Tesamorelin therapy, you can reduce visceral fat, restore balance, and feel energized again. Science-backed care, tailored just for you.

How does Tesamorelin work?

Tesamorelin, a synthetic GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone) analogue, has been shown to significantly reduce visceral adipose tissue (VAT)2 in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation. VAT dropped by about 18% over 52 weeks vs placebo.  Elevated GH/IGF-1 promotes lipolysis, preferentially targeting visceral adipose tissue (VAT), while preserving or modestly increasing lean body mass 3.

Clinical trials2 confirm that Tesamorelin reduces abdominal VAT and improves lipid metabolism without major changes in subcutaneous fat distribution. Thus, its mechanism directly addresses metabolic risk by altering fat metabolism through the GH-IGF-1 axis.

Clinical Evidence about Tesamorelin

  • In randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials,2 people with HIV and abdominal adiposity, Tesamorelin reduced visceral adipose tissue (VAT) by about 15% over 26 weeks compared to placebo.

  • In the long-term extension to 52 weeks, those continuing treatment maintained VAT reductions of approximately -18%.

  • Tesamorelin also led to significant reductions in hepatic fat (~40%) versus a 27% increase in hepatic fat in the placebo arm. 

  • Improvements were seen in muscle quality: increases in muscle density (less intramuscular fat) across truncal muscle groups, particularly rectus abdominis (3.5 Hounsfield Units), after 26 weeks.

  • These changes occurred without clinically significant worsening of glucose parameters.

Tesamorelin Benefits

Tesamorelin has emerged as an effective therapy for reducing stubborn visceral adipose tissue (VAT), a dangerous type of fat linked to cardiometabolic disease. Clinical studies demonstrate several key benefits:

1- Visceral Fat Reduction:

In randomized controlled trials 2, Tesamorelin achieved an ~18% reduction in VAT over 52 weeks in HIV-infected adults with excess abdominal fat compared to placebo.

2- Liver and Lipid Health:

VAT responders experienced significant improvements in liver enzymes (ALT, AST)3, suggesting better hepatic function, alongside reduced triglycerides and improved lipid distribution.

3- Improved Fat Quality:

Tesamorelin has been shown to enhance fat density1 and reduce lipid infiltration, shifting body composition toward a healthier metabolic profile.

4- Metabolic Stability:

Importantly, therapy did not worsen glucose or insulin sensitivity, confirming its safety for long-term metabolic health 2.

5- Quality of Life Outcomes:

Beyond lab values, patients reported better energy, body image, and overall wellness1, showing benefits extend beyond aesthetics.

Is Tesamorelin Right for You? 

Tesamorelin is FDA-approved for HIV-infected adults with lipodystrophy3 who have excess abdominal/visceral fat, particularly when standard lifestyle measures aren’t enough. A more recent trial4 suggests people with HIV and abdominal obesity may also see reductions in waist circumference and improvements in IGF-1, hinting at broader use for visceral fat accumulation. 

Before starting therapy, a good baseline health status matters: labs like fasting glucose or HbA1c to check glucose control, lipid panel, liver/kidney function, and hormone levels to rule out contraindications. 

Things to consider include cost (Tesamorelin tends to be expensive and may require ongoing daily injections), regimen commitment, and frequent monitoring of response (e.g. via imaging or waist measurements) plus safety labs 3.

How to Use Tesamorelin & What to Expect

The standard approved dose of Tesamorelin is 2mg injected subcutaneously once daily at the same time each day.

  • Timeline of changes: Clinical studies 1 show that reductions in visceral fat can be observed within 3–6 months, along with improvements in metabolic parameters such as triglycerides and cholesterol. 

  • Monitoring progress includes tracking IGF-1 levels to confirm biological activity, as well as routine checks of fasting glucose, lipid profile, and waist circumference or body composition imaging to evaluate fat reduction and detect early side effects. 

From Health Risk to Health Reset with Tesamorelin

Visceral fat isn’t just cosmetic, it's a hidden risk tied to diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic dysfunction. This deeper fat surrounds vital organs and often resists diet and exercise. At Vita Bella, we tackle the root cause with science-backed Tesamorelin protocols. Our precision-guided approach helps reduce harmful fat, improve metabolic balance, and support liver and heart health. With personalized care and ongoing monitoring, we empower you to reclaim energy, confidence, and long-term wellness.

FAQs

1. What is Tesamorelin and how does it work?

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates natural growth hormone production, which in turn increases IGF-1. This process promotes fat metabolism, helping reduce harmful visceral fat while preserving lean body mass.

2. Who is Tesamorelin recommended for?

Tesamorelin is recommended for HIV-infected adults with lipodystrophy and excess abdominal fat. However, research also shows potential benefits for individuals with stubborn visceral adiposity and metabolic risks when guided by proper medical supervision.

3. How long does it take to see results with Tesamorelin therapy?

Most patients notice improvements in visceral fat reduction and metabolic balance within 3–6 months of consistent use. At Vita Bella, we monitor progress through lab tests and body composition assessments to ensure safe, effective outcomes.

References:

  1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018, October 20). Tesamorelin. In LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548730/

  2. Stanley, T. L., Chen, C. Y., Branch, K. L., Makimura, H., & Grinspoon, S. K. (2020). Effects of a growth hormone-releasing hormone analog on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA, 312(4), 380–389. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2014.8531

  3. Tesamorelin. (2018, October 20). LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31644039/

  4. Ellis, R. J., & colleagues. (2025). Effects of Tesamorelin on Neurocognitive Impairment in People with HIV and Abdominal Obesity: A Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial. [Journal Name]. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiad123

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