Egrifta (tesamorelin) is an FDA-approved medication specifically for treating lipodystrophy — the abnormal redistribution of body fat that can occur as a side effect of HIV treatment (ART). It works by stimulating your body to produce more growth hormone, which helps reduce visceral (deep belly) fat.
It's worth noting a Show Full Answer
Egrifta (tesamorelin) is an FDA-approved medication specifically for treating lipodystrophy — the abnormal redistribution of body fat that can occur as a side effect of HIV treatment (ART). It works by stimulating your body to produce more growth hormone, which helps reduce visceral (deep belly) fat.
It's worth noting a few important things:
- Egrifta is not a general weight-loss drug — it's only approved for lipodystrophy-related fat buildup
- It's given as a subcutaneous injection (just under the skin) below the belly button
- Your doctor would show you how to inject it correctly If Egrifta isn't the right fit, there are other options worth discussing with your doctor, such as:
- Switching ART medications — newer HIV drugs are less likely to cause fat distribution changes
- Diet and exercise — a low-fat diet combined with regular aerobic activity (150–300 minutes per week) can help reduce abdominal fat
- GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide are being actively studied in people with HIV and show early promise for reducing fat buildup
Talking with your doctor is the best next step to figure out which approach suits your specific situation.
July 8
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