Does semaglutide make you tired? Fatigue on Ozempic & Wegovy

Key Points

• A small percentage of patients experience fatigue on semaglutide, often moreso with higher doses
• Those who do experience fatigue find it improves as their body adjusts to the medication
• Staying hydrated, maintaining balanced nutrition, and gradually increasing your dose can help reduce fatigue
• Long-term studies show that after initial side effects subside, most people actually report better energy levels as they lose weight

Feeling tired while taking semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy)? You’re not alone. Fatigue isn’t a leading side effect of the medication, but it is a known side effect.

But how common is this side effect? Does everyone get tired on these medications? And most importantly – what can you do about it?

This article will explore the research on semaglutide and fatigue, explain why it happens, and provide practical strategies to help you manage low energy while still benefiting from the medication.

How common is fatigue with semaglutide?

Not everyone experiences tiredness on semaglutide, but it does happen to a minority of patients. The likelihood of fatigue depends largely on which medication you're taking and the dose.

Wegovy (high-dose semaglutide)

If you're on Wegovy (2.4 mg weekly dose) for weight management, clinical trials show about 11% of people report fatigue. This suggests the medication roughly doubles your chances of experiencing tiredness.

Another study found that 6.3% of patients reported fatigue while taking semaglutide for obesity treatment. This made it the third most common side effect after nausea/vomiting and diarrhea.

Ozempic (lower-dose semaglutide)

If you're using Ozempic for diabetes (typically 0.5-1.0 mg weekly), you're less likely to experience fatigue. Studies show less than 1% of patients report significant tiredness on these lower doses.

This significant difference shows that fatigue could be dose-dependent – the higher the dose, the more likely you might feel tired.

Is semaglutide making you tired – or something else?

When people say they feel "tired" on semaglutide, they could be experiencing different types of fatigue:

• Physical weakness or low energy (most common): Feeling like everyday tasks require more effort
• Mental fatigue: Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Sleepiness: Actually feeling drowsy during the day

Semaglutide-related fatigue is typically experienced as physical weakness or low energy rather than excessive sleepiness. In clinical studies, this is usually categorized as "fatigue/asthenia" (general weakness).

What does this mean? Even if you're not on semaglutide, about 5% of people in weight loss studies report fatigue from lifestyle changes alone. This means some tiredness might simply come from being in a calorie deficit or making other diet changes, not necessarily the medication itself.

Why does semaglutide cause fatigue in some people?

Several mechanisms can explain why you might feel tired while taking Ozempic or Wegovy:

Dehydration and GI side effects

The most common side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which commonly cause fatigue.

If you're experiencing persistent GI issues, you might:

• Not be drinking enough fluids due to nausea
• Losing fluids through diarrhea or vomiting
• Eating less food overall, including electrolyte-rich foods

All of these can leave you feeling drained and tired, even if the medication itself isn't directly causing fatigue.

Calorie deficit & rapid weight loss

Semaglutide suppresses appetite, usually causing people to eat significantly less. When your body suddenly gets fewer calories than it's used to, it’s normal to feel tired as a result. You’re getting less energy than normal.

People taking semaglutide can reduce their calorie intake by 30% or more – a significant change. This often means they’re eating too little protein and/or not getting enough essential vitamins and minerals, all of which can cause fatigue.

Your body needs time to adapt to this reduced energy intake, which can temporarily leave you feeling tired. Some patients also inadvertently follow very low-carb eating patterns due to appetite changes, which can cause short-term fatigue as your body adjusts.

“Incorporating daily physical activity, eating balanced meals regularly, and keeping blood sugar stable with nutrient-dense snacks can go a long way in supporting energy levels,” says Sarah Nash, RD.

Blood sugar changes

While semaglutide itself doesn't typically cause dangerous low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), it does lead to more stable blood sugar levels, which can feel different if your body is used to higher blood sugar.

If you're taking semaglutide along with insulin or certain diabetes medications, you might experience mild hypoglycemia, which can cause fatigue, dizziness, and weakness. Always discuss medication interactions with your healthcare provider.

Sleep disruptions

Some people on GLP-1 medications report changes in sleep patterns, especially when first starting treatment. While there is no official research specifically about semaglutide and insomnia, a social media study found user complaints about disrupted sleep as a result of the medication.

How to manage fatigue while on semaglutide

The good news is that fatigue on semaglutide is usually manageable and often improves with time. Here are evidence-based strategies that can help:

Stay hydrated

Proper hydration is essential when taking semaglutide, especially if you're experiencing any GI side effects.

Aim for at least 64-80 ounces (8-10 cups) of fluid daily. You can consider electrolyte drinks if you're experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, or if you struggle with drinking enough.

Set reminders to drink water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.

Focus on balanced nutrition

“I encourage clients to prioritize consistent meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, as well as avoid skipping meals, stay well-hydrated, and evaluate their sleep habits,” says Sarah Nash, RD. “Fatigue is common early on but often improves with a few small adjustments.”

Even though you're eating less on semaglutide, the quality of what you eat becomes even more important:

• Prioritize protein (aim for at least 0.8g per kg of body weight daily)
• Include nutrient-dense foods with each meal
• Consider smaller, more frequent meals if nausea is an issue
• Don't eliminate carbohydrates completely – your body needs some for energy

If you really don’t feel hungry, focus on getting adequate protein and essential nutrients rather than just reducing calories. This can help prevent nutrient deficiencies that might contribute to fatigue.

Adjust your dose gradually

The faster you increase your semaglutide dose, the more likely you are to experience side effects, including fatigue. Following the recommended dose escalation schedule is important:

• Start with the lowest dose (typically 0.25mg weekly for 4 weeks)
• Increase gradually as recommended by your provider
• Consider staying at a lower dose longer if side effects are troublesome
• Don't be afraid to discuss slowing down the titration with your doctor

If fatigue is severe, your healthcare provider might recommend pausing at your current dose until your body adjusts before increasing further.

Incorporate gentle movement

It might seem counterintuitive when you're tired, but light physical activity can actually improve energy levels.

Start with short walks, then build up as your energy levels out. Gentle yoga or stretching can also feel reinvigorating if you’ve been sedentary. You can slowly build up your activity level as your side effects improve.

It’s normal for exercise to become easier as you adjust to the medication and as you lose more weight. Many people find it re-energizes them and helps stabilize their energy levels for the day.

When to talk to your doctor

While mild fatigue is common, severe or persistent tiredness warrants a conversation with your healthcare provider. Contact your doctor if:

• Fatigue is severe enough to interfere with daily activities
• You experience dizziness, confusion, or extreme weakness
• Symptoms don't improve after several weeks
• You're on multiple medications that might be contributing to fatigue

Your provider might recommend blood tests to check for other causes of fatigue, such as anemia, thyroid issues, or vitamin deficiencies.

Will the fatigue go away?

For most people, fatigue on semaglutide is temporary. Clinical studies show that side effects are typically most noticeable in the first few weeks of treatment and when increasing to a new dose.

The encouraging news? Long-term studies of semaglutide found that after 68 weeks of treatment, patients actually reported better physical functioning and energy levels than when they started. This suggests that any initial fatigue is typically outweighed by the positive effects of weight loss and improved metabolic health over time.

Fatigue is rarely a reason that people discontinue semaglutide treatment. Gastrointestinal side effects are far more likely to cause people to stop the medication than fatigue.

Final thoughts

If you're experiencing fatigue on Ozempic or Wegovy, don’t panic. The tiredness is typically mild to moderate, improves with time, and can be managed with proper hydration, nutrition, and a gradual dose escalation.

The benefits of semaglutide – significant weight loss and improved metabolic health – often lead to better energy levels in the long run, even if you experience some fatigue initially. Many patients find that once they've adjusted to the medication and lost weight, they actually have more energy than before they started treatment.

Working with your healthcare provider is key to finding the right balance of medication and supportive strategies for your individual needs.

Frequently asked questions

Does everyone get tired on Ozempic or Wegovy?

No, fatigue affects only a minority of patients – about 11% on high-dose Wegovy and less than 1% on lower-dose Ozempic. Most people don't experience significant tiredness.

Is fatigue worse on Wegovy than Ozempic?

Yes, fatigue is more commonly reported with Wegovy (2.4mg dose) than with Ozempic (typically 0.5-1.0mg). Higher doses of semaglutide are associated with more side effects, including fatigue.

How long does the tiredness last?

For most people, fatigue is most noticeable in the first few weeks of treatment or after increasing to a new dose. It typically improves as your body adjusts to the medication.

Could my fatigue be from low blood sugar?

Semaglutide alone rarely causes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). However, if you're also taking insulin or certain diabetes medications, low blood sugar becomes more likely. If you experience sudden fatigue with shakiness, sweating, or confusion, check your blood sugar if possible and contact your healthcare provider.

Should I stop taking semaglutide if I'm tired?

Fatigue alone is usually not a reason to discontinue treatment. Instead, try the management strategies outlined in this article and discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider. They may recommend adjusting your dose or checking for other causes of fatigue.

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The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.