Why Semaglutide Can Make You Tired and How to Manage Fatigue

- Semaglutide is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in three popular brand name medications, Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, and Wegovy®.[1-5] - Semaglutide is prescribed for individuals with type 2 diabetes and individuals who are overweight or have obesity with at least one weight-related comorbidity. - Semaglutide can lead to a reduction in caloric intake, which can make you tired. - Side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, all of which can also make you tired. - How you take semaglutide (pill or injection), and your dosage can affect how tired you feel.

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Semaglutide is prescribed for lowering blood sugar levels for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and weight management for those who are overweight or have obesity with at least one weight-related comorbidity.[1-5] Individuals taking semaglutide may lose up to 15% of their body weight.[5] However, weight loss results may vary depending on your starting weight, comorbidities, other medications, and lifestyle choices.[1-5]

Although the exact mechanism by which semaglutide causes weight loss is still under investigation, it has the potential to reduce appetite, thereby reducing caloric intake.[1-3] You may feel more tired than usual due to the reduced calorie intake while taking semaglutide. Additionally, semaglutide can make you tired due to its gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.[1-3] How tired you feel while taking semaglutide is also impacted by how you take semaglutide (pill or injection) and your dosage.[1-3]

Semaglutide is available as a daily pill (Rybelsus®) or a once-weekly injection (Ozempic® and Wegovy®).[1-3] During clinical trials, individuals taking semaglutide as an injection were more likely to report fatigue (tiredness) as a side effect.[1-3] Patients taking Rybelsus® during clinical trials did not report fatigue as a side effect.[2] Those taking 14 mg of Rybelsus® did report nausea (20%), abdominal pain (11%), diarrhea (10%), decreased appetite (9%), vomiting (8%), and constipation (5%).[2]

During clinical trials for Ozempic® and Wegovy® (semaglutide injections), patients did report feeling tired.[1,3] 11% of participants taking 2.4 mg of Wegovy® for weight management reported feeling tired.[3] Less than .4% of patients reported feeling tired as a side effect during clinical trials for Ozempic®.[1] Those taking 1 mg of Ozempic® did report nausea (20.3%), vomiting (9.2%), diarrhea (8.8%), abdominal pain (5.7%), and constipation (3.1%).[1]

Individuals taking a higher dose of semaglutide are more likely to feel tired.[1-3] Wegovy® for weight management offers the maximum dose of semaglutide (2.4 mg) and is associated with a higher incidence of fatigue and other side effects.[1-3] Individuals taking 2.4 mg of Wegovy® reported nausea (44%), diarrhea (30%), vomiting (24%), constipation (24%), abdominal pain (20%), and abdominal distension (bloating)(7%) as side effects.[3]

Wegovy® is available as a pre-filled, single-dose injection pen containing 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, or 2.4 mg of semaglutide.[3] Clinical experience suggests starting on a low dose of semaglutide and slowly increasing the dosage may reduce the risk of side effects.[4] Patients can start with 0.25 mg and increase their dose every four weeks until they reach the maintenance dose (2.4 mg).[3] Consult your healthcare provider if you experience fatigue or other side effects while taking semaglutide.

If you're experiencing fatigue while on semaglutide, these practical steps may help boost your energy levels:

• Prioritize hydration: Fatigue is often worsened by dehydration, especially if you're experiencing GI side effects like nausea or diarrhea. Sip water or electrolyte-rich drinks throughout the day.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Rather than one or two large meals, eating smaller amounts more often can help avoid the energy crash associated with low blood sugar or a significant caloric deficit.
• Focus on protein: Since you're likely eating less overall, make what you eat count. High-quality protein helps maintain muscle mass and provides more stable energy than sugary snacks.
• Incorporate gentle movement: A short walk can boost circulation and energy more effectively than a nap—even when it's the last thing you feel like doing.
• Monitor your dosage: If fatigue becomes debilitating, talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend staying at your current dose longer before increasing it, or check for underlying issues like vitamin B₁₂ deficiency or hypoglycemia.

If you are experiencing fatigue or other side effects while on your weight loss journey, having a clinical team that prioritizes dose optimization and supportive care is essential. Our partner, Shed's GLP-1 program is built on the philosophy that your weight loss journey shouldn't come at the expense of your daily energy. You deserve a plan that works with your body, not against it.

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