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Why Does Semaglutide Make You Tired and What Can Help?
Starting a new weight loss or health program is exciting. You’ve set goals, created a plan, and are ready to tackle the next steps. But as you get started, you notice an unexpected and frustrating challenge: fatigue. You want to feel energized to tackle your new program, not tired. If you’ve recently started semaglutide to help with weight loss or diabetes management, you may wonder: Does semaglutide make you tired? This article will answer that question and help you understand why semaglutide can cause fatigue. You’ll also learn simple, effective ways to regain energy without giving up on your weight loss or health goals. Additionally, Does Semaglutide Cause Constipation?
MeAgain’s GLP-1 app can help you achieve those objectives by providing valuable insights into how semaglutide affects your body and what you can do to regain your energy so you can stay on track with your weight loss or health goals.
Table of Contents
Why Does Semaglutide Make You Tired?
If you've recently started taking semaglutide for weight loss or Type 2 diabetes, you might have noticed an unexpected side effect: feeling drained of energy. Weight loss can affect energy levels. So can semaglutide. Some people report feeling fatigued while taking semaglutide. These reports are often anecdotal, and it’s not clear how many people experience tiredness as a side effect of semaglutide or other GLP-1 medications.
Managing Fatigue While Taking Semaglutide
In clinical trials, tiredness was not a common side effect of semaglutide for weight loss. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and include:
Constipation
Diarrhea,
Nausea
If you are feeling tired while taking semaglutide, you're not alone in this experience. Many people report low energy levels after starting semaglutide, but there's good news: with the right strategies, you can combat this tiredness and get back to feeling like yourself. Feeling tired is often associated with semaglutide medications.
Why Ozempic May Cause Fatigue
A study from the University of Queensland calls fatigue the “second-most common side effect” of Ozempic. The study was a clinical trial, which noted that about 6.3 percent of participants reported feeling exhausted. And it turns out there’s a scientific reason for that.
Cardiology dietician Dr. Michelle Routhenstein, RD at Entirely Nourished, says it’s because of reduced appetite and slowed digestion: “These symptoms lead to lower calorie intake and potential nutrient deficiencies, which can decrease energy levels,” she explains. Dr. Edmond Hakimi, DO, and director at Wellbridge, also adds that lowered blood sugar may be a contributing factor. The medication targets your insulin levels, and as a result, you may end up feeling tired: “If blood sugar drops too low, it can cause feelings of tiredness or lethargy,” he says.
Being Tired of Semaglutide May Be Indicative of a Larger Issue
Listening to your body while taking semaglutide and reporting back to your physician is essential. Dr. Routhenstein says you could be feeling tired because your body isn’t responding well to the medication. If that’s the case, you may want to rethink your decisions. “It’s safe to sleep more, but if you’re sleeping more than 9 hours or still not feeling rested, or if fatigue severely impacts your life, it should be further evaluated by your healthcare team,” she explains.
Dr. Hakimi also notes it may indicate that you aren’t eating enough. Even though minimizing “food noise” is key to weight loss, it could ultimately be unsafe: “Mild fatigue is typically not dangerous, but persistent or overwhelming tiredness could indicate underlying issues like low blood sugar or excessive calorie restriction,” he tells us. “If fatigue interferes with daily life or well-being, it’s important to address it with your doctor.”
It Might Go Away on its Own
Generally, fatigue associated with taking semaglutide medications will go away on its own. But you’ll want to make sure you’re eating, sleeping, and drinking enough. “While fatigue on Ozempic may go away on its own for some, addressing hydration, sleep, and nutrient deficiencies should be addressed to effectively manage it,” Dr. Routhenstein says.
Dr. Hakimi adds it may only last a few weeks. But if it persists, you may want to seek medical attention: “For most people, fatigue improves as their body adapts to the medication,” he says. “This adjustment period typically lasts a few weeks. If fatigue persists, your doctor may need to adjust your dose or evaluate other factors like diet or sleep quality.”
Why Does Semaglutide Cause Fatigue and Make You Tired?
