If you’ve recently started semaglutide (like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus) and you’re feeling more tired than usual, you’re not alone. Semaglutide tiredness is a common complaint among users—especially in the first few weeks or after a dose increase. While this fatigue can be frustrating, the good news is that it’s usually manageable and often temporary.
In this post, we’ll dive into why semaglutide makes you tired and, most importantly, how to get your energy back.
Table of Contents
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide belong to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists which are approved by the FDA for adults with obesity or type 2 diabetes. It is meant to be used along with diet and exercise.
Three types of medications containing semaglutide include:
- Wegovy injection 2.4 mg
- Ozempic injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg
- Rybelsus tablets 7 mg or 14 mg
Each semaglutide dose is different and can be adjusted. This is important to note if your are having any symptoms. Or you may need to try a different medication. Both oral semaglutide via pill form or injections can be effective. It’s important to speak with your doctor about the right one for you.
Read more about What to Eat on a Semaglutide Diet Plan
Why Does Semaglutide Make You Tired?
Semaglutide works by mimicking your hormone in your body, GLP-1, that helps regulate your blood sugar and appetite. While it can be effective for weight loss and blood sugar control, these benefits can sometimes come with side effects like tiredness.
In clinical trials, fatigue was reported in 6.3% of patients taking semaglutide for overweight and obesity, 11% for those taking Wegovy, and <5% for those on Ozempic. It was not reported as a side effect for those taking Rybelsus.
Therefore, fatigue isn’t that common compared to other side effects and typically goes away on its own.
Gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation are the most commonly reported adverse side effects of the medication.
Other Common Side Effects of Semaglutide Include:
- Decreased appetite
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Belching or gas
- Injection site reactions (for injectable forms)
Some reasons why you feel tired or fatigued after starting semaglutide medication include:
- Reduced Caloric Intake
Semaglutide suppresses appetite, which can lead to significantly lower food intake. If you’re not eating enough, your body may not get the energy it needs, leading to fatigue. - Dehydration from the GI side effects
Side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can cause fluid loss, and even mild dehydration can make you feel drained or sluggish. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and replenishing electrolytes especially if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. - Rapid Weight Loss
Losing weight too quickly can stress the body and cause temporary fatigue as your metabolism and hormone levels adjust. - Blood Sugar Fluctuations
If semaglutide is used alongside other glucose-lowering medications like metformin, your blood sugar may dip too low (hypoglycemia), causing symptoms of low blood sugar like blurred vision, shakiness, or dizziness. - Adjustment period
As your body is adjusting to a new medication, hormonal shifts can cause you to feel tired. Fatigue is a common temporary side effect during the first few weeks or months.
How Long Does Tiredness Last on Semaglutide?
Semaglutide can make you tired for the first few weeks as your body adjusts to the drug. Fatigue is more common early on and goes away as your body gets used to the medication.
If you’re still feeling really tired after a few weeks or it gets worse, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.
How to Fight Semaglutide Tiredness and Get Your Energy Back
1. Eat enough, even if you aren’t hungry
Fatigue is often your body’s way of asking for more energy. Don’t wait until you’re starving—plan regular meals and snacks that include:
- Lean protein: Eggs, fish, tofu, Greek yogurt to support satiety and blood sugar balance
- Complex carbs: Oats, sweet potatoes, quinoa, whole grains
- Healthy fats: Avocado, olive oil, nut butters, fatty fish
However, if you can’t stomach a lot of food, try eating smaller more frequent meals. Add calorie dense foods like olive oil and nut butters to make sure you’re getting enough energy.
2. Hydrate and Replenish Electrolytes to Combat Semaglutide Fatigue
Water helps but if you’re also losing fluids from GI side effects, you may need to replace sodium, potassium, and magnesium, too.
Try these:
- Electrolyte packets (like LMNT, Liquid I.V., or Nuun)
- Broths or soups
- Coconut water
- Gatorade relyte
Aim to sip fluids regularly throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty.
3. Beat Semaglutide Tiredness with Better Sleep
If semaglutide is disrupting your sleep, take steps to get better rest.
- Eat your last meal at least 2–3 hours before bed to avoid reflux
- Avoid screens 1 hour before sleep
- Try a bedtime wind-down routine (e.g., reading, stretching, or herbal tea)
Quality sleep plays a huge role in overall health!
4. Exercise
Exercise is probably the last thing you want to do when you’re feeling tired. However, light movement or exercise can actually improve energy, circulation, and digestion.
- A 10–20 minute walk after meals
- Gentle yoga or stretching
- Light strength training (if your energy allows)
Listen to your body—movement should feel refreshing, not draining.
5. Time Your Injections Strategically
If you feel particularly tired after your semaglutide dose, experiment with taking it in the evening instead of the morning (with your provider’s permission). That way, any fatigue may hit while you’re sleeping instead of during your workday.
When to Talk to your Doctor
Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve could signal that something else is going on like:
- Iron or B12 deficiency (especially if your intake has dropped)
- Low thyroid levels
- Blood sugar fluctuations
Ask your healthcare provider to check relevant labs, and discuss whether your semaglutide dose or titration schedule should be adjusted.
Titration allows your body to adjust slowly to changes in appetite and digestion, helping to minimize side effects and reduce the risk of GI symptoms like nausea, bloating, and tiredness.
Typical titration schedule (for Wegovy, for example):
- Week 1–4: 0.25 mg once weekly
- Week 5–8: 0.5 mg once weekly
- Week 9–12: 1.0 mg once weekly
- and so on, up to the full dose (e.g., 2.4 mg for Wegovy)
Each step usually lasts at least 4 weeks to give your body time to adapt.
A Word of Caution About Compounded Semaglutide
Due to high demand and brand-name shortages, some clinics and telehealth services offer compounded semaglutide—a custom-made version from compounding pharmacies. While it may seem like a cheaper or faster option, not all compounded versions are created equal. Some use semaglutide sodium or acetate, which are not approved for human use and may carry serious safety risks.
The FDA has issued warnings about these formulations, especially when made by pharmacies that aren’t properly regulated. If you’re considering compounded semaglutide, make sure it’s from a licensed 503A or 503B pharmacy using semaglutide base, and talk to your healthcare provider first.
Read more here if you’re curious about other options: Is there an alternative to Ozempic or Wegovy
The Bottom Line
Semaglutide tiredness does happen, but it is only temporary. With the right strategies like staying hydrated, eating enough, and monitoring your dose—you can ease the exhaustion and feel more like yourself again.
Be sure to check out my services page and discover how I can help you further!
Written by Heather Krawsek, dietetic intern
Reviewed by Carrie Weitzel, registered dietitian