{"id":628640,"date":"2024-06-18T14:37:45","date_gmt":"2024-06-18T18:37:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628640"},"modified":"2025-02-19T15:56:24","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T20:56:24","slug":"does-wegovy-make-you-tired","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-wegovy-make-you-tired\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Wegovy make you tired?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wegovy<\/span><\/a> (semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication approved by the <\/span>Food and Drug Administration (FDA)<\/span><\/a> for obesity treatment and chronic weight management. Semaglutide mimics a hormone that controls hunger, so it helps reduce your appetite. Wegovy is self-administered once weekly alongside increased exercise and a reduced-calorie diet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fatigue is a possible Wegovy side effect, although it\u2019s not the most common adverse reaction. We\u2019ll explain why Wegovy might make you tired, how to improve Wegovy fatigue, and how to manage Wegovy side effects overall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why does Wegovy make you tired?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Fatigue isn\u2019t a common Wegovy side effect. In <\/span>clinical trials<\/span><\/a>, fatigue affected 11% of Wegovy patients, making it the seventh most common side effect. Gastrointestinal side effects are more common, with nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting showing up most often in clinical trials. But remember that side effects will vary from one person to another\u2014everyone metabolizes and tolerates drugs differently.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Wegovy dosage<\/span><\/a> increases gradually over 16\u201320 weeks. This slow buildup helps temper gastrointestinal side effects. During this period, some people experience temporary fatigue. Possible causes of Wegovy fatigue include gastrointestinal side effects, decreased appetite and caloric intake, and hormonal changes.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Can I start Wegovy at 2.4 mg?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Gastrointestinal side effects may induce fatigue<\/span><\/h3>\n

Gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea are more common Wegovy side effects than fatigue. But Wegovy\u2019s gastrointestinal side effects can sometimes cause Wegovy fatigue: \u201c[Fatigue] may also be linked to gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea that can cause dehydration or electrolyte disturbances,\u201d said Eldad Einav, MD, board-certified cardiologist and obesity medicine specialist at <\/span>Drugwatch<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The body needs to adjust to semaglutide<\/span><\/h3>\n

Wegovy\u2019s active ingredient, semaglutide, belongs to a family of drugs called <\/span>glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists<\/span><\/a>). Some people feel temporarily tired while the body acclimates to GLP-1 agonists. \u201cFatigue associated with semaglutide often improves after several weeks of treatment and typically stabilizes once the medication dosage is no longer being increased,\u201d Einav said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Appetite suppression may mean fewer calories and less energy<\/span><\/h3>\n

Wegovy curbs hunger, often resulting in lower calorie consumption. \u201cThis lower energy intake can result in less fuel for the body to convert into energy, thereby potentially causing feelings of tiredness or fatigue,\u201d said Scott Keatley, registered dietitian and co-owner of <\/span>Keatley MNT<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Appetite suppressants can sometimes lead to undernourishment. You’ll need to make a point of eating enough, even if you’re not feeling hungry. \u201cOur bodies are finely tuned and require a certain amount of energy to keep us going,\u201d said <\/span>Emily Van Eck<\/span><\/a>, a registered dietitian. \u201cIf you’re taking Wegovy, Ozempic, or other weight loss drugs and, as a result, are under-nourished, it’s likely you’ll feel exhausted throughout the day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hormonal changes may delay energy release\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cAdditionally, hormonal changes influenced by the medication can affect energy levels,\u201d Keatley said. \u201cEven if you are eating similar amounts [as you did before taking Wegovy], the rate of gastric emptying (the rate at which food moves from the stomach to the small intestine) is slower and will delay your body getting energy from food.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to improve semaglutide fatigue<\/b><\/h2>\n

Semaglutide fatigue usually diminishes after several weeks of treatment as your body acclimates. In the meantime, lifestyle changes can help compensate for tiredness. To combat Wegovy fatigue, healthcare professionals recommend exercising, sleeping well, maintaining a balanced diet, and staying hydrated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Exercise\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Increased exercise is already part of Wegovy\u2019s treatment plan for patients, and luckily, it can also help combat tiredness. \u201cIncorporating regular physical activity into one’s routine not only enhances energy levels but also promotes overall well-being. Exercise stimulates endorphin release, which counteracts fatigue and boosts mood,\u201d said Brette Dille, a physician\u2019s assistant at <\/span>Restore Care<\/span><\/a>, specializing in weight management and pharmacotherapy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sleep<\/span><\/h3>\n

Solidifying your sleep routine can also serve as a defense against Wegovy fatigue. \u201cEstablishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a conducive sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants close to bedtime are effective strategies,\u201d Dille said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Balanced diet<\/span><\/h3>\n

A nutrient-rich diet can help boost your energy. Dehydration can also worsen fatigue, so drinking plenty of water is crucial.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make sure you\u2019re eating enough while using Wegovy. \u201cIf you’re feeling tired, you want to be honest with yourself about how much you’re eating,\u201d Van Eck said. \u201cSlow weight loss, while it may not be as exciting, is much better for your health and will make you feel more energized. You want to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, and maybe a snack also.\u201d Van Eck recommends seeking out <\/span>eating disorder resources<\/span><\/a> if Wegovy use leads to anorexia or binge eating.<\/span><\/p>\n

Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can help stabilize blood sugar and offer a steady energy source throughout the day, according to <\/span>Trista Best<\/span><\/a>, a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements. \u201cAdditionally, including lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods in your meals can further support energy production and promote satiety.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAvoiding excessive caffeine and sugary foods can help prevent energy crashes and maintain more stable energy levels,\u201d Best continued. She suggests seeing a dietitian or healthcare provider to create a tailored nutrition plan that meets your needs and boosts energy while on Wegovy or similar medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common Wegovy side effects\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Gastrointestinal issues are the most common side effects for Wegovy patients. Nausea is the most common Wegovy side effect, affecting 44% of patients in clinical trials. Diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting are the next most common. Fatigue is less common, affecting 11% of patients during trials. Less than 7% of clinical trial participants opted to discontinue Wegovy after adverse side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

10 most common Wegovy side effects:<\/b>*<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n