Thoughts on tesa?

amylynntaulbee

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Is Tesa worth the cost? Usually I’ll get a couple vials of something and try it out, before committing to a kit, but it seems like Tesa takes a while to get results. Is it worth getting kit?
 
What are your goals? If its visceral fat loose Tesa works well for that, but so does Triz and Reta. If its for lean muscle Tesa also does that. Ipa & CJC also works for lean muscle and are cheaper to run. Does running Ipa & CJC work better that Tesa, not really sure. I have been running all three for about a month now and have notice some gains from them. I torn my right rotator cuff in 2 locations early this year, had to stop lifting for rehab, and lost some muscle mass during the process. Decided to run all three once I was cleared to start lifting again do help out.
 
One way to check if HGH dose is too high, besides IGF-1, is to check the ratio of IGF-1 to IGFBP-3:

IGFBP-3: Growth Marker for Peptide Safety & Cancer Risk

Discover why IGFBP-3 testing is crucial for peptide therapy safety and cancer risk assessment. Expert insights from Internal Healing & Wellness MD.
internalhealingandwellnessmd.com internalhealingandwellnessmd.com

More people would do it if IGFBP-3 was cheaper to test for. At Fitomics, it's $50 something compared to $13 for IGF-1.
 
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I've been really enjoying muscle building effects of tesa & ipa, while on maintenance reta leaning me out even more. I've got decent amount of stock on hand, but might just move on to hgh 2 iu at some point, after recent rabbit-holing on the subject. And of course, keeping up with regular labs from Fitomics.
 
I'm about to start my Reta journey - is stacking it with Tesa going to be effective? if both target VAT deposits(Which I'm becoming more concerned about into my 30's) is there any receptor overlap? Not seeing a lot of data on combining the two together but Im kinda wishing I had snagged some when I ordered the other stuff.
 
Overpriced vials at some random reseller using jotform, but a good stack:

1000004353.jpg

Since I'm cheap, I would get CJC instead of tesa or just use HGH.
 
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Calm Logic said:
Since I'm cheap, I would get CJC instead of tesa or just use HGH.
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So the way Im reading it - Tesa Specifically targets VAT vs HGH just reducing overall BF. CJC doesnt seem to be as strong as either in the fat burning dept.

Is there any reason you'd prefer the CJC? or strictly for price.
 
From what I read, CJC would help more with recovery and sleep, compared to tesa. My Achilles heel is literally my Achilles heel, haha.

Regarding fat burning, a generated table for comparison, including Anavar (the winner) and TRT as well as ipa, CJC, tesa, and HGH:

