Tesamorelin vs Tirzepatide

An FDA-approved growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogue for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, used off-label for visceral fat reduction and metabolic health.

A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist producing the largest sustained weight reductions of any drug currently licensed, averaging 20–22% body weight loss in clinical trials.

Tesamorelin is a stabilised GHRH analogue with a longer half-life than sermorelin. It selectively reduces visceral adipose tissue (VAT) while preserving subcutaneous fat and lean mass.

Tirzepatide activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, a combination that appears to amplify glucose-dependent insulin secretion, slow gastric emptying, and suppress appetite beyond what either pathway achieves alone.

1–2 mg subcutaneous daily

2.5 mg weekly, titrated up to 15 mg weekly

~26 minutes

~5 days

Subcutaneous

Subcutaneous once weekly

approved

approved

Not yet listed

Not yet listed