This week I am writing about a new treatment for excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected people with lipodystrophy. It is Egrifta or tesamorelin. It’s a daily shot that you give yourself which can reduce belly fat significantly. It is not a treatment for HIV. Egrifta works by stimulating growth hormone receptors in the pituitary to produce growth hormone.
In two clinical studies, the abdominal fat, also called visceral adiposity, was reduced by 14-18% in patients continuing Egrifta for twelve months. The mean waist circumference was reduced by 1.3 to 2.6 cm during weeks 26-52. This is a reduction in .5-1 inch in your waistline.
This is not a huge reduction. Some people will experience greater results, however. I tell my clients taking it that they still need to exercise regularly and carefully watch what they eat.
The exciting thing about Egrifta is that clients who remain on it for at least six months usually report that their clothes start fitting differently and that they feel better about their appearance.
A down-side of Egrifta is that it is not a permanent treatment. If you stop the medication, your belly likely returns.
Wishing you health,Bill
No comments:
Post a Comment