Semaglutide and Fatigue: Does Wegovy^® Make You Tired?

Wegovy^® can be a powerful tool for weight loss. Clinical trials show people can lose up to 20 percent of their body weight in 68 weeks.

But, like any medication, it comes with potential side effects, including fatigue. If you’ve started taking Wegovy^® and find yourself feeling more tired than usual, you’re not the only one.

Does Wegovy^® make you tired? The short answer is that it might, though this isn’t super common, and it’s manageable with the right support.

We’ll walk through why Wegovy^® might make you feel tired, how long that tiredness could last, and what you can do to help manage it.

Before diving into whether Wegovy^® can make you tired, let’s take a quick look at what this medication actually does.

Wegovy^® is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight management. It’s intended for people with obesity or those with an overweight BMI (body mass index) who have at least one weight-related condition, like high blood pressure (hypertension) or sleep apnea.

The active ingredient in Wegovy^® is semaglutide, a medication in the GLP-1 (short for glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist drug class.

Semaglutide is also the key ingredient in Ozempic^®, which is FDA-approved to help manage blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of heart-related complications in those with heart disease. Ozempic is also sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. (Off-label use means a drug is prescribed to treat something it’s not FDA-approved for.)

Both Wegovy^® and Ozempic^® are made by Novo Nordisk, and they work in similar ways. Semaglutide can:

• Help lower blood sugar by increasing insulin secretion

• Reduce the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar

• Slow down gastric emptying — how quickly your stomach empties after eating, which helps you feel fuller longer

• Encourage the growth of beta cells, which produce insulin in the pancreas

These effects make semaglutide an effective weight loss aid, though they may also contribute to side effects like fatigue in some people.

Feeling tired on Wegovy^® is possible, but it’s not the most common side effect. According to the drug’s prescribing information, about 11 percent of adults in clinical trials reported fatigue, compared to five percent of those who received a placebo.

In other words, fatigue on Wegovy^® isn’t the norm, but it’s not unheard of, either.

On the flip side, does Wegovy^® give you energy? Many people report feeling more energized while taking this medication. Michelle M., 50, for example, says, “After taking [Wegovy^®] for a month, I am sleeping better and have more energy than before.“

Noelle V., 35, has had a similar experience since starting Wegovy^®. “I’ve noticed a huge shift in my energy levels, my mood, and especially my confidence. I feel more in control of my body and my goals,“ she says.

The relationship between Wegovy^® and fatigue isn’t totally clear. Though we aren’t totally sure why some people may feel tired on it, there are several possible explanations.

Wegovy^® Fatigue From Reduced Food Intake

One way Wegovy^® helps with weight loss is by lowering appetite. It does this by slowing how quickly the stomach empties and acting on brain receptors that control feelings of fullness.

As a result, you might naturally start eating fewer calories than usual. And since calories are your body’s main source of energy, a drop in calorie intake can sometimes lead to feeling more tired or low on energy.

“ I have always told patients that the more you eat the more you eat.    Our bodies are built for survival and adapt well to both abundance and famine.   When you first start to cut back calories it takes a few days to a week or two for your body to adapt to the decreased intake of calories.”

In sum, eating less can help you lose weight — but it might also leave you feeling a little more sluggish, especially at first.

Semaglutide Fatigue From Lower Blood Sugar

Semaglutide was originally developed as a diabetes medication, and one of its effects is lowering blood sugar (glucose) levels.

Though Wegovy^® is approved for weight management, it can also impact blood sugar. When you first start taking Wegovy^®, your blood sugar levels may dip lower than your body is used to.

That can result in feeling tired or sluggish. Glucose is your body’s main energy source, so when your levels drop, your cells don’t get the fuel they need — and fatigue can follow.

That said, research indicates that the overall risk of low blood sugar (aka hypoglycemia) from semaglutide alone is low. But if you’re also taking other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas, your risk may increase, so it’s something to be aware of.

Wegovy^® Tiredness From Other Side Effects

Tiredness on Wegovy^® might also be a side effect of, well…other side effects.

Some of the most common adverse reactions to semaglutide are gastrointestinal side effects — things like upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. When these happen frequently, they can take a toll on your body.

Vomiting and diarrhea, in particular, can lead to dehydration. And one of the first signs of dehydration is fatigue.

You can learn more about semaglutide nausea and what to do about it in our guide.

Semaglutide Tiredness Due to Other Underlying Conditions

Sometimes, the fatigue you’re feeling while on Wegovy^® might not be from the medication at all. It could be a sign of something else going on in your body.

For example, fatigue is a common symptom of several health conditions, including depression, obstructive sleep apnea, and anemia (low red blood cell count).

Still, if your tiredness is persistent or unexplained, it’s worth consulting a healthcare professional to rule out other causes.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Fatigue on Wegovy^® may ease as your body adjusts to the medication.

Wegovy^® is typically started at a low dose, which gradually increases over time in a process called dose escalation. Most people begin with 0.25 milligrams (mg) weekly, with the dose increasing every four weeks until reaching a maintenance dose (usually 2.4 milligrams per week).

Side effects, including fatigue, tend to be more noticeable during this escalation phase and often improve once you hit your maintenance dose.

If you’re feeling tired in the early weeks of Wegovy^® treatment, know that it may be temporary. But in the meantime, there are steps you can take to feel more energized. Let’s explore those next.

If you’re experiencing fatigue on Wegovy^®, try to:

• Get enough sleep

• Get more physical activity

• Adjust your diet

• Lower your stress levels

• Stay hydrated

Keep scrolling for more detailed pointers.

1. Get Enough Sleep

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), adults should aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night.

One of the simplest (but most powerful!) ways to fight fatigue from Wegovy^® is to prioritize high-quality sleep. Poor sleep can leave you feeling lethargic, and not getting enough rest can compound any tiredness you might experience while adjusting to the medication.

But there’s also good news. Some people report that GLP-1s actually help improve their sleep quality.

Ivory G., 32, who accesses semaglutide through Hers, says, “I’m now seeing the results of the hard work I’m putting in, both physically and mentally. My cravings have decreased, and I have better control over my portion sizes. My energy during workouts has improved, and I’m getting higher-quality sleep.“

So, it’s possible for Wegovy^® to actually improve your sleep. But if you’re having a hard time sleeping, a few small changes can make a big difference:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

• Create a restful environment. Keep your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark to support deeper sleep.

• Limit screens before bed. Power down your phone, TV, and other electronics at least an hour before sleeping.

• Avoid late-day caffeine. Stimulants like coffee and caffeinated soda can disrupt your ability to fall asleep.

• Watch out for big meals and alcohol. Both can interfere with sleep quality if consumed close to bedtime.

• Stay active and eat well. Regular movement and a balanced diet support your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

For more strategies, check out our guide on how to sleep better.

2. Get Moving

Even if you’re feeling tired, physical activity can help combat Wegovy^®-related fatigue — and it’s a key part of any weight loss plan.

A 2022 meta-analysis found that regular exercise can:

• Slightly reduce feelings of fatigue

• Provide a small-to-moderate boost in energy

• Promote a moderate sense of vitality

The takeaway? Moving your body, even a little, can make a meaningful difference.

If you’re not sure where to begin, start with activities you enjoy — like walking, dancing, or low-impact strength training. And talk to your healthcare provider about what type of exercise is safe and sustainable for you.

3. Adjust Your Diet

Just like exercise, Wegovy^® is meant to be used alongside a healthy diet. Eating well can play a big role in how energized (or exhausted) you feel throughout the day.

What does a healthy diet actually look like? It typically includes:

• Plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or nonfat dairy

• Lean proteins like poultry, seafood, eggs, beans, and nuts

• Limited added sugar, sodium, and saturated or trans fats

• Portion sizes that fit your nutritional needs and how active you are

Although Wegovy^® itself isn’t an energy-booster, eating more nutrient-dense foods and losing weight can help you feel more energized over time.

One Hers customer, Ashley K., 39, shares that protein has been one of the biggest game-changers. “I focus on protein almost above anything else. Slowly adding protein in my diet made it easier to cut out other unhealthy items because I was already full,“ she says.

Another Hers customer, Irene S., 37, also has trouble eating enough protein. “I’ve found that protein shakes and bars are helpful to keep your energy levels up,“ she shares. If you can relate, check out our protein calculator and meal-replacement offerings to hit those protein goals more easily.

If you need more in-depth inspiration, check out our guide on what to eat on Wegovy^®.

4. Lower Your Stress Levels

Easier said than done, yes. But if you’re feeling tired lately, your stress levels may be playing a role. Fatigue and stress are closely connected, so managing your stress may help improve your energy levels while taking Wegovy^®.

Try these strategies for reducing stress:

• Yoga, meditation, or deep breathing

• Spending time in nature

• Gentle movement like tai chi

• Listening to music or journaling

• Spending time with family or friends

Sometimes, the simplest remedies work best. Enjoyable activities — whether that’s catching up with friends, reading a good book, or squeezing in a walk — can go a long way toward lowering stress and lifting your energy.

If you think something more serious is at play, like anxiety or depression, therapy and medication are other treatment options to explore.

5. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is a sneaky cause of fatigue, and it can happen if you’re eating fewer calories or experiencing gastrointestinal side effects. That’s one reason staying hydrated is crucial while taking Wegovy^®.

If nausea is making it hard to drink water, try taking small sips throughout the day instead of larger gulps. You can also try hydrating foods like cucumber or broth-based soups — or consider electrolyte drinks if recommended by your provider.

But in general, even if you aren’t experiencing those side effects, keeping your fluid levels up can help keep your energy levels steady.

According to the prescribing information for Wegovy^®, the most common side effects are:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain

• Constipation

In addition to things like stomach pain and queasiness, some people experience heartburn.

Rare but serious side effects can include:

• Pancreatitis

• Gallbladder problems

• Allergic reactions

• Kidney problems

• Mental health concerns, including suicidal thoughts

• Thyroid tumors (only reported in rodent studies)

You can learn more about the rare but possible long-term side effects of Wegovy^® in our blog.

Here’s what to keep in mind about semaglutide and fatigue:

• Can semaglutide make you tired? It’s possible to feel tired while taking Wegovy^®, probably as a result of eating less or adjusting to lower blood sugar. Focus on getting enough protein, sleep, water, and movement to improve your energy levels.

• Does Wegovy^® fatigue go away? Drowsiness and some of the more prominent side effects of the weight loss medication may subside over time as your body adjusts. But it’s different for everyone.

• If tiredness or other side effects are severe, talk to your provider. If you experience fatigue or other side effects while on Wegovy^® that are severe, persistent, or interfere with day-to-day activities, seek medical advice from your healthcare provider.

• Other options are available. If your side effects are very disruptive and don’t seem to subside with time, your provider may suggest adjusting your weekly dose of Wegovy^®. Another possibility is switching to a different medication.

All in all, being tired from Wegovy^® isn’t the most common side effect, and it’s often manageable. But if it happens, remember that your healthcare provider is there to support you. They may be able to recommend more personalized strategies to help alleviate your side effects.

Interested in exploring weight loss treatment options like Wegovy^®? Take our free online assessment to connect with a licensed provider trained in weight management.

Ozempic^® and Wegovy^® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Hims, Inc. is not affiliated with or endorsed by Novo Nordisk A/S.