Does Zepbound give you energy?

In this article:

• Does Zepbound give you energy?
• Zepbound and fatigue
• How long does fatigue last?
• Managing energy changes
• The bottom line

In this article

• Does Zepbound give you energy?
• Zepbound and fatigue
• How long does fatigue last?
• Managing energy changes
• The bottom line

Are you on a weight loss journey? When lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of physical activity aren’t effective, it can be frustrating. But there’s good news: weight loss medications like Zepbound can speed up your progress. Zepbound, a brand name of tirzepatide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 receptor agonist), as well as a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist.

Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss in adults with obesity—a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more—and adults who are overweight (a BMI of 27 or higher) with at least one weight-related health condition, such as Type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol. It is also approved for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

If you’re taking Zepbound for weight management, there are potential side effects to be aware of, such as changes in energy levels. Does Zepbound actually give you energy? Keep reading to find out.

Does Zepbound give you energy?

Zepbound’s effect on energy levels is somewhat complex. Initially, it may make you feel more tired, but energy may increase once the drug begins helping you lose weight. This may result from a psychological component as well.

The weight-loss drug Zepbound mimics the hormones GIP and GLP-1, slowing digestion, reducing appetite, and improving blood sugar regulation. However, increased energy is not a reported side effect of Zepbound—it’s more likely to have the opposite effect. Some users report feeling fatigued a day or two after their weekly injection, while others find fatigue to be more pronounced after dosage increases. Typically, your dosage is increased every four weeks until the maintenance dose is reached.

According to Wajahat Mehal, MD, Director of the Yale Metabolic Health and Weight Loss Program and professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, during the initial six to nine months, most patients consume fewer calories than they need, which can contribute to feelings of tiredness or low energy. As your weight decreases over time, mobility improves, which may give you the impression of increased energy levels. 

The most common side effects of Zepbound include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Stomach (abdominal) pain
• Indigestion, belching, and heartburn
• Injection site reactions
• Fatigue
• Allergic reactions
• Hair loss

Serious side effects include:

• Severe stomach problems
• Kidney problems and increased risk of kidney failure
• Gallbladder problems
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Serious allergic reactions
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Changes in vision in patients with Type 2 diabetes
• Depression or thoughts of suicide

Compared with other popular GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Mounjaro, Zepbound may have different side effects, since it has an additional mechanism of action (GIP agonist). While all three medications aim to help with weight loss and blood sugar management, individual experiences can differ. Since Mounjaro and Zepbound have the same active ingredient, their side effect profiles are similar.

Can Zepbound cause fatigue?

Yes. In clinical trials, approximately 7% of participants who received a 15 mg dose, 6% of those on a 10 mg dose, and 5% of individuals taking a 5 mg dose reported experiencing fatigue. In contrast, only 3% of participants who were given a placebo reported similar symptoms.

Patients often describe this fatigue as a general tiredness or lack of energy, which may result from the body adjusting to the medication’s effects on appetite suppression and metabolic changes. While fatigue is not universally experienced, it is essential to keep in mind that individual responses can vary widely, and some may find it more challenging than others.

How long does Zepbound fatigue last?

According to Jonathan Jennings, MD, a board-certified internist with Medical Offices of Manhattan, the duration of Zepbound-related fatigue can vary significantly among individuals. For many users, fatigue tends to be temporary, lasting only a few days to a couple of weeks, as the body adjusts to the medication. However, some may experience prolonged fatigue, particularly if they are also adapting to lifestyle changes, such as a new diet or exercise routine. Dr. Jennings says that severe cases of fatigue are managed by lowering the dose or stopping the medication for a while. 

Insomnia is not a reported side effect of Zepbound. However, discomfort from other side effects, like nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, may make it harder to fall asleep.

Managing changes in energy while on Zepbound

If you’re feeling extra tired on Zepbound, these strategies can help restore your energy levels:

• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen fatigue, so drinking plenty of water throughout the day is essential.
• Get enough sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night.  
• Eat a healthy diet: Consuming nutrient-dense foods, such as whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, provides sustained energy.
• Engage in regular exercise: Physical activity boosts your energy levels, improves mood, and helps with weight maintenance.
• Monitor your blood sugar levels: If you have diabetes, keeping your blood glucose levels stabilized can help prevent fatigue.
• Communicate with your healthcare provider: Discuss persistent or worsening fatigue with your healthcare provider to explore potential adjustments to your treatment plan.

The bottom line

Zepbound may cause changes in energy levels, but it’s more likely to cause fatigue than give you a burst of energy. Some people have more energy as they lose weight, while others may encounter fatigue, particularly during the initial adjustment period. Making lifestyle changes such as staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and prioritizing sleep can help alleviate energy fluctuations while using Zepbound effectively.

It’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional to establish a personalized treatment plan that addresses your individual needs. If Zepbound doesn’t work for you, other medications and treatment options can help you reach your weight loss goals.