Tesamorelin

Tesamorelin is FDA-approved to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It’s considered off-label use when prescribed for other goals, such as general body composition or age-related changes. Your Huddle Men’s Health provider will discuss what that means for your treatment (if found to be a candidate for treatment) during your consultation.

Tesamorelin is a small subcutaneous injection, usually given once daily into the fatty tissue of the abdomen. Your first injection is done at the clinic, where your Huddle Men’s Health provider shows you how to prepare and administer each dose. After that, you’ll take it at home on your own schedule. Most men find the process quick and easy once they’ve done it a few times.

Tesamorelin’s best-studied effect is reducing visceral fat, which is the deep abdominal fat linked to metabolic and cardiovascular risk. Because it works by increasing your body’s own growth hormone production, it may also support leaner body composition, improved recovery, and healthier triglyceride levels (a type of fat in the blood linked to heart health). Results will vary from person to person, and your provider will track your progress with measurements and lab work.

Most side effects are mild. The most common ones are redness, itching, or discomfort at the injection site, along with joint pain, muscle aches, and mild swelling in the hands or feet. Some men notice numbness or tingling. Tesamorelin can also raise blood sugar, so your provider will monitor your glucose levels during treatment. Let your provider know about any side effects so your plan can be adjusted if needed.

Tesamorelin may be a good fit for men with stubborn abdominal fat that doesn’t go away with diet and exercise, or declining growth hormone levels. It isn’t right for everyone. Men with active cancer, certain pituitary conditions, or poorly controlled diabetes are generally not candidates for this treatment. A consultation and lab work will determine if it’s appropriate for you.

Yes, and we’ll do the labs right here at our clinic. Baseline labs typically include IGF-1 and blood sugar, since growth hormone levels can affect insulin sensitivity. These results help your Huddle Men’s Health provider confirm if tesamorelin is appropriate and give a reference point for tracking your response. Follow-up visits also check blood sugar control, fluid retention, and any injection site reactions, so your plan can be adjusted if that’s needed.

Not always. Some studies found that excess abdominal fat tended to return after treatment stopped, as abdominal fat accumulation can resume without healthy lifestyle habits in place. Pairing treatment with good nutrition, strength training, and quality sleep gives you the best chance of holding onto your fat loss and the lean muscle that you’ve built.

Tesamorelin therapy works gradually. Some men notice better energy and recovery within the first several weeks, while meaningful changes in body composition usually take a few months of consistent use. In clinical trials, measurable visceral fat reduction was typically seen after about six months, with imaging showing less visceral adipose tissue, the deep fat surrounding the organs. Research also suggests tesamorelin decreases muscle fat, and lower muscle fat is associated with better muscle quality.