🚨 CRITICAL WARNING: This protocol relies on Tesamorelin and Ipamorelin. Both are Schedule 4 Prescription-Only medicines. Tesamorelin is a potent Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) analogue originally designed for HIV patients. Both compounds are strictly Prohibited by WADA under Category S2. This is arguably the strongest peptide protocol available for fat loss before moving to actual anabolic steroids.
What is the “HGH Max” Protocol?
If the “Gold Standard” (CJC/Ipamorelin) is a reliable Toyota Camry, the “HGH Max” (Tesamorelin/Ipamorelin) is a Ferrari. It is faster, stronger, and significantly more expensive.
This protocol is famous for one specific thing: Targeting Visceral Fat. Visceral fat is the hard, dangerous fat stored underneath your abs, wrapping around your liver and organs. It is what gives men the “beer gut” look—a hard, protruding belly that doesn’t jiggle.
Tesamorelin is the only peptide FDA-approved specifically to reduce this type of fat. By stacking it with Ipamorelin, you create a massive, focused pulse of Growth Hormone that liberates deep abdominal fat stores while simultaneously building lean muscle tissue.
The Science for Dummies: The “Laser Precision” Analogy
Why pay extra for Tesamorelin when CJC-1295 is cheaper? It comes down to specificity.
1. Tesamorelin is the “Laser Guided Missile”
Most Growth Hormone secretagogues (like CJC-1295) act like a shotgun—they raise GH, but they also affect other things slightly. Tesamorelin is incredibly specific. It binds to the GHRH receptors on the pituitary with high affinity and a long half-life, stimulating a massive release of GH without significantly spiking cortisol or prolactin. Studies showed it reduced visceral fat by 18% in 26 weeks without diet changes.
2. Ipamorelin is the “Safety Switch”
When you push the pituitary hard with Tesamorelin, you risk “burning it out” or causing side effects. Adding Ipamorelin (a Ghrelin mimetic) smoothes out the pulse. It allows you to use a slightly lower dose of the expensive Tesamorelin while maintaining the maximum GH output. It also improves gastric motility and sleep.
The Synergy: Tesamorelin unlocks the fat cells. Ipamorelin ensures the pulse is clean and protects your sleep architecture. Together, they reshape the midsection in a way diet alone often struggles to do.
Who Is Talking About This Protocol?
This is the “Hollywood” stack. When an actor needs to get shredded for a movie role in 8 weeks, this is often the secret weapon.
- Dr. William Seeds: In his book Peptide Protocols, he identifies Tesamorelin as the superior agent for cardiovascular health markers. He notes that beyond fat loss, it significantly lowers Triglycerides and C-Reactive Protein (inflammation), making it a dual-purpose drug for heart health and aesthetics.
- Ben Greenfield: frequently discusses Tesamorelin as the “Rolls Royce” of peptides. He highlights that while expensive, the “cognitive clarity” and rapid change in body composition (specifically the abdominal region) are unmatched by other GHRHs.
- Jay Campbell: A leading voice in TRT and peptide optimization, Campbell argues that for men over 40 with insulin resistance, the Tesamorelin/Ipamorelin stack is the single most effective intervention for reversing the “dad bod” phenotype.
The Strategy: How It Is Used
This protocol requires discipline. Tesamorelin is very sensitive to food.
The “Fasted Cardio” Strategy
- The Mix: Usually two separate vials. You draw from Tesamorelin first, then Ipamorelin.
- The Dose:
- Tesamorelin: 1mg (1000mcg) daily.
- Ipamorelin: 100mcg – 200mcg daily.
- The Timing: The absolute best time is immediately upon waking, 45 minutes before breakfast.
- Why? HGH liberates fat into the bloodstream. If you do 20 minutes of fasted cardio right after injecting, you burn that fat as fuel. If you eat immediately, insulin spikes and pushes the fat back into storage.
- Alternative Timing: Before bed (at least 2 hours after dinner).
The Cycle Length
Tesamorelin works fast, but visceral fat is stubborn.
- Standard: 5 days on, 2 days off.
- Duration: 8 to 10 weeks. (Do not exceed 12 weeks without a break).
Necessary “Fuel”: Potentiation
You are mobilizing fat. You need to make sure it gets burned.
- Cardarine (Optional): Many bodybuilders stack Cardarine (GW-501516) with this protocol to maximize the fat burning during the morning cardio session.
- Berberine: 500mg with your largest meal. This keeps insulin sensitivity high, preventing the body from storing new fat.
- Low Carb / Keto: This protocol works 2x better in a low-insulin environment. If you are eating donuts, you are wasting $500 worth of peptides.
Safety & Troubleshooting
Water Retention and Joint Pain Because the GH pulse is so strong, water retention is common in the first 2 weeks.
- The Fix: Drink 4L of water daily and increase Potassium intake (avocados/bananas). It usually subsides by week 3.
Insulin Resistance Paradoxically, chronic high HGH levels can slightly raise blood glucose.
- The Monitor: Check your fasting blood glucose once a week. If it creeps up, reduce the Tesamorelin dose to 1mg every second day.
Injection Site Reactions Tesamorelin can be slightly irritating to the skin (red welts).
- The Fix: Rotate sites religiously. stomach -> thigh -> glute. Do not inject the same spot twice in a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth the money?
It depends. If you are lean (12% body fat) and want to get to 8%, yes. If you are 30% body fat, no. Fix your diet first. Tesamorelin is a finishing tool, not a magic eraser for a bad diet.
Does it affect Testosterone?
No. It works exclusively on the Growth Hormone pathway. It does not suppress your natural testosterone production, so no PCT (Post Cycle Therapy) is needed.
Can women use this?
Yes. However, women are often more sensitive to the water retention effects. The dose should be halved (500mcg Tesamorelin / 100mcg Ipamorelin) to start.
Will the fat come back?
Visceral fat is metabolic. If you stop the peptide and return to a diet of beer and pizza, yes, it will come back. However, the new muscle you built will help keep your metabolism higher, making it easier to maintain the results.