A single CT slice at the fourth lumbar vertebra, an area in square centimetres, and what a percentage change in it means

Published 26 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
The primary endpoint of the phase 3 tesamorelin trials was visceral adipose tissue area on a single axial computed tomography slice at the level of the L4-L5 intervertebral disc, measured by tracing the abdominal wall and counting pixels in the fat attenuation range inside it. The area is reported in square centimetres; participants entered with values above about 130 and the treated groups fell by roughly 15 to 18 per cent relative to placebo over 26 weeks, which is some 20 to 30 square centimetres. A single slice correlates well with total visceral volume and is cheap and reproducible, which is why it has been the standard since the 1980s.

The method

One slice, standardised by vertebral level so that the same anatomy is measured at each visit. Software thresholds the image to fat density, and the visceral compartment is the fat inside the muscular abdominal wall, separated from the subcutaneous fat outside it. Reading is done centrally and blinded in a trial. Radiation exposure is small for one slice, which is a reason it was preferred to full volumetric scans.

Magnetic resonance methods now measure the whole volume without radiation and are replacing single-slice CT in newer trials.

Reading the result

A 15 per cent fall in cross-sectional area at one level is a modest change in a large depot — visibly less abdominal girth in some participants, not in others. Waist circumference fell by a few centimetres in parallel. The clinical meaning of the area change, as the European assessors noted, has not been tied to outcomes. Subcutaneous fat and limb fat did not change, which distinguishes the effect from weight loss.

The page on visceral and subcutaneous fat sets out the biology of the two compartments.

Why it is here

Because the headline number from the trials is a measurement with a method, and a reader should know what was measured before weighing the number. It describes a method and no use of the pack.

Tesamorelin is supplied by REVIVE LAB UAE for laboratory research use only, with identity by mass spectrometry and purity by HPLC for the batch. It is not for human or veterinary use, and no dosing, administration or protocol guidance is provided.

What it costs

FormatStrengthPriceAvailability
Tesamorelin Pack20 mgAED 1010In stock

Delivery is AED 40 flat and free on orders over AED 700. Payment is cash on delivery anywhere in the UAE, or USDT (TRC20) in advance, which takes 5% off the order total.

Frequently asked

The method?

One slice, standardised by vertebral level so that the same anatomy is measured at each visit. Software thresholds the image to fat density, and the visceral compartment is the fat inside the muscular abdominal wall, separated from the subcutaneous fat outside it. Reading is done centrally and blinded in a trial. Radiation exposure is small for one slice, which is a reason it was preferred to full volumetric scans.

Does REVIVE LAB UAE provide dosing guidance?

No. REVIVE LAB UAE supplies research materials and provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance of any kind. Every product is sold for laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary consumption.

How fast is delivery in the UAE?

Stock is held in Dubai. An order confirmed before 4 PM Dubai time is dispatched the same working day, reaching Dubai and Abu Dhabi the same day and the remaining emirates within 24 hours. Delivery is AED 40 flat and free over AED 700.

Tesamorelin Pack — in stock, dispatched from Dubai
HPLC-verified, lot certificate on every carton, 24-hour delivery nationwide. Browse the catalogue → All peptides UAE

Related reading

Supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. REVIVE LAB UAE provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance.