Tesamorelin is a synthetic form of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that works by increasing the production of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Growth hormone is a hormone that plays an important role in body growth and development, as well as in metabolism and body composition.
Tesamorelin is thought to work by binding to GHRH receptors on the pituitary gland. This binding stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Growth hormone then travels throughout the body and binds to growth hormone receptors on cells in various tissues, including muscle, liver, and fat.
Growth hormone has a number of effects on the body, including:
- Stimulates muscle growth
- Promotes lipolysis (fat burning)
- Increases insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) production
- Improves bone density
- Strengthens the immune system
Tesamorelin is used to reduce excess visceral fat (belly fat) in HIV-infected individuals with lipodystrophy. Lipodystrophy is a condition that causes changes in the way body fat is distributed in people with HIV infection. People with HIV lipodystrophy may have too much fat in their abdomen and upper back, and too little fat in their arms, legs, and face.
Tesamorelin is thought to work to reduce visceral fat by increasing the production of growth hormone. Growth hormone has been shown to promote lipolysis and reduce fat accumulation in the abdomen.
In addition to its use in the treatment of HIV lipodystrophy, tesamorelin is also being investigated for the treatment of a number of other conditions, including:
- Obesity
- Growth hormone deficiency
- Cachexia (a wasting condition that can occur with cancer or other chronic diseases)
- Frailty in older adults
The results of early studies are promising, and tesamorelin has the potential to be a valuable new treatment for a variety of conditions that are associated with changes in body composition and metabolism.
Here is a more detailed explanation of how tesamorelin works to reduce visceral fat:
- Tesamorelin binds to GHRH receptors on the pituitary gland.
- This binding stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland.
- Growth hormone travels throughout the body and binds to growth hormone receptors on cells in various tissues, including muscle, liver, and fat.
- In fat cells, growth hormone activates the lipolysis pathway.
- Lipolysis is the process of breaking down fat into fatty acids and glycerol.
- The fatty acids released from fat cells are then transported to the liver, where they can be used to produce energy or stored as fat.
- Growth hormone also increases the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).
- IGF-1 is a hormone that plays a role in muscle growth and fat metabolism.
- By increasing IGF-1 levels, tesamorelin can help to promote lipolysis and reduce fat accumulation in the abdomen.
It is important to note that tesamorelin is not a magic bullet for weight loss. It is only effective in reducing excess visceral fat in people with HIV lipodystrophy. Tesamorelin is also not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise.
