Does Wegovy make you tired?

Wegovy  (semaglutide) is a once weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved medication by Novo Nordisk. Wegovy is used for weight loss in people who are obese (BMI 30 or higher) or overweight (BMI 27 or higher) with at least one weight-related condition such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes.

Wegovy is a safe and effective chronic weight management medication but can cause some gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and constipation, especially in the first few weeks of treatment. These side effects can cause fatigue and usually get better over time.

Fatigue is not a common side effect of Wegovy. Read more about why Wegovy makes you tired, how to manage this side effect, and feel more energized as you continue your weight loss journey.

Why does Wegovy make you tired?

Fatigue is a possible side effect of Wegovy, 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 is affecting your daily life or doesn’t go away, you should contact your healthcare provider for advice.

In clinical trials, about 11% of people taking Wegovy reported fatigue compared to 5% of people taking the placebo. Fatigue is reported as the 7th most common side effect. This means while fatigue can happen with Wegovy, it’s a relatively 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 Wegovy and increase the dose over time as your body gets used to the medication. This helps to minimize the side effects, but some people may still experience temporary fatigue.

The possible reasons for fatigue are:

• Gastrointestinal side effects
• Your body getting used to the medication
• Eating fewer calories
• Hormonal changes
• Changes in blood sugar levels

Gastrointestinal side effects

Wegovy 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 make you feel tired.

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.

Body needs time to adjust

When you start taking Wegovy, your body may need some time to get used to the medication. During this adjustment period, you may experience side effects like nausea, stomach discomfort, or changes in bowel movements. These side effects happen because your body is getting used to how the medication works.

They will go away after a few weeks. If they don’t or get severe, talk to a healthcare provider.

Appetite suppression and eating fewer calories

Wegovy suppresses your appetite by acting on the brain and slowing down digestion, so you’ll feel less hungry throughout the day. Wegovy 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. 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. But 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 placebo.

Hormonal shifts

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 Wegovy 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.

And reduces liver sugar production. These hormonal changes help you eat less, burn fat more, and weight loss.

Changes in blood sugar levels

Wegovy helps with blood sugar levels in multiple ways. It increases your body’s sensitivity to insulin, the hormone that 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 Wegovy due to appetite regulation and insulin sensitivity.

Also, Wegovy 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 Wegovy for obesity or overweight.

While the blood sugar-regulating effects of Wegovy are good for those using it for weight loss or health conditions, it may have negative 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. But monitor your symptoms and see a healthcare provider if fatigue persists.

Dose strength

Wegovy comes in 5 different doses. Your healthcare provider will start you on a low dose of Wegovy, 0.25 mg once a week for the first 4 weeks. Then the dose will be increased to 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 1.75 mg. Depending on how you tolerate side effects the dose can be increased up to 2.4 mg a week which is the recommended maintenance dose for Wegovy.

How to avoid and prevent Wegovy fatigue

You may experience fatigue on higher doses of Wegovy especially as your body adjusts to the medication. This is because your body needs time to adapt to the changes in blood sugar regulation and other effects of the medication. To minimize side effects like fatigue it’s important to increase the dose gradually under the guidance of a healthcare provider so your body can build up tolerance and reduce discomfort.

To combat fatigue healthcare professionals, recommend a balanced diet, sleep well, exercise, minimize stress, and stay hydrated.

Exercise and physical activity

Movement is key to a healthy strong body and can be super effective for reducing Wegovy 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.

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 cool, dark, and quiet which will help you fall asleep and improve sleep quality.

Healthy diet

When you start Wegovy 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 if necessary to support your nutrition while on Wegovy.

You can combine weight loss medications like Wegovy with support from health coaches and dietitians to know exactly what to eat.

Hydration

Feeling tired or brain fog could be dehydration, especially with Wegovy side effects like diarrhea. Staying hydrated will help with fatigue and flush out water weight so you see results faster on the scale.

Stress management

Stress can help with fatigue while on Wegovy. Try stress-relieving activities like deep breathing, relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, or talking to someone you trust to calm your mind and keep your energy up.

Stress management will not only give you more energy but also help your body respond better to treatment and live a healthier balanced life.

Wegovy side effects

Wegovy can cause side effects like nausea, stomach discomfort, heartburn, and changes in appetite which can indirectly cause fatigue.

Reduced appetite can also mean fewer calories and can make you feel sluggish. And your body is adjusting to the medication, and this can make you feel more tired temporarily.

Common side effects

In clinical trials, the most common side effects of Wegovy are:

1. Nausea (44%)
2. Diarrhea (30%)
3. Vomiting (24%)
4. Constipation (24%)
5. Stomach pain (20%)
6. Headache (14%)
7. Fatigue (14%)
8. Dyspepsia (9%)
9. Dizziness (8%)
10. Abdominal distension (7%)

Serious side effects

While rare Wegovy can cause serious side effects like:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): Look out for signs of acute pancreatitis like severe stomach pain that may spread to the back and may or may not be accompanied by vomiting. If you experience these symptoms seek medical attention immediately.
• Gallbladder problems: Wegovy can cause gallbladder issues including gallstones which may require surgery. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms: pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of your skin or eyes, fever, or clay-colored stools.
• Vision change: A quick drop in blood sugar can sometimes cause a temporary worsening of diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy).
• Increased heart rate. Increased heart rate. Increased heart rate. Increased heart rate. Wegovy can increase your heart rate at rest. If you experience a racing or pounding heart that lasts for several minutes notify your healthcare provider.
• Kidney problems: In people with kidney issues diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can cause dehydration which can worsen kidney problems.
• Hypoglycemia: Wegovy can increase the risk of low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes especially if taken with insulin or any other GLP-1 medication.
• Serious allergic reactions: Stop using Wegovy and seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following signs of a serious allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe rash or itching, rapid heartbeat, trouble breathing or swallowing or fainting/dizziness.
• Suicidal thoughts: Look out for any changes in your mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any new or worsening mental changes.

Wegovy has a black box warning from the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) for the risk of thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

How to manage Wegovy side effects

Monitor any symptoms while taking Wegovy, mild and serious. For mild symptoms try:

• Eat smaller meals
• Eat bland and low-fat foods
• Eat mindfully and stop when full
• Increase fiber and water
• Add fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet
• Sit up after meals
• Exercise
• Sleep

Take your Wegovy injections on the same day each week and follow a regular schedule. Rotate injection sites to avoid using the same spot each time to avoid injection site reactions.

If you’re tired for weeks on Wegovy it’s a sign of a problem that needs medical attention.

Other symptoms that come with tiredness like dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness may be a problem. If you have any of these, contact your healthcare provider.

Bottom line

Wegovy is the first weight management medication approved by the FDA that lowers the risk of major cardiovascular events like death, heart attack, or stroke in adults with heart disease and either obesity or overweight.

Wegovy contains the active ingredient semaglutide which is also found in Ozempic, a medicine for type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps with obesity and weight loss by slowing gastric emptying, making you feel fuller for longer, and slowing the release of glucose into your bloodstream.

Wegovy can cause tiredness especially when your body is adjusting to the medication. This fatigue can be due to changes in appetite, lower calorie intake, or other side effects like nausea. If tiredness becomes severe or lasts for weeks contact your healthcare professional.

Talk to your healthcare provider regularly to see if the medication is working and to address any issues or changes that need to be made.

Get the most out of Wegovy by talking to your healthcare professional. They can adjust your dose, manage side effects, and get the best results for your weight loss.