Reduction of adipose tissue: The primary and approved use of tesamorelin is to treat HIV-afflicted individuals who suffer from lipodystrophy, a condition that causes the accumulation of fat in the upper back and around the stomach [5]. This increase in adipose tissue can cause body image issues as well as increase the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases.
Tesamorelin has been shown to trigger lipolysis (fat loss) in individuals with this condition. In HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy and excess body fat around the abdomen, tesamorelin was found to significantly decrease subcutaneous adipose tissue (body fat) by 15 percent [6]. In contrast, the control group participants experienced a five percent increase in body fat. In this same study, tesamorelin was also found to improve insulin resistance and cholesterol.
More importantly, patients’ scores on body image improved significantly in the tesamorelin group, with subjects perceiving their bodies as more attractive following treatment [6].
These results are not isolated, having been confirmed by a review of four randomized controlled trials [7]. The research suggests that tesamorelin is actually four times more effective in reducing adipose tissue (body fat) than all other treatments combined [8].
Recovery from peripheral nerve damage: Injury, surgery, and even diabetes can cause peripheral nerve damage and result in the loss of motor and sensory function in various parts of the body. Typically, there is very little that can be done about this, as nerve cells are difficult to regenerate.
However, promising research has shown that tesamorelin and other GHRH secretagogues can improve the extent to which nerves can regenerate themselves, with tesamorelin being investigated as one of the more promising treatment options [9].
Improved cognitive function: There is also research about the role that GHRH analogues, including tesamorelin, may play in improving cognitive function in subjects with mild cognitive impairment.
A large study has found evidence that tesamorelin may increase levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that are associated with the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline [10]. More research is needed to confirm these findings.