FeatureIpamorelin (Ipa)CJC-1295 (often with Ipamorelin)Tesamorelin (Tesa)Human Growth Hormone (HGH)Anavar (Oxandrolone)Testosterone Cypionate (Test-C)
Type of SubstanceGrowth Hormone Secretagogue PeptideGHRH Analog Peptide (longer acting)GHRH Analog Peptide (highly targeted)Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (exogenous)Oral Anabolic Androgenic Steroid (AAS)Injectable Anabolic Androgenic Steroid (AAS)
Mechanism of Action for Fat LossStimulates natural GH release in pulsatile manner, leading to increased lipolysis and metabolism.Stimulates sustained natural GH release, leading to increased lipolysis and metabolism.Stimulates natural GH release, uniquely targeting and reducing visceral adipose tissue (VAT).Direct lipolytic effects; increases metabolism; in deficient individuals, restores fat metabolism.Directly promotes lipolysis; preserves/builds lean muscle mass, increasing metabolic rate.Promotes lean muscle mass, increasing metabolic rate; may directly influence fat cell metabolism; plays a role in overall body composition.
Primary Fat TargetGeneral fat loss (subcutaneous and visceral)General fat loss (subcutaneous and visceral)Specifically Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT)General fat loss (subcutaneous and visceral), especially in deficient states.General fat loss (subcutaneous and visceral), with notable effects on abdominal fat.General fat loss (subcutaneous and visceral), particularly in individuals with low testosterone.
Fat Burning Efficacy (General)Moderate (as part of overall body recomposition)Moderate to Good (as part of overall body recomposition)High for VAT; less pronounced for overall subcutaneous fat.Moderate to High in GH-deficient individuals; Modest in healthy individuals.High (especially for preserving muscle during caloric deficit).Moderate to High (especially in hypogonadal men, contributes to better body composition).
Targeted Fat ReductionIndirect via GH increaseIndirect via sustained GH increaseHighly targeted to VATGeneral, but can reduce VAT in deficient states.General, with strong effects on body recomposition.General, helps optimize body composition.
Muscle Preservation/GainYes, by increasing GH and IGF-1Yes, by increasing GH and IGF-1Yes, due to increased GH and IGF-1Yes, promotes muscle growth and preservation, especially in deficient states.Significant, known for preserving lean mass during cutting.Significant, primary role is muscle growth and strength.
Typical Use ContextAnti-aging, general wellness, body recompositionAnti-aging, general wellness, body recomposition, recoveryHIV-associated lipodystrophy (FDA-approved), some off-label for VAT.GH deficiency treatment; some off-label in sports (controversial).Medical: muscle wasting conditions; Illicit: bodybuilding (cutting).Medical: Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) for hypogonadism; Illicit: bodybuilding.
Legal Status (USA)Prescription peptide (generally)Prescription peptide (generally)Prescription drug (FDA-approved)Prescription drug (Controlled substance for non-medical use)Prescription drug (Controlled substance)Prescription drug (Controlled substance)
Potential Side EffectsMild (e.g., injection site reactions, transient flushing)Mild (e.g., injection site reactions, transient flushing)Mild (e.g., injection site reactions, headache, joint pain)Swelling, joint pain, carpal tunnel, insulin resistance, acromegaly (with abuse).Liver toxicity, cholesterol changes, virilization in females, hair loss, acne.Estrogen-related (gynecomastia, water retention), acne, hair loss, prostate issues, cardiovascular risks.
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Summary of Fat Burning Strengths:
* Anavar: Generally considered the most direct and potent for overall fat loss and body recomposition among these compounds, especially for cutting cycles, due to its ability to preserve muscle while stripping fat.
* Tesamorelin: Uniquely effective and targeted for visceral fat reduction, particularly its FDA-approved use in HIV-related lipodystrophy.
* HGH: Highly effective for fat loss in GH-deficient individuals. Its efficacy for significant fat loss in otherwise healthy individuals is more modest and controversial.
* Testosterone Cypionate: Contributes to fat loss primarily by increasing lean muscle mass and improving overall body composition, especially in men with low testosterone.
* Ipamorelin & CJC-1295: These GH-releasing peptides promote fat loss indirectly by naturally increasing GH and IGF-1 levels, contributing to improved metabolism and body composition over time. They are generally milder than direct HGH or steroids.
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Comparing recovery, with nothing supposedly beating TB and BPC, and HGH the next best:

SubstanceRecovery FocusHealing PowerLegal Status (USA)
Ipamorelin (Ipa)GH-mediated tissue repair, sleepGoodPrescription Peptide
CJC-1295 (w/Ipa)Sustained GH/IGF-1 for repair, sleepVery GoodPrescription Peptide
Tesamorelin (Tesa)Indirect GH for general tissue health (VAT focus)ModeratePrescription Drug
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)Direct tissue regen., collagen, inflammationExcellentControlled Drug
AnavarMuscle preservation/repair, anabolicGoodControlled Drug
Testosterone CypionateMuscle growth/repair, anti-catabolicVery GoodControlled Drug
BPC-157Targeted tissue/GI/nerve healing, anti-inflam.ExceptionalUnapproved Drug
TB-500Broad tissue repair (muscle, tendon, skin), flexibilityExceptionalUnapproved Drug
GHK-CuSkin/wound healing, anti-inflam., collagenGoodOTC/Unapproved Inj.
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Also, as @AndyPanda once said, just use clen instead of tesa teso.

Gemini says clen can burn more fat than anything else mentioned in this thread, and it gave this study, which used double the dose I normally take :

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31887249/

Before and 140 min after ingestion of 80 μg clenbuterol, resting metabolic rate and contractile function of the quadriceps muscle were measured, and blood samples as well as vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were collected. Clenbuterol increased resting energy expenditure by 21% (P < 0.001), and fat oxidation by 39% (P = 0.006), whereas carbohydrate oxidation was unchanged.
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I'm on a clen cycle now, but it's hard to know what tirz vs. clen is doing. After reading the article on clen at Meso, I also bought albuterol tablets since they are less potentially risky.
 
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Calm Logic said:
Also, as @AndyPanda once said, just use clen instead of tesa.

Gemini says clen can burn more fat than anything else mentioned in this thread, and it gave this reference:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31887249/


I'm on a clen cycle now, but it's hard to know what tirz vs clen is doing.
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I believe that was in reference to tesofensine. But, Clenbuterol is definitely an awesome tool. As far as the GHRHs like Tesamorelin, Sermorelin, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, I just recommend people commit and use HGH. Possible side effects are the same but they only provide a fraction of the benefits, if any at all. I understand the programming that causes people to resist the idea of HGH and some proven AAS’ (ones that have legit human medical uses) but if people do their research and start conservatively they can absolutely improve their physical and mental health.
 
AndyPanda said:
I believe that was in reference to tesofensine. But, Clenbuterol is definitely an awesome tool. As far as the GHRHs like Tesamorelin, Sermorelin, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, I just recommend people commit and use HGH. Possible side effects are the same but they only provide a fraction of the benefits, if any at all. I understand the programming that causes people to resist the idea of HGH and some proven AAS’ (ones that have legit human medical uses) but if people do their research and start conservatively they can absolutely improve their physical and mental health.
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Thats kinda where Im at. I need to rabbit hole it all.
 
AndyPanda said:
but they only provide a fraction of the benefits, if any at all.
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A similar thing easy to forget in the peptide hype is that it takes longer with peptides, compared to traditional taboo pharma like stimulants and AAS.

Teso would fall under traditional pharma too, compared to the peptide tesa, which has a longer timeline:

Google Gemini said:
Clinical trials [of tesamorelin] typically show significant reductions in visceral fat after 26 weeks (about 6 months) of daily treatment.
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Substance(s)Time to Start Noticing Fat ChangesPrimary Reason for Length / Fat Burning Mechanism
Clenbuterol (Clen)As early as 1-2 weeks, more significant at 2-4 weeksPotent thermogenic; directly increases calorie expenditure and fat breakdown.
PhentermineWithin 1-4 weeks (primarily via appetite suppression)Appetite suppressant (sympathomimetic); reduces caloric intake.
Anavar (Oxandrolone)Within 2-4 weeks (indirect via muscle preservation)Indirect fat loss by preserving/building lean muscle, raising metabolic rate.
ModafinilVariable; appetite changes in 1-2 weeks for some, but fat loss is secondaryWakefulness-promoting agent; can indirectly aid fat loss by suppressing appetite or increasing physical activity.
TesofensineAppetite changes in 2 weeks; noticeable weight loss in 1-3 monthsAppetite suppression, increased resting energy expenditure, increased fat oxidation.
Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, TesamorelinBody composition changes in 4-8 weeks; optimal effects longerStimulate natural GH release, leading to lipolysis. Tesamorelin specifically targets visceral fat.
HGH (Human Growth Hormone)Subtle changes in 1-2 months; significant in 3-6 monthsPromotes lipolysis (fat breakdown). Effects are gradual and cumulative.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)Noticeable changes in 2-3 months; significant over 6-12 monthsNormalizes testosterone levels, leading to increased muscle and reduced body fat (systemic improvement).
Click to expand...
 
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Calm Logic said:
A similar thing easy to forget in the peptide hype is that it takes longer with peptides, compared to traditional taboo pharma like stimulants and AAS.

Teso would fall under traditional pharma too, compared to the peptide tesa:
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I loved everything else about GH, but It made me fuckin drop, and I already dont sleep enough and thats not changing soon enough for me to take GH again.

also - if Tesa has some mechanism that specifically targets VAT the way it does, GH itself doesnt neccesarily do that. if I have a reta or some clen or whatver mix for overall fat loss, I think Id rather add something specifically to target VAT vs more overall fat loss.
 
Everyone here who took tesa was on GLPs, all of which burn visceral fat, so it's hard to know anything by anecdotal evidence. And the clinical trials for tesa were for a specific population.

@exploitedworkerbee exploited tesa before and said it seemed to help, but it was not in the holy trinity of reta, HGH, and BPC.
 
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Calm Logic said:
Everyone here who took tesa was on GLPs, all of which burn visceral fat, so it's hard to know anything by anecdotal evidence. And the clinical trials for tesa were for a specific population.

@exploitedworkerbee exploited tesa before, but it was not in the holy trinity of reta, HGH, and BPC.
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tesa was worthwhile for sure, but it made my CTS bad so I had to stop it. by the time I had a CT release I had done enough research to conclude that gh is a better choice for me anyway, so I never tried the tesa again post-surgery. i do think the tesa was effective for trimming down the midsection a bit, though.
 
Of the GLPs, reta is expected to burn the most visceral fat (and lower cholesterol and triglycerides the most), followed by the dual agonists targeting glucagon (survo, madz), the GIP-targeting tirz, and then sema:
Medication (Brand Names)Mechanism of ActionStatus (as of July 2025)Average Weight Loss (Clinical Trials)Visceral Fat Reduction Potential (Relative Order)Notes on Visceral Fat
Retatrutide ("Reta")Triple GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon Receptor AgonistPhase 3 Clinical Trials~20-25% of body weight (Phase 2 data)HighestTriple action targets fat metabolism more comprehensively; exceptional overall weight loss strongly indicates superior visceral fat reduction. Strong liver fat reduction also observed.
SurvodutideDual GLP-1/Glucagon Receptor AgonistPhase 3 Clinical Trials~15-19% of body weight (Phase 2 data)Very HighGlucagon agonism directly promotes fat breakdown and energy expenditure, which is key for visceral fat. Significant liver fat reduction seen.
Mazdutide ("Madz")Dual GLP-1/Glucagon Receptor AgonistApproved in China (Obesity, T2D); Phase 3 in other regions~12-19% of body weight (Phase 2/3 data from China)Very HighSimilar to survodutide, its dual GLP-1/glucagon action is highly effective for fat burning and has shown significant reductions in waist circumference and liver fat.
Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor AgonistApproved (Obesity, T2D)~15-22% of body weight (Zepbound)HighPowerful overall weight loss, with studies specifically showing significant reductions in visceral fat mass and waist circumference. Strong evidence for liver fat reduction.
Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus)GLP-1 Receptor AgonistApproved (Obesity, T2D)~15% of body weight (Wegovy)HighProven to significantly reduce visceral fat and liver fat, while preserving lean muscle mass more effectively than some other weight loss methods.
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GLP1Pharmacist said:
HGH is even worst, like your internal organs growing
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Why do you think GH secretagogues don't carry the same risks as exogenous HGH dosed at levels to give you the same amount of GH/IGF-1/etc.?

Because a GH secretagogue increasing your natural production to the same level as you would get from exogenous HGH carries those same risks.

A tesa/ipa stack also massively increased my blood glucose and insulin levels vs. more potent HGH dosages.

I have swapped to HGH and won't look back.
 
PackmanJohnny said:
So the way Im reading it - Tesa Specifically targets VAT vs HGH just reducing overall BF. CJC doesnt seem to be as strong as either in the fat burning dept.

Is there any reason you'd prefer the CJC? or strictly for price.
Click to expand...
To the best of my (non-expert) knowledge there is no reason to believe that tesa and HGH actually function any differently in regards to visceral fat. We do not know of any mechanism on which tesa acts on VAT or body fat in general outside of increased GH production.
 
hexagonal said:
To the best of my (non-expert) knowledge there is no reason to believe that tesa and HGH actually function any differently in regards to visceral fat. We do not know of any mechanism on which tesa acts on VAT or body fat in general outside of increased GH production.
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I think the distinction is that tesa only works on visceral fat, it does not have an effect on subcutaneous fat. HGH has an effect on both. I am also non-expert but that’s how i understand it, if you want to know the mechanism I bet chatgpt could tell you.
 
hexagonal said:
To the best of my (non-expert) knowledge there is no reason to believe that tesa and HGH actually function any differently in regards to visceral fat. We do not know of any mechanism on which tesa acts on VAT or body fat in general outside of increased GH production.
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As a GHRH I automatically wanted to default to that, but the clinical data on Tesa's effects on visceral fat are aggressive vs GH's, looks like there IS a difference in how they stimulate lipolysis, but we dont have a 'why':

(Per ChatGPT4)
Tesamorelin is a growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) analog. It binds to the GHRH receptor on the anterior pituitary, which:


  1. Triggers pulsatile release of endogenous GH — mimicking how your body naturally secretes GH.
  2. GH then stimulates the liver to produce IGF‑1, which helps with fat metabolism.
  3. GH and IGF‑1 promote lipolysis — especially in visceral fat depots — via:
    • Upregulating hormone-sensitive lipase
    • Downregulating lipoprotein lipase
    • Inhibiting lipogenesis
  4. GH also reduces lipid uptake and storage in visceral adipocytes.

Why it works better on VAT:
Tesamorelin’s physiologic GH pulses appear to selectively activate VAT lipolysis over subcutaneous fat, likely due to:


  • More GH receptors in visceral tissue
  • Tesamorelin’s rhythmic GH mimicking nocturnal secretion (when VAT is more metabolically active)
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Whereas GHs mechanics seem to target all fat deposits evenly:

HGH (Somatropin) Mechanism​


Exogenous HGH bypasses your hypothalamic-pituitary axis entirely. It:


  1. Raises blood GH levels non-pulsatile, often sustained
  2. Stimulates IGF‑1 from the liver and tissues
  3. Causes global fat loss (visceral and subcutaneous), muscle growth, and bone turnover
  4. However, chronically elevated GH blunts insulin sensitivity, which can blunt fat loss and increase VAT long-term if not managed

Why it’s less VAT-specific:


  • HGH affects all fat depots more evenly
  • High IGF‑1 can stimulate preadipocyte differentiation in some contexts
  • It lacks the rhythmic, physiologic “fat-burning pulse” seen with Tesamorelin
Click to expand...

maybe at a certain dose GH is blunting the fat loss its also responsible for? maybe this is one of Exogenous GH's shortcoming that Endogenous GH stimulated by Tesa is incabale of mimicking? Who knows.
 
PackmanJohnny said:
It absolutely does. Once reconstituted, youve got 30 ish days or less if you refrigerate it. Shaking it around can damage it too.
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This is correct. HGH is fragile. It’s one of the rare instances where I don’t buy vials in the highest content. Freezing it is also not recommended, so buying in “bulk” can be complicated. If you are going to go down this path these are good things to know.
 
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Calm Logic said:
From what I read, CJC would help more with recovery and sleep, compared to tesa. My Achilles heel is literally my Achilles heel, haha.

Regarding fat burning, a generated table for comparison, including Anavar (the winner) and TRT as well as ipa, CJC, tesa, and HGH:





Comparing recovery, with nothing supposedly beating TB and BPC, and HGH the next best:
Click to expand...
Dang. You went all the way through that rabbit hole!
 
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