Tesamorelin
aka Egrifta, TH9507
A 44-amino-acid signal that asks your pituitary to release growth hormone — FDA-approved to melt belly fat.
Technically · Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog
In one sentence
The only FDA-approved peptide that's proven to specifically melt visceral belly fat — 15-20% reduction in trials.
— Like HGH, but it asks your pituitary to release its own — no shutdown of your natural production.
Half-life
~26 minutes (rapid pulsatile GH release)
About 26 minutes active — daily injections, often split into AM and PM.
Dosing
Daily SubQ, often split AM + PM; 5 days on / 2 off
How often you take a dose
Route
SubQ
How it goes into the body
Status
FDA
Approved by the FDA for prescription use
What it is
The only FDA-approved peptide with hard proof of melting belly fat — specifically, deep visceral fat (the kind around your organs that's the worst for health). Approved as Egrifta for HIV patients with abnormal fat distribution; increasingly used off-label by older adults targeting visceral fat.
The full technical answer
A 44-amino acid synthetic GHRH analog. FDA-approved (Egrifta) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy with proven 15–20% reduction in visceral adipose tissue. Increasingly used off-label for general visceral fat reduction in older adults.
How it works
Tesamorelin doesn't force HGH into your body — it asks your pituitary to release its own, in natural pulses. The resulting GH/IGF-1 elevation specifically targets visceral fat for burning. Lean muscle is preserved. Your natural feedback loops stay intact because you're using your own gland.
The full technical answer
Stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone in physiological pulses. Unlike exogenous HGH, preserves natural pulsatile rhythm and feedback loops. The resulting GH/IGF-1 elevation drives visceral lipolysis specifically.
What the research says
Multiple Phase 3 trials show 15–20% visceral fat reduction over 26 weeks. The only GH secretagogue with FDA approval for fat loss. Preserves lean mass while reducing visceral adipose.
Sources: NEJM: Tesamorelin Phase 3 · FDA Egrifta label
Common dosing ranges
- Range
- 1–2 mg/day total
- Frequency
- Daily SubQ, often split AM + PM; 5 days on / 2 off
- Duration
- 8–12 week cycles; clinical minimum effect window 26 weeks
Sources: PubMed
How to take it
Practical guidance synthesized from clinical protocols, FDA labels, and clinician interviews. Always cross-check with a prescribing physician.
Best time of day
AM and PM split-dose, fasted. Daily 5 days on, 2 off is common (Bachmeyer protocol).
With food or fasted
Fasted — at least 2 hours after last meal. Insulin and carbs blunt GH release.
How long to cycle
8–12 week cycles. Clinical visceral fat reduction effect peaks at 26 weeks per FDA trials.
When to get off
Glucose intolerance (rising HbA1c), fluid retention, joint pain. Never use with active malignancy.
Administration
Side effects
Common
- Injection site reactions
- Mild fluid retention
- Joint pain
- Carpal tunnel symptoms
Serious / theoretical
- Glucose intolerance (monitor HbA1c)
- Avoid in active malignancy
- Avoid in pregnancy
Sources: FDA label
Notes
Bachmeyer's preferred GH-axis stack anchor. Stack with Retatrutide for dual visceral fat attack (Jones DC protocol). Preferred over exogenous HGH because pituitary feedback stays intact.
Further reading & listening
Where the experts go deeper.
Curated from the PeptideFacts expert directory — vetted YouTube channels, podcasts, books, and communities. No anecdote-only or supplier-affiliated picks.
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