Fatigue is a possible side effect of semaglutide treatment, and some people may feel more tired than usual, especially as their body adjusts to the medication. This tiredness can sometimes make it harder to be active or focused. If you find that fatigue affects your daily life or doesn’t go away, you should contact your healthcare provider for advice.
Understanding Fatigue as a Side Effect of Wegovy
In clinical trials, about 11% of people taking Wegovy (semaglutide) reported fatigue compared to 5% of people taking the placebo. Fatigue is reported as the 7th most common side effect. While fatigue can happen with Wegovy, it’s a rare side effect. Patient experiences vary; some people may experience mild fatigue that gets better over time, and others may experience more persistent tiredness, especially during the first few weeks of treatment or when the dose is increased. Healthcare providers usually start patients on a low dose of semaglutide and increase the dose over time as the body adjusts to the medication. This helps to minimize the side effects, but some people may still experience temporary fatigue.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Your body is getting used to the medication, and you are eating fewer calories. You are experiencing:
Hormonal changes
Changes in blood sugar levels
Metabolic shifts
Semaglutide slows gastric emptying, meaning food stays in the stomach longer, and you feel full and less hungry. This means you eat less and therefore consume fewer calories. With fewer calories in, the body uses stored energy (fat reserves) for fuel, and that can lead to weight loss.
Semaglutide's Impact on Energy Metabolism and Potential Fatigue
Semaglutide also boosts insulin secretion at mealtime so the body can use glucose more efficiently. By improving insulin sensitivity, the body can store glucose in cells for energy, reduce blood sugar spikes, and improve energy regulation. It also suppresses glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar, so the body doesn’t produce energy when it’s not needed. These effects help with blood sugar control and the body's use and storage of energy. While semaglutide can help with fat-burning and metabolic processes, reduced appetite and slower digestion may make some people feel fatigued or low on energy if their nutrient intake is not balanced.
Blood Sugar Fluctuations
Semaglutide helps with blood sugar levels in multiple ways. It increases your body’s sensitivity to insulin. This hormone regulates blood sugar and reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver, so you don’t get blood sugar spikes after meals. Changes in blood sugar levels can cause fatigue when using semaglutide due to appetite regulation and insulin sensitivity.
Semaglutide, Digestion, and Blood Sugar Regulation
Semaglutide slows down digestion, so blood sugar levels don’t rise too quickly after meals. This is good for people with type 2 diabetes but also for those using semaglutide for obesity or overweight. While the blood sugar-regulating effects of semaglutide are essential for those using it for weight loss or type 2 diabetes, it may have adverse effects for those with low blood sugar. If you experience dizziness or lightheadedness, see a healthcare provider. As your body gets used to the medication, you may feel more energetic. Monitor your symptoms and see a healthcare provider if fatigue persists.
Calorie Restriction
Semaglutide suppresses your appetite by acting on the brain and slowing down digestion, so you’ll feel less hungry throughout the day. Semaglutide mimics a hormone called GLP-1 that’s produced in the gut after you eat. This lowers blood sugar, reduces sugar in the liver, and controls calorie intake so you’ll feel full for longer. This makes it easier to eat smaller portions and less food.
Appetite Suppression, Weight Loss, and Potential Fatigue with Semaglutide
Eating less means your body will start to burn stored fat for energy, which helps with weight loss. This appetite suppression will help you stick to a healthier diet and manage your weight over time. However, eating less will also mean less energy intake and less fuel for the body to convert into energy, which can lead to fatigue. A study of 72 obese adults found that 2.4mg semaglutide once a week reduced appetite, food intake, and body weight without slowing down gastric emptying. Participants on semaglutide also reported more control over eating and fewer food cravings than those on the placebo.
Dehydration
Semaglutide-induced nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can cause fatigue. When you vomit, your body throws up not only stomach contents but also essential fluids and electrolytes. This fluid loss can dehydrate you. As your body loses water and electrolytes like sodium and potassium, it’s harder to maintain energy levels, muscle function, and overall bodily functions. Dehydration also reduces blood volume, making it harder for oxygen and nutrients to get to cells, which can add to feelings of tiredness and weakness. The combination of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can worsen fatigue.
Gastrointestinal Distress
Semaglutide can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, bloating, belching, loss of appetite, and upset stomach. These gastrointestinal side effects can disrupt nutrient absorption and make you feel tired. This can lead to decreased energy intake and hinder the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, contributing to fatigue. Managing these side effects through gradual dose adjustments, smaller meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding trigger foods can help reduce discomfort and improve energy levels. These side effects are usually temporary, especially in the first few weeks of treatment, but will go away over time. If they get severe or don’t go away, talk to a healthcare provider.
Sleep Disruption
Semaglutide can mess with your sleep, which can cause fatigue. One of the common side effects of semaglutide is gastrointestinal upset, including:
Nausea
Vomiting
Indigestion
If these symptoms occur at night, they can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. Discomfort from nausea or bloating can cause frequent awakenings, poor sleep quality, and disrupted sleep cycles. Semaglutide slows gastric emptying, which can make you feel full or uncomfortable in your stomach for an extended period. This can make it harder to wind down before bed and make it harder to fall asleep.
How Semaglutide-Related Side Effects Can Impact Sleep and Worsen Fatigue
Sleep disturbances can also occur due to reduced appetite, as lower food intake can affect your body’s natural circadian rhythms, which are linked to metabolism and energy balance. Poor sleep quality worsens fatigue. When the body doesn’t get enough rest, it can’t recover and replenish energy. The combination of disrupted sleep, gastrointestinal discomfort, and reduced nutrient intake due to semaglutide use can create a cycle of fatigue that’s hard to break. As a result, you may feel more tired and be able to function during the day, making it even harder to manage the side effects of the medication.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones are chemical messengers that control hunger, metabolism, and energy use. Hormonal changes are changes in the levels of hormones that control different things in your body. When you take semaglutide, it changes certain hormones, especially GLP-1, which is produced in the gut after you eat. This hormone tells your brain to reduce appetite and slows down digestion, so you’ll feel full for longer. These hormonal changes can cause delayed energy release and fatigue.
Metabolic Shifts
As semaglutide influences how your body processes food and stores energy, it initiates metabolic changes. These adjustments, while ultimately beneficial, can leave you feeling fatigued as your system adjusts to the new function.
Medication Adjustment Period
Like many medications, semaglutide requires an adjustment phase. During this time, your body works to integrate the treatment into its systems, which can temporarily impact your energy levels.
Semaglutide Fatigue: How Long Does It Last?
Fatigue is a common side effect of semaglutide, especially during the initial phase of treatment. This fatigue is often linked to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and reduced appetite, which can disrupt energy levels. In most cases, fatigue caused by semaglutide improves within a few weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. However, the duration and severity of fatigue can vary from person to person.
This is particularly true as the body adjusts to the medication and the gastrointestinal side effects begin to subside. Clinical trials have shown that side effects, including fatigue, are most prominent during the first few weeks of therapy and often diminish as the body adapts to the drug. In general, fatigue may start to improve after 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use.
Factors That Can Prolong Fatigue
While many people’s fatigue decreases over time, several factors can influence how long that takes:
Dosage: Higher doses of semaglutide or rapid dose increase can cause more gastrointestinal side effects (including fatigue). Increasing the dose as recommended by your healthcare provider can minimize these effects and shorten the duration of fatigue.
Individual metabolism: Everyone metabolizes differently. Some people metabolize semaglutide more slowly and may experience side effects for a longer time, including fatigue. People with slower metabolism may have fatigue for longer than others.
Underlying health conditions: People with pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, thyroid conditions, or gastrointestinal issues may have longer-lasting fatigue. These conditions can amplify the fatigue from semaglutide or make it harder for the body to recover fully. Clinical trials for semaglutide have shown fatigue as a side effect, but it’s usually temporary.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Semaglutide-Related Fatigue
While fatigue is usually transient, some people may experience persistent or severe fatigue that doesn’t go away with time. If fatigue persists for more than a few weeks or is debilitating, see a doctor. Persistent fatigue could be a sign of other underlying issues like dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, or other health conditions worsened by semaglutide. If fatigue is accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, significant weight loss, severe stomach pain, or trouble breathing, call a doctor right away. These could be signs of more serious side effects or complications that need immediate attention.
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Tips to Manage Semaglutide-Induced Fatigue
1. Tired of Tiredness? Here's How to Manage Fatigue While Using Semaglutide
Semaglutide and other GLP-1 medications can help people lose weight and sustain their progress long-term. Weight loss can improve energy levels and overall health, but semaglutide can cause side effects like fatigue, especially when you first start taking it. Here are some strategies to combat tiredness while using semaglutide.
2. Taper Your Dose Under a Doctor’s Guidance
To minimize side effects like fatigue, it’s essential to increase the dose gradually under the guidance of a healthcare provider so your body can build up tolerance and reduce discomfort.
3. Eat a Balanced Diet
When you start semaglutide, you will likely eat smaller, less frequent meals, but don’t cut calories drastically. Gradual weight loss is key to sustainability and energy. Focus on nutrient-dense foods like iron-rich options (lean meat, eggs, leafy greens) to avoid deficiencies that can cause fatigue. A balanced diet will help you feel your best while losing weight.
What you eat is as important as how much you eat. Focus on foods rich in vitamins and minerals to prevent nutrient deficiencies and consider taking supplements (iron B vitamins) if necessary to support your nutrition while on semaglutide. You can combine weight loss medications like semaglutide with support from health coaches and dietitians to help you make informed eating decisions.
4. Hydrate to Combat Fatigue
Feeling tired or having brain fog could be dehydration, especially with semaglutide side effects like diarrhea. Drinking plenty of water will help with fatigue and flush out water weight, so you see results faster on the scale.
5. Get Moving to Boost Your Energy Levels
Movement is key to a healthy strong body and can be effective for reducing semaglutide fatigue. Walking, jogging, or stretching can boost energy levels and mood and support weight loss. Even small amounts of movement in your daily routine can have a big impact on your overall health and well-being.
6. Optimize Your Sleep
Coffee can give you a quick fix, but too much of it can disrupt your sleep cycle. To avoid this, have your last cup at least 6 hours before bed and practice good sleep habits like limiting screen time and keeping your room:
Calm
Dark
Quiet
7. Manage Stress to Improve Your Energy Levels
Stress management can help with fatigue while on semaglutide. Try stress-relieving activities like deep breathing, relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, or talking to someone you trust to calm your mind and boost your energy. Stress management will give you more energy and help your body respond better to treatment and live a healthier, balanced life.
8. Talk to Your Doctor About Supplements and Medications
To manage fatigue from semaglutide, supplements and other medications can help with deficiencies and side effects. B12 and iron supplements can help with energy deficiencies if appetite is reduced. Magnesium can help with fatigue and muscle cramps, and vitamin D supplements can help support immune health and keep muscles and brain cells working.
Strategies to Mitigate Semaglutide Side Effects and Combat Fatigue
Anti-nausea medicines (meclizine or ondansetron) can help with nausea and prevent decreased food intake, antacids or PPIs can help with indigestion and appetite. Staying hydrated and replenishing electrolytes is also crucial to avoid dehydration-related fatigue. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplements or medications to ensure they are appropriate for your needs.
9. Consider Alternative Therapies to Support Your Energy Levels
Complementary therapies like acupuncture and massage can help with fatigue and overall well-being. Acupuncture can help with fatigue by balancing energy and discomfort, and massage relaxes and improves circulation and sleep. Both can reduce stress and muscle tension and support energy overall. Always consult a healthcare provider before trying these treatments to ensure their safety.
10. When to Seek Medical Advice
You should seek medical advice if you experience:
Severe or persistent fatigue that lasts more than a few weeks despite self-care.
Dehydration signs include dry mouth and reduced urine.
Nutrient deficiency signs, like dizziness or weakness.
Other warning signs, like rapid heart rate, dizziness, mood changes, or weakness may be a sign of something more serious.
No improvement despite self-care like hydration, rest, or dietary changes.
Suspect underlying health conditions.
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