Does Wegovy Make You Feel Tired?

Wegovy is a GLP‑1 receptor agonist injection approved for weight loss in people with obesity or overweight, and it's also used in type 2 diabetes management. While it's effective for reducing appetite and supporting long-term weight loss, it has a few side effects as well.

These may include fatigue or tiredness, which occur in many people according to prescribing information. In this article, discover why Wegovy may make you feel tired, how long that fatigue might last, what lifestyle strategies can help boost your energy, and when tiredness could signal a reason to consult your healthcare provider.

How Common Is Feeling Tired on Wegovy?

Feeling tired while taking Wegovy is fairly common for some people, especially when starting or increasing the dose. It’s usually temporary and manageable with simple lifestyle adjustments. In clinical trials, around 11% of users reported feeling tired while taking Wegovy.

By comparison, nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting were reported more frequently. While tiredness is not among the most common side effects, it can still significantly affect quality of life for some users, especially during the early stages of treatment or dose increases.

Why Might Wegovy Cause Fatigue? (Mechanisms & Contributing Factors)

Fatigue from Wegovy isn’t caused by a single factor, but it’s often the result of multiple overlapping mechanisms related to how the drug affects appetite, digestion, metabolism, and overall lifestyle. Here is a breakdown of key reasons why some people may experience tiredness on Wegovy.

Reduced Calorie Intake / Caloric Deficit

Wegovy slows gastric emptying and suppresses appetite, leading to reduced calorie intake.A lower food intake, especially if it's too low or unbalanced, can cause your body to feel like it’s running on empty, leading to low energy levels.The effect may be more noticeable if your diet lacks enough protein, healthy fats, or complex carbs.

Low Blood Sugar

Although Wegovy isn’t a direct insulin-releasing drug, it can enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce food intake, which together can cause blood sugar drops, especially in people with diabetes or those skipping meals. Symptoms of low blood sugar include fatigue, shakiness, dizziness, and brain fog.

Dehydration

Many users report a reduced sense of thirst on Wegovy. Combined with nausea or vomiting, this can lead to inadequate fluid intake. Even mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, weakness, and poor concentration.

Vitamin & Nutrient Deficiencies

Reduced food intake or limited dietary variety while on Wegovy can lead to nutrient deficiencies over time. Common deficiencies include vitamin B12, which is essential for red blood cell production and energy metabolism, and iron, where low levels can cause anaemia-related fatigue. Vitamin D deficiency may impact mood and energy levels, while inadequate protein intake can contribute to muscle loss, further worsening fatigue.

Dose Escalation

Fatigue often spikes during dose increases, as the body reacts to the medication’s intensified effects. This fatigue is usually temporary and tends to fade as the body adjusts, typically within a few days to a couple of weeks after the new dose.

It is important to note that in most cases, fatigue from Wegovy is mild to moderate and can be managed through hydration, balanced nutrition, and gradual dose adjustments. However, persistent or severe tiredness should be discussed with a healthcare provider to rule out underlying issues.

Reported Patterns & Common Experiences

Fatigue on Wegovy is most commonly reported during the first few weeks of starting the medication or shortly after a dose increase. Many users describe the tiredness as peaking within the first few days, then gradually improving by weeks 3 to 8 as the body adapts.

The severity of fatigue often varies by dose. Users frequently report more noticeable fatigue at 1.0 mg or higher, though this usually improves with continued use or careful dose titration.

A key factor regarding this is that experiences vary. Some individuals continue to feel fatigued for several months, while others report their energy levels returning to normal, sometimes even improving, after 6 to 12 weeks.

How to Prevent & Manage Wegovy‑Related Fatigue

Simple lifestyle changes can help reduce tiredness and fatigue while taking Wegovy. These include factors such as:

Prioritising Nutrition & Protein Intake

Aiming for regular meals with balanced macronutrients, especially protein.
Tracking intake early using apps or food scales if appetite is low.

Staying Well Hydrated and Supporting Electrolytes

Drinking at least 2–3 L of water daily. Consider electrolytes or coconut water like Liquid IV.

Considering Supplements

With medical supervision, B‑12 (especially methyl or sublingual), magnesium, vitamin D, and iron can be taken as needed.

Modifying Activity & Sleep Patterns

Lighter workouts, regular naps if needed, early on.
Building consistent sleep hygiene routines.

Dose Timing & Monitoring with Doctor

Fatigue often occurs day of the shot or 1–2 days after
If symptoms are severe or persistent, discuss dose adjustments.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Please note that it is vital to contact your healthcare provider if fatigue lasts more than a few weeks or doesn't improve after dose adjustments. Your doctor may recommend blood tests or consider adjusting your dose or switching to another GLP‑1 medication.

FAQ

Does Wegovy make you tired?

Yes, fatigue is a known side effect of Wegovy (semaglutide), especially when starting or increasing the dose. While not everyone experiences it, some users report feeling unusually tired during the first few weeks.

How long does fatigue typically last?

For many people, fatigue is temporary and often improves within a few days to a few weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. However, some may experience ongoing tiredness, especially if not managing hydration, nutrition, or sleep well.

‍Does Wegovy affect your energy?

It can. While some users report lower energy levels initially, others notice improved energy over time as they lose weight and improve blood sugar control. Energy changes may also be linked to decreased food intake or altered metabolism.

‍What can I eat or drink to reduce fatigue?

To help combat tiredness, it is important to stay hydrated, eat balanced meals and limit processed sugars.

Should I stop taking Wegovy if I feel exhausted?

Not automatically. Mild fatigue is usually manageable, but if you're feeling severely exhausted or it’s affecting daily life, talk to your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dose, delay titration, or explore other causes (e.g., nutritional deficiencies, thyroid issues).

Do other GLP‑1 drugs cause the same issue?

Yes. Fatigue is a possible side effect of other GLP‑1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Saxenda, though intensity and frequency can vary between individuals and medications.

Key Takeaways:

Fatigue is a known side effect of Wegovy and affects around 11% of users, though it’s less common than digestive issues.
Tiredness typically occurs in the first few weeks of starting Wegovy or after increasing the dose.
Wegovy may cause fatigue due to reduced calorie intake, low blood sugar, dehydration, or nutrient deficiencies.
Fatigue may also worsen temporarily during dose escalation, but often improves within a few days to weeks as the body adjusts.
Common nutrient deficiencies linked to fatigue while on Wegovy include vitamin B12, iron, vitamin D, and protein.
Some users feel more tired at higher doses, though this usually lessens over time.
Hydration, balanced meals, and electrolyte support can help reduce tiredness.
Supplements like B12, iron, magnesium, and vitamin D may be useful under medical supervision.
Light exercise, consistent sleep routines, and timing the dose appropriately can also support energy levels.
If fatigue is severe, long-lasting, or accompanied by other symptoms like low mood or dizziness, it’s important to consult a doctor.
Fatigue can also occur with other GLP‑1 drugs like Ozempic or Mounjaro, but individual experiences vary.
Most users find that tiredness is manageable and improves over time with proper self-care and medical guidance.

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Sources:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10503965/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5154680/

www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/215256s007lbl.pdf

www.nhs.uk/conditions/tiredness-and-fatigue

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6315740

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Disclaimer: At Weightless, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date health information that is carefully reviewed by medical professionals. However, the content on this blog is intended for general knowledge only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional about any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. Information here should not be used to make decisions about your personal care without professional guidance.

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