Does tirzepatide make you feel tired? What to expect

Key Points

• Some people feel tired after taking tirzepatide weight loss medications (Zepbound and Mounjaro)
• Symptoms of fatigue tend to be temporary and improve as the body adjusts to the medication
• Apart from the medication’s direct effect, there are other reasons why tirzepatide may indirectly make you tired

Feeling exhausted on tirzepatide? You're not imagining it. While this medication has been effective for weight loss and blood sugar control, fatigue is a side effect that catches some people off guard.

The encouraging news is that there are practical ways to boost your energy levels while staying on track with your goals.

Does tirzepatide make you tired?

“Fatigue is a recognized side effect of tirzepatide that affects people differently, but the good news is that it's usually temporary," says Gia Eapen, MD. "The medication works by slowing digestion, and it changes how your body processes blood sugar. This can temporarily impact energy levels as your system adjusts. It is important to understand why it happens and what steps you can take to manage fatigue.”

Does Zepbound make you feel tired?

The short answer is that yes, Zepbound (FDA-approved tirzepatide for weight loss) can cause fatigue.

Clinical trials conducted by Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of tirzepatide, found that fatigue affects approximately 5% of people taking the 5mg dose, 6% on the 10mg dose, and 7% on the 15mg dose. This suggests that higher tirzepatide doses may slightly increase fatigue risk, although the rates remain relatively low.

Does Mounjaro make you feel tired?

While fatigue isn't officially listed as a primary side effect of Mounjaro, some people report feeling tired while taking Mounjaro. This could be due to a recent dose increase, or it might be related to digestive side effects or changes in your blood sugar levels," notes Eapen, MD.

Also, just like with Zepbound, Mounjaro reduces hunger levels so people may not be eating the right amounts of food they need, which may lead to lower energy levels.

If you experience persistent fatigue while taking Mounjaro, please discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider.

How to manage fatigue on tirzepatide

If you feel tired after taking tirzepatide, several strategies can help combat fatigue while taking this medication. Please talk to a healthcare provider if you experience fatigue for an extended period.

1. Re-evaluate what you eat

Tirzepatide works by slowing digestion and signaling your brain's appetite center that you're full faster—which is exactly why it's so effective for weight loss. However, this powerful appetite suppression can create an unintended consequence: you may feel too full to eat adequate amounts, resulting in lower energy levels.

The solution isn't to force yourself to eat more, but to eat smarter.

Expert Registered Dietitian, Rita Faycurry, RD, says, "I recommend focusing on meals that include lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Even if you can only manage small portions, choosing foods like Greek yogurt with berries, nuts and seeds, or lean proteins with vegetables can help maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.”

You could also consider eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than trying to force larger meals that might be difficult to finish. This approach also helps maintain consistent blood sugar levels and prevent energy crashes.

A registered dietitian can develop a personalized tirzepatide diet plan based on your needs and preferences.

2. Stay adequately hydrated

Tirzepatide can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects can lead to dehydration. Dehydration directly contributes to fatigue. Maintaining proper fluid intake becomes crucial when dealing with these digestive symptoms.

Focus on drinking plenty of water throughout the day. You can also try herbal teas, clear broths, and water-rich foods like cucumber and watermelon. These options help meet your hydration needs.

"If you have underlying heart or kidney conditions, talk to your doctor about appropriate fluid intake levels for your specific medical needs," advises Eapen, MD.

3. Monitor blood sugar levels

"Low blood sugar could become a concern when combining tirzepatide with other diabetes medications or when you skip or miss meals," explains Eapen, MD. "Work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor blood glucose levels and adjust medications as needed."

Consider tracking when you feel most tired and check your blood sugar during these times to identify patterns. Any glucose monitor will do, but if you have access to a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), you can get real-time readings throughout the day. This information helps your healthcare provider adjust your treatment plan.

4. Prioritize quality sleep

Research analyzing over 40,000 social media posts found that sleep disturbances and insomnia were commonly discussed topics among people taking GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide, semaglutide, and other similar drugs.

A large-scale analysis of Reddit, TikTok, and YouTube posts specifically identified sleep and insomnia as one of the key concerns users reported when discussing their experiences with these medications.

These sleep issues can contribute to the daytime fatigue many people experience while adjusting to treatment.

Good sleep hygiene becomes especially important during the adjustment period with tirzepatide. Quality sleep can help your body better manage the fatigue that often occurs as you adjust to the medication.

• Try to aim for 8 hours of quality sleep each night
• Create a consistent bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and ensure your sleeping environment is cool and dark
• If you're experiencing nausea or other digestive symptoms, avoid eating close to bedtime to prevent these issues from disrupting your sleep

5. Gradually increase physical activity

Getting your body moving helps boost circulation and keeps your blood sugar levels more stable throughout the day.

While intense exercise might feel challenging when you're experiencing fatigue, gentle movement can actually help boost energy levels. Start with light activities like short walks, stretching, or gentle yoga.

As your energy improves, gradually increase the intensity and duration of your activities.

Will fatigue on tirzepatide go away?

"Fatigue related to tirzepatide is usually temporary and improves as the body adjusts to the medication," notes Eapen, MD. "This adjustment period typically lasts for a few weeks, though individual experiences vary. However, persistent fatigue that lasts beyond the initial adjustment period or interferes significantly with daily activities should be discussed with your healthcare provider."

Final thoughts: Does tirzepatide make you tired?

Experiencing fatigue with tirzepatide can be concerning, but it is often a temporary side effect of the medication that may improve with time as your body adjusts.

Since tirzepatide reduces your hunger, you may be consuming less nutrition than you need. It’s essential to monitor your blood sugar levels, focus on a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and engage in regular physical activity and quality sleep while taking tirzepatide.

If fatigue persists, please consult your healthcare provider.

Managing fatigue on tirzepatide doesn't have to be a guessing game.

A registered dietitian can help you optimize your nutrition and energy levels with a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle.

Stop feeling tired on tirzepatide. Find a weight loss dietitian who accepts your insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to get energy when on tirzepatide?

Focus on eating nutrient-dense foods even in smaller portions, stay well-hydrated, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and engage in physical activity. Prioritize foods that contain lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to sustain your energy levels throughout the day.

A registered dietitian can help you plan your meals on tirzepatide.

What are the most common side effects of tirzepatide?

The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain. Fatigue is less common, but it can occur, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment.

Can Zepbound cause extreme fatigue?

Fatigue is a documented side effect of Zepbound. In a study, it affected 5-7% of participants, and the level of tiredness depended on the dose. If you experience severe and persistent fatigue that interferes with your daily activities, contact your healthcare provider.

Get a personalized tirzepatide diet plan from a registered dietitian, covered by insurance.

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.