Semaglutide effectively manages glucose levels and weight, but does semaglutide make you tired? Learn why this happens and what you can do to prevent fatigue.
Does Semaglutide Make You Tired? Managing Semaglutide Fatigue
Semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy) is an FDA-approved injectable medication for type 2 diabetes, (Ozempic) and weight loss (Wegovy), sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. It helps control blood sugar, promotes weight loss, and reduces the risk of diabetes-related conditions like heart attack, kidney disease, and stroke.
Semaglutide works by acting as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonist. It prevents your liver from producing excess sugar and stimulates your pancreas to release more insulin. This helps in blood sugar management. It also slows the emptying of the stomach, which may prolong feelings of fullness and decrease appetite.
However, semaglutide may also cause some unwanted side effects. Fatigue is one of them–here’s why it happens and how to manage it.
Does Semaglutide Cause Fatigue?
Semaglutide can make you tired, especially when you first start taking it. This is often called “semaglutide fatigue.” While it is not as commonly discussed as nausea or other gastrointestinal side effects, many people taking Wegovy, Ozempic, or Rybelsus have reported feeling unusually tired, especially in the first few weeks of treatment.
Clinical trials for semaglutide have documented fatigue as a possible side effect, though it occurs in fewer users. People taking Wegovy reported fatigue as a common side effect, with 11% of users experiencing it. In comparison, less than 5% of people using Ozempic reported fatigue, which was not reported with Rybelsus.
While clinical trials observed a low rate of fatigue, real-world patient experiences suggest that fatigue may be more common, especially when starting semaglutide or increasing the dosage.
However, fatigue is common and typically resolves within about two weeks as your body adjusts.
Why Does Semaglutide Make You Tired?
Semaglutide may make you tired because of its mechanisms of action, including appetite suppression, blood sugar control, and gastrointestinal side effects.
1. Blood sugar changes
Semaglutide may have an impact on your blood sugar levels because it’s used to treat type 2 diabetes. If you don’t have diabetes, your blood sugar may fall below normal, causing a drop in energy levels. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can make you feel tired, weak, and lightheaded. This is especially true if you skip meals, consume inadequate amounts of carbs, or go for a long time without eating because of the appetite-suppressing effects of semaglutide.
While research suggests that semaglutide has a low risk of low blood sugar, the risk is higher if you also use insulin or other diabetes treatments, such as sulfonylurea drugs.
2. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
The slower digestion effects of semaglutide can sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which occur mostly when you first start the medication or increase your dose. These side effects can lead to fluid loss, which, if not properly managed, can result in dehydration and an imbalance in electrolytes like sodium and potassium.
The National Library of Medicine states that one effect of dehydration is fatigue. You may feel physically and mentally sluggish if you’re not drinking enough water.
3. Nutrient deficiency
A reduced appetite can sometimes lead to unintentional skipping of meals or inadequate intake of essential nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and magnesium, which are crucial for energy production. However, it’s also possible that a vitamin deficiency was already present before starting the medication. Fatigue could be a sign that your body is lacking key nutrients.
If you’re feeling unusually tired, it might be worth asking your doctor to check your vitamin levels.
4. Caloric deficit
Semaglutide helps with weight loss by reducing appetite, which often leads to eating fewer calories. While this caloric deficit is essential for shedding pounds, it can also lead to feelings of fatigue, weakness, and brain fog because of less energy intake.
Caloric needs vary based on factors like activity level, age, and metabolism. However, general guidelines suggest that individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) may require around 2,000 calories per day to maintain weight and 1,500 for weight loss, while those assigned male at birth (AMAB) may need about 2,500 to maintain and 2,000 for weight loss.
When starting on semaglutide, you may undereat, consuming fewer calories than your body was used to. This can affect your energy levels, causing feelings of physical and mental tiredness and affecting your daily functioning.
5. Other underlying medical conditions
Your fatigue may be connected to other medical conditions, like sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, anxiety disorders, depression, diabetes, or fibromyalgia. This may improve and resolve when these conditions are diagnosed and treated.
How Long Does Semaglutide Fatigue Last?
Semaglutide fatigue varies from person to person, but for most, it is temporary and usually subsides within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. Most people report feeling better within the first two to six weeks of starting the treatment.
To help your body adjust to semaglutide, your healthcare provider will start you at a lower dosage and gradually increase over time.
You’ll start with a low dose of 0.25 mg per week for the first four weeks. Then your dose may increase to 0.5 mg, then 1 mg, and eventually up to the maximum maintenance dose of 2 mg for Ozempic or 2.4 mg for Wegovy.
It’s worth noting that semaglutide side effects like nausea, reduced appetite, or vomiting are often most common during the dose increase and can contribute to feelings of tiredness. As your body adjusts to the medication and you reach your maintenance dose, these side effects may improve. So, if you’re feeling tired when you first start semaglutide, there’s a good chance your fatigue will disappear as your body gets used to the treatment.
How to Manage Fatigue While Taking Semaglutide
Semaglutide fatigue can make you feel like stopping your treatment. But several tips can help you manage it.
1. Stay hydrated
Fatigue is one of the first signs if your body is dehydrated. Sip water throughout the day. While individual needs vary, the Institute of Medicine advises men to aim for approximately 15 cups of fluids daily, while women should aim for around 12 cups. In addition to water and drinks like tea, coffee, and juices, you may also get your fluids from fruits and vegetables that are high in liquid content (up to 90%), like melons, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, strawberries, and citrus fruits.
2. Eat nutrient-dense foods
Since semaglutide reduces appetite, focusing on nutrient-dense foods is important to ensure your body gets the necessary vitamins and minerals for sustained energy. Include proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to offer a steady release of energy and prevent blood sugar crashes.
It’s also important to load up on vitamins and minerals like leafy greens, dairy, and fortified foods to help prevent iron, vitamin B12, and magnesium deficiencies.
3. Get enough sleep
Good sleep is crucial for combating semaglutide fatigue. Good sleep habits and a consistent nighttime routine can help. To improve sleep quality, experts advise against eating right before bed. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep every night to increase energy levels.
4. Exercise regularly
Semaglutide is prescribed alongside a balanced diet and increased physical activity. However, when you’re tired, exercising is the last thing you feel like doing. Many studies show that physical activity increases dopamine levels, which helps boost mood and energy levels.
Start with low-impact exercises like walking, yoga, or light strength training. These activities can improve circulation, reduce stress, and enhance overall energy levels without overwhelming your body.
Other Common Side Effects of Semaglutide
Fatigue is just one of the possible side effects of semaglutide, and like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, semaglutide may cause side effects. Most are mild to moderate and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
Less common semaglutide side effects include:
- Injection site reactions
- Gallbladder issues
- Allergic reactions
- Hypoglycemia (Low blood sugar)
FAQs About Semaglutide and Fatigue
How long does fatigue last on semaglutide?
Fatigue from semaglutide is usually temporary and most common during the first few weeks of treatment or after a dose increase. As your body adjusts, the fatigue often improves within the first 2-6 weeks.
Can I take semaglutide if I already feel tired often?
If you frequently experience fatigue, talk to your healthcare provider before starting semaglutide. They may check underlying causes like nutrient deficiencies or other conditions before prescribing the medication.
Are there alternatives to semaglutide that don’t cause fatigue?
Yes, semaglutide alternatives are available. They include drugs like liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza) or tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro), which your body may tolerate better. Your healthcare provider will help you choose the best option.
Does fatigue go away as my body adjusts to semaglutide?
Yes, for most people, fatigue decreases as their body adapts to the medication. The side effects, including fatigue, tend to be most noticeable during the dose escalation phase. Many users report improved energy levels once a stable maintenance dose is reached.
Does semaglutide cause body aches?
Body aches are not a widely reported side effect of semaglutide, but some users experience muscle pain, joint discomfort, or flu-like symptoms. This may be related to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
Why Choose NP2GO for Your Semaglutide Treatment?
Semaglutide may make you feel tired, but for more people this fatigue resolves within six weeks. Remember that the fatigue you’re experiencing is probably because of a decrease in blood sugar and calorie intake, both of which are benefits of this medication. Certain measures can help if you’re experiencing extreme fatigue–stay hydrated, consume a balanced diet, exercise, and maintain good sleep habits.
If your fatigue becomes unbearable or continues even after making lifestyle adjustments, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider. NP2GO offers a personalized and convenient approach to semaglutide treatment, ensuring you get the best care for your weight loss journey. We can suggest additional strategies to fight fatigue or help you adjust your treatment plan. We may also look for underlying medical issues causing your fatigue.
We serve over 38 states. Whether you’re in Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, or beyond, NP2GO provides accessible care to support your weight loss goals. If you’re ready to start your journey, contact NP2GO today to learn how semaglutide can help you lose weight!