Sermorelin for Weight Loss
Sermorelin is not FDA-approved or recommended for weight loss and should not be used for this purpose due to lack of evidence supporting its efficacy and safety for weight management.
What is Sermorelin?
Sermorelin is a 29-amino acid analogue of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates growth hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary 1. It has been studied primarily for:
- Diagnostic testing for growth hormone deficiency
- Treatment of children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency
Evidence Regarding Weight Loss
When examining the current guidelines and evidence for weight management:
No mention in weight management guidelines: Sermorelin is not included in any major weight management guidelines as a recommended treatment option 2, 3.
Not FDA-approved for weight loss: The FDA has approved several medications specifically for weight management, including phentermine, orlistat, phentermine/topiramate, naltrexone/bupropion, liraglutide, and semaglutide 3, 4. Sermorelin is not among these approved medications.
Limited research: There is no substantial research demonstrating Sermorelin's efficacy or safety for weight loss in adults.
Recommended Weight Loss Approaches
Instead of Sermorelin, the following evidence-based approaches are recommended for weight management:
1. First-Line Approaches:
- Comprehensive lifestyle interventions combining reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, creating a deficit of 500-1000 kcal/day 3
- Behavioral therapy as an adjunct to diet and physical activity 2, 3
2. FDA-Approved Medications (for BMI ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² with comorbidities):
- Phentermine: Short-term use, approximately 5.1% weight loss at 28 weeks 2
- Orlistat: 3.1% weight loss at 1 year 2
- Phentermine/topiramate ER (Qsymia): 6.6% weight loss at 1 year 2
- Naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave): 4.8% weight loss at 56 weeks 2
- Liraglutide (Saxenda): 5.4% weight loss at 56 weeks 2
- Semaglutide: Significant weight loss with improved safety profile 5, 6
3. Surgical Options:
- Bariatric surgery: For BMI ≥40 kg/m² or ≥35 kg/m² with comorbidities 3
Cautions Regarding Unproven Weight Loss Methods
Many patients turn to unproven methods for weight loss:
- Approximately 15.2% of adults have used nonprescription weight loss supplements 7
- Most users (69.8%) do not discuss supplement use with healthcare providers 7
- Many weight loss supplements contain stimulants with potential adverse effects 7
Key Takeaways
Avoid Sermorelin for weight loss: There is no evidence supporting its use for this purpose.
Focus on evidence-based approaches: Lifestyle modifications remain the foundation of weight management.
Consider FDA-approved medications: When pharmacotherapy is indicated, use medications with established safety and efficacy profiles.
Discuss supplement use: Actively inquire about patients' use of supplements for weight loss to provide evidence-based guidance.
Monitor for adverse effects: All weight loss medications have potential side effects that require monitoring.