Can Ozempic make you tired? Understanding fatigue as a side effect

Key Points

• Fatigue is a possible side effect of Ozempic, occurring in about 6-11% of people taking higher doses for weight loss
• Tiredness is often related to eating less, dehydration from GI side effects, or your body adjusting to the medication
• Most Ozempic-related fatigue is mild to moderate and temporary, typically improving after a few weeks
• Simple strategies like proper hydration, balanced nutrition, and light exercise can help manage fatigue while on Ozempic

Are you feeling unusually tired since starting Ozempic? While it’s not a common side effect, it does happen for some people. Good news is, the fatigue usually fades as you adjust to the medication. But that doesn’t change how frustrating it can be.

Whether you're using Ozempic for type 2 diabetes or weight loss, understanding why you might feel tired and what to do about it can help ease concerns and restore your energy levels. Let’s explore what causes Ozempic fatigue and what you can do about it.

What is Ozempic & how does it work?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication that's FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes. It's also prescribed off-label for weight loss, but there is another semaglutide medication, Wegovy, that is prescribed specifically for weight loss. Both drugs are made by Novo Nordisk.

Ozempic works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 that:

• Helps your body release insulin to control blood sugar
• Slows down digestion so you feel fuller for longer
• Reduces your appetite and food cravings

These effects help you lower your blood sugar, reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, and lower the risk of worsening kