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Semaglutide and fatigue: does semaglutide make you tired?

5 min read

Written by: 

Amelia Willson

Reviewed by: 

Patricia Weiser, PharmD

Updated:  Mar 18, 2025

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Reviewed By

Patricia Weiser, PharmD

Patricia Weiser, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist with more than a decade of clinical experience.

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Key takeaways

  • Fatigue is a potential side effect of Wegovy, but it is less common with other forms of semaglutide, including Ozempic or Rybelsus.

  • Semaglutide fatigue may be caused by reduced food intake, dehydration, and low blood glucose levels. For some, it’s a side effect that goes away once their body gets used to the medication.

  • Staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, exercising, and getting quality sleep can help you manage fatigue.

Here's what we'll cover

Here's what we'll cover

Key takeaways

  • Fatigue is a potential side effect of Wegovy, but it is less common with other forms of semaglutide, including Ozempic or Rybelsus.

  • Semaglutide fatigue may be caused by reduced food intake, dehydration, and low blood glucose levels. For some, it’s a side effect that goes away once their body gets used to the medication.

  • Staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, exercising, and getting quality sleep can help you manage fatigue.

Does semaglutide make you tired? The short answer to that question is yes, it can; some people report experiencing fatigue while taking semaglutide, a drug perhaps better known by the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.

But why does semaglutide make you tired? And how can you treat semaglutide fatigue to regain your energy while taking this medication as part of your weight loss journey? Read on as we answer these questions and more.  

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Wegovy Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.

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Does semaglutide make you tired?

Yes, some people feel tired when taking semaglutide, the active ingredient in the brand-name drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. Fatigue is listed as a common side effect of Wegovy on the drug’s prescribing information, but not the diabetes medications Ozempic or Rybelsus. 

Indeed, among the three forms of semaglutide, fatigue appears to be most common with Wegovy. In clinical trials, about 11% of people taking Wegovy reported feeling fatigued or weak, more than double reported by the placebo group. In contrast, fewer than half a percent of people taking Ozempic reported fatigue and the symptom was not reported at all in clinical trials of Rybelsus. That doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t experience fatigue if you take Ozempic or Rybelsus; it's just that this side effect is less common than with Wegovy.

Why does semaglutide make you tired? 

There are a number of reasons semaglutide can make you tired, according to Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, a quadruple board-certified doctor of internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, critical care, and sleep medicine. “Fatigue can be a side effect of semaglutide, especially in the early stages of treatment,” he says. “It is thought to be caused by a combination of factors such as the medication suppressing one’s appetite, resulting in a decrease in calorie consumption, which can result in lower energy levels.”

Your energy comes largely from the food you consume. So, it makes sense that you may feel less energetic if you’re eating less and getting fewer calories—a common occurrence for those taking semaglutide for weight loss. 

 If you’ve started exercising more—which is also recommended when taking semaglutide—you’re using up more of your energy, too, which may put you at a temporary energy deficit until your body gets used to the medication.

“The gastrointestinal side effects [of semaglutide] like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can also contribute to fatigue,” Dr. Dasgupta says. That’s because these side effects are notorious for causing dehydration, which—you guessed it—can manifest as fatigue (along with other more obvious symptoms like dark urine and thirst). The good news is that, for most people, these gastrointestinal side effects of semaglutide are usually temporary, most often during the first 4–5 weeks of treatment. Gastrointestinal issues tend to become less intense and less frequent as your body gets used to the drug. 

Fatigue can also be a warning sign of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Because semaglutide works by lowering blood sugar, there is an increased risk of experiencing hypoglycemia when you take it—especially if you take other blood-sugar-lowering medications like insulin or sulfonylureas. People with type 2 diabetes may take Ozempic or Rybelsus to help manage their blood sugar levels. If that describes you,talk to your healthcare provider. They can adjust your dosage of insulin to reduce your risk, and guide you on how to recognize and take action at the first warning signs of low blood sugar.

How long does semaglutide fatigue last? 

Fortunately, fatigue tends to be a temporary side effect of semaglutide, according to Dr. Dasgupta. “[Fatigue is] usually most noticeable when first starting the medication or when increasing your dose,” Dr. Dasgupta says. “After a few weeks, many people find that their energy levels improve as their body adjusts.”

If your fatigue persists on semaglutide, talk to your healthcare provider to make sure it’s not a sign of something more serious. 

How to treat semaglutide fatigue: 5 tips 

In many cases, semaglutide fatigue can be treated with simple lifestyle changes, such as upping your water intake, nutrition, or sleep quality.

1. Stay hydrated

“Staying well-hydrated is key, as dehydration can make fatigue worse,” Dr. Dasgupta says. Drinking plenty of water on a daily basis is important for your general health. But if you’re experiencing any nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea on semaglutide, staying hydrated is even more important. 

Beverages that combine both carbohydrates and electrolytes—such as juice, coconut water, or sports drinks—seem to have the most potent effect on boosting hydration, according to one study. Replenishing your fluids can help you stay hydrated and prevent further gastrointestinal distress.

2. Practice healthy sleep habits

Poor sleep can contribute to daytime fatigue, so if you haven’t been enjoying at least seven hours of restful sleep on a regular basis, now might be the time to change that if you can. Start with these sleep hygiene tips:

  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine

  • Keep your bedroom dark and screen-free

  • Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day

  • Exercise regularly during the day

3. Keep (or start) exercising

If that last sleep hygiene tip surprised you, we get it, but it’s true: regular exercise can help you sleep better (so long as you don’t do it too close to bedtime). It can also help you better manage fatigue.

“Light physical activity, like a short walk, can also boost energy,” Dr. Dasgupta says. A 30-minute bout of moderate-intensity exercise can help you feel more awake and alert, research shows.

4. Eat well

Improving your diet to include more nutritious, energy-boosting foods can also help combat fatigue while taking semaglutide. “Eating small, balanced meals with enough protein can help maintain energy levels, especially since semaglutide can suppress appetite,” Dr. Dasgupta says.

With its mix of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats from nuts, fish, and olive oil, the Mediterranean diet fits that description well. Plus, studies show that people who follow a Mediterranean diet experience better sleep and less insomnia, which may prevent fatigue.

5. Manage your stress

If you’re feeling stressed, that may also help explain why you feel so tired on semaglutide. According to an analysis of nearly 8,000 workers, people who felt more stress at work were also more likely to have fatigue.

Managing your stress through meditation and deep breathing exercises may help, as can therapy. Regular exercise can also have a powerful effect on relieving your stress and improving your overall well-being.

When to contact a healthcare provider 

“If the fatigue is persistent or really affecting your day-to-day life, I always recommend reaching out to your doctor,” Dr. Dasgupta says. “Sometimes adjusting the dose or checking for other underlying issues can make a big difference." 

Chronic fatigue—namely, fatigue that doesn’t go away with time or rest—can be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs medical attention.

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Bottom line: semaglutide fatigue

Semaglutide can sometimes cause fatigue. Usually, it’s a temporary side effect, but it can be frustrating to deal with in the meantime. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to feel more energized while taking semaglutide.

  • Fatigue is a potential side effect of semaglutide, especially Wegovy. Clinical trials show that fatigue is more common with Wegovy than with Ozempic or Rybelsus, but it’s possible to experience feelings of tiredness with any form of the medication.

  • You may feel tired on semaglutide for a number of reasons. Eating fewer calories can reduce your energy, as can dehydration from some of the drug’s other side effects. In some cases, fatigue can be a sign of low blood sugar levels, another potential side effect of semaglutide.

  • Lifestyle changes can help you treat semaglutide fatigue. Staying hydrated, sleeping well, eating balanced meals, exercising regularly, and managing your stress can all help. If your fatigue persists or gets worse, consult a healthcare provider.

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DISCLAIMER

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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How we reviewed this article

Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

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Current version

March 18, 2025

Written by

Amelia Willson

Fact checked by

Patricia Weiser, PharmD

About the medical reviewer

Patricia Weiser, PharmD

Patricia Weiser, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist, health content writer, and medical reviewer with more than a decade of clinical experience in community and hospital pharmacy.

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