Carl read the papersWhat it actually is
Tesamorelin is a stabilised GHRH analog that stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone. It’s FDA-approved (Egrifta) for reducing excess visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
What makes it stand out in this category is the visceral-fat (VAT) evidence — the deep abdominal fat linked to metabolic risk — plus IGF-1 and cognitive benefits under study.
How it’s thought to work
- GHRH mimicry — stimulates natural GH release, raising IGF-1.
- Visceral-fat reduction — the standout, trial-backed effect on deep belly fat.
- Preserves rhythm — supports pulsatile GH rather than replacing it.
- Nightly timing — dosed at night to match GH peaks.
What the research says
FDA-approved with real human trials for visceral-fat reduction — one of the better-evidenced compounds in the GH category. Off-label wellness/anti-aging use is common but less studied.
- Visceral (deep belly) fat reduction — trial-backed.
- GH / IGF-1 support and body composition.
- Cognitive and metabolic research.
Reported protocols
These are the doses the peptide community actually reports running (Reddit & forums), alongside published research — logged for education, not as a recommendation to use.
| Parameter | Commonly reported range |
|---|---|
| Community dose | 1–2 mg (clinical dose is 2 mg) |
| Frequency | Once daily, at night |
| Route | Subcutaneous |
| Cycle | Multi-month; VAT effects build over 12+ weeks |
| Community tip | Dose fasted before bed; paired with fat-loss peptides to target belly fat |
Common use cases
| Goal | Community protocol notes |
|---|---|
| Visceral (belly) fat | 1–2 mg nightly, 12+ wks |
| GH / IGF-1 support | nightly, fasted |
| With a fat-loss peptide (Deep Cut) | + Retatrutide |
Mixing it (reconstitution)
Freeze-dried peptides must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before they can be measured. Carl’s calculator turns “mg in the vial + ml of water + target dose” into “units on the syringe” — and tells you how long the vial lasts.
→ Open the Reconstitution Calculator
Injection & handling
SubQ, 1–2 mg nightly, fasted before bed (carbs/insulin blunt GH). Visceral-fat effects build over 12+ weeks — a multi-month commitment. Reconstituted product is less stable; handle per storage guidance.
Stacks it appears in
- The Deep Cut — Retatrutide + Tesamorelin — aggressive fat loss plus targeted visceral-fat and GH support.
