Semaglutide, used for weight management and type 2 diabetes under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy, offers many benefits. However, its use is often accompanied by side effects, particularly its impact on energy levels. Many individuals report feeling tired or fatigued when starting the treatment, which raises questions about what to expect during their adjustment period.
The Direct Link Between Semaglutide and Fatigue
Fatigue is a recognized and commonly reported side effect of semaglutide, listed in the medication’s clinical trial data and patient information packets. For some, this fatigue can manifest shortly after starting the medication or following a dosage increase. This experience of low energy is a direct consequence of the body’s reaction to the drug’s mechanisms.
This side effect is dose-dependent, meaning the likelihood of experiencing fatigue can increase with higher doses. For instance, clinical trials for Wegovy, a higher-dose form of semaglutide, reported fatigue in about 11% of participants. In contrast, studies involving Ozempic, prescribed at lower doses for diabetes, showed a smaller percentage of patients reporting tiredness. This demonstrates a connection between the dosage and the potential for low energy.
Underlying Causes of Low Energy
Several factors contribute to low energy when taking semaglutide as the body adjusts to its effects.
- Reduced Caloric Intake: The medication is effective at suppressing appetite, which leads to eating less. When the body receives less fuel than it is used to, a feeling of tiredness is a normal physiological response.
- Changes in Glucose Metabolism: Semaglutide helps manage blood sugar levels. The body’s process of adapting to these newly stabilized levels can temporarily result in fatigue, as dips in blood glucose can be interpreted as an energy shortage.
- Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Common symptoms like nausea or diarrhea can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food and can also lead to dehydration, a known cause of tiredness.
- Slower Gastric Emptying: The medication delays the rate at which food leaves the stomach, helping people feel fuller for longer. This prolonged digestive process can contribute to a sense of lethargy.
Strategies for Managing Fatigue
To counteract fatigue, it is helpful to focus on several key areas.
- Improve Nutritional Quality: Prioritizing nutrient-dense foods can provide the body with necessary resources even when calorie intake is lower. Emphasize lean protein to preserve muscle mass and include fiber and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
- Maintain Hydration: Dehydration can worsen feelings of tiredness, so drinking enough water is important, particularly if gastrointestinal side effects are present. Drinks with electrolytes can help replenish essential minerals.
- Engage in Gentle Physical Activity: Light exercise such as walking or stretching can boost circulation and increase energy levels. This movement can help the body adapt to its new metabolic state and improve mood.
- Consult with a Healthcare Provider: For persistent fatigue, speak with a doctor. They can rule out other potential causes of tiredness, such as anemia, and discuss adjusting the medication’s dosing schedule to give the body more time to adapt.
Long-Term Energy Level Outlook
For many individuals, the fatigue experienced when starting semaglutide is a temporary phase. As the body adjusts to the medication and new dietary patterns, energy levels often return to normal. This adaptation period varies but typically occurs over several weeks or months, after which the initial tiredness subsides.
There is also the potential for an improvement in energy levels in the long term, linked to the health benefits of weight loss. Shedding excess weight reduces the physical strain on the body, particularly on joints and the cardiovascular system, which can make physical activity feel easier.
Improvements in overall metabolic health contribute to this enhanced vitality. Better blood sugar control and reduced insulin resistance mean the body’s cells can use energy more efficiently. Weight loss can also lead to better sleep quality by reducing conditions like sleep apnea, resulting in a lasting increase in day-to-day energy.