Does Tirzepatide Make You Tired?

Key Takeaways:

• Tirzepatide can make you tired — 5 to 7 percent of people in Zepbound^® clinical trials report fatigue.

• You might feel tired because you’re eating fewer calories or dehydrated.

• Eat nutritious foods and drink enough water to reduce tirzepatide fatigue. 

• Side effects tend to get better with time, but reach out to your provider if you’re concerned.
  

Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection. It’s used for type 2 diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro^® and for weight loss under the brand name Zepbound^®.

Like any medication, it comes with a few side effects. But does tirzepatide make you tired? The short answer is yes. You might feel sleepier than usual or have low energy when taking tirzepatide.

This side effect should get better, and there are lifestyle changes you can make to get more energy in the meantime.

Tirzepatide can make you tired. Fatigue is a common side effect in clinical trials on Zepbound^® — the tirzepatide injection approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for obesity and overweight.

Fatigue in these trials was defined as feeling weak, lethargic, and generally low.

You’re more likely to feel fatigue on higher doses of Zepbound^®. Here’s what the research found.

Interestingly, people didn’t report fatigue as a common side effect in clinical trials of Mounjaro^® — a tirzepatide injection FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. But people have anecdotally reported feeling tired on the medication.

Another interesting point? You might find yourself with more energy on tirzepatide.

In exit interviews with people taking Mounjaro^® for type 2 diabetes, 79 percent reported increased energy levels. So it really could go either way.

How Long Does Tirzepatide Fatigue Last?

Tirzepatide fatigue probably won’t last forever, especially if you take steps to address it, like drinking more water and prioritizing sleep.

Research sponsored by Eli Lilly — the manufacturer of Mounjaro^® and Zepbound^® — shows that side effects tend to crop up at the start of treatment and when your dose is increasing. But these side effects get better with time.

One study found that fatigue significantly improved over the first year of tirzepatide treatment.

It’s not entirely clear why tirzepatide can make you tired. But there are a few theories, including that eating fewer calories, dehydration, low blood sugar, and sleep loss could be behind your fatigue.

Also, you might not feel your most energetic self when side effects like nausea and constipation crop up. Plus, tirzepatide makes you feel fuller, so you might feel overfull, bloated, and sluggish if you eat too much.

Here’s more on those main reasons.

Eating Fewer Calories

When you’re on a weight loss journey, you’re probably eating fewer calories. Healthcare providers prescribe tirzepatide alongside a reduced-calorie intake to make the medication more effective.

But consuming fewer calories means your body has less fuel — and, therefore, you might have less energy. This is particularly true if you’re struggling to get enough nutrients while your appetite is suppressed.

It should get better, though.

“Our bodies are built for survival and adapt well to both abundance and famine,” says Craig Primack, MD, an obesity medicine specialist and senior vice president of weight loss at Hims & Hers. “When you first start to cut back calories, it takes time for your body to adapt to the decreased intake of calories.”

Dr. Primack adds that it can take a few days to a few weeks for your body to adjust to this change.

→ Learn more: Can Losing Weight Make You Tired?

Dehydration

Dehydration could be the reason you’re feeling tired on tirzepatide.

You might drink less water if you’re feeling full on the medication. Side effects like vomiting and diarrhea can also make you lose fluids and electrolytes — and become dehydrated.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Fatigue

• Weakness

• Irritability 

• Lethargy

• Dizziness

When severe, dehydration is considered a medical emergency. Seek medical attention if you’re experiencing significant symptoms and having trouble keeping fluids down.

Low Blood Sugar

Tirzepatide can help control your blood sugar levels (blood glucose). This is usually a good thing and can lead to more steady energy levels. But there’s also a risk of your blood sugar getting too low, especially if you take Mounjaro^® or Zepbound^® with insulin or an insulin secretagogue.

Symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) include:

• Tiredness

• Dizziness

• Lightheadedness

• Confusion

• Headache

If your blood sugar gets too low overnight, you might wake up tired, irritable, and confused. Get in touch with a healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms.

Sleep Loss

Tirzepatide might disrupt your sleep, leading to fatigue and low energy. But we only have anecdotal reports to go off for now.

Research from 2023 analyzed social media posts. It found that some people taking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists — including semaglutide (Ozempic^®, Wegovy^®) and tirzepatide — reported sleep disruptions.

On the other hand, some people reported better sleep and higher energy levels. So, again, it’s highly personal.

You can manage fatigue on tirzepatide by eating nutritious foods, drinking more water, prioritizing sleep, and doing some movement.

Here’s what to do to get more energy on tirzepatide.

1. Eat Nutritious Foods

Eat a variety of whole foods to get the fuel you need to feel energetic and ready to tackle your day.

Go for:

• Fruits and veggies

• Nuts and seeds

• Legumes, like chickpeas, lentils, and beans

• Whole grains, like brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa

• Lean protein, like chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu

• Healthy fats, like olive oil, avocado, and low-fat dairy

Eat balanced meals and snacks with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to give you long-lasting energy.

If you’re struggling to get enough nutrients with a suppressed appetite while taking tirzepatide — or if you feel overfull and sluggish after main meals — try eating smaller, more frequent meals. For example, you could eat six small meals a day, rather than three larger meals.

Meal-replacement bars and shakes can help, too. They’re a quick and easy way to get in more protein and nutrients when you have a reduced appetite.

2. Drink More Water

Avoid dehydration fatigue by drinking enough water. Aim to drink enough that your pee is pale yellow.

If you struggle to drink enough water on tirzepatide, set reminders to go off on your phone throughout the day. You can also flavor your water with berries, mint, or cucumber if plain water isn’t your thing.

3. Prioritize Sleep

Sleep is key for energy, of course, but tirzepatide side effects — like nausea or vomiting — might disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling tired.

Prioritize sleep even more than usual. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. To improve your sleep:

• Reserve your bed for sleep and sex only

• Wake up and go to bed at the same times each day

• Limit caffeine, especially in the afternoons and evenings

• Avoid large meals before bed

• Make your bedroom dark, cool, comfortable, and quiet

→ Learn more: How to Sleep Better

4. Move Your Body

Counterintuitively, exercise can give you more energy. Research from 2022 shows that exercise can improve feelings of:

• Fatigue

• Energy

• Vitality

You might not feel like working out when tired or when tirzepatide side effects crop up. Still, try to squeeze in some movement, even if it’s something gentle.

You could:

• Go for a brisk walk

• Swim a few laps at the pool

• Do a gentle yoga flow

• Join your favorite workout class

• Go on a hike with friends 

Working out can help you reach your weight loss goals, so it’s a great thing to make time for each week.

→ Get inspired: Weight Loss Workout Plan for Women

5. Reach Out to a Healthcare Provider

If you’re feeling really tired on tirzepatide or fatigue isn’t getting better, reach out to your prescribing healthcare provider. They can give you personalized medical advice.

They might:

• Lower your tirzepatide dose to reduce side effects

• Keep you on your current dose for longer if you’re in the dose escalation phase

• Check your blood sugar to make sure it’s not too low

• Check for other health conditions that could cause tiredness, like depression or sleep apnea

• Recommend a different weight loss medication and treatment plan if tirzepatide really isn’t for you

Besides connecting with your prescribing healthcare provider, consider working with a nutritionist or dietitian to make sure you’re not missing out on any essential nutrients that could contribute to fatigue.

Tirzepatide could make you feel tired, but the side effect should get better.

Here’s what you need to know in the meantime:

• You’re not alone. In Zepbound^® trials, 5 to 7 percent of people report fatigue. People report low energy online, too.

• There are many culprits. You might feel tired because you’re eating fewer calories, dehydrated, or not sleeping well while taking tirzepatide. 

• Take steps to reclaim your energy. To reduce tirzepatide fatigue, eat a balanced diet and smaller meals more often, stay on top of hydration, get enough sleep, and do some movement. Reach out to a healthcare provider if fatigue doesn’t get better.

If you get tirzepatide through Hers, don’t forget you have 24/7 unlimited messaging with your Care Team. They can answer any questions you have about tirzepatide fatigue and recommend ways to reduce it.

Get answers to frequently asked questions about tirzepatide fatigue below.

Does Mounjaro^® make you tired?

Yes, Mounjaro^® can make you tired. Fatigue isn’t listed as a common side effect of Mounjaro^®, but it’s a potential side effect of Zepbound^®, another tirzepatide medication. People also anecdotally report feeling tired on Mounjaro^®.

Does Zepbound^® make you tired?

Yes, Zepbound^® can make you tired. In clinical trials, 5 to 7 percent of people reported fatigue on Zepbound^®. You might experience side effects like fatigue when you first start taking the medication and when your dose increases, but it should get better with time.

How can I get energy on tirzepatide?

You can get energy on tirzepatide by eating nutritious foods, drinking enough water, doing some movement, and getting enough sleep. Prioritize foods that give you a steady release of energy, like whole grains, and eat smaller meals more often if you feel sluggish after larger meals. 

What are the common tirzepatide side effects?

The most common side effects of tirzepatide medications like Mounjaro^® and Zepbound^® are gastrointestinal. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain.

Does tirzepatide fatigue go away?

Tirzepatide fatigue should go away. Side effects of tirzepatide medications like Mounjaro^® and Zepbound^® tend to happen when you first start the medication and when your dose increases — which happens every 4 weeks during your first few months.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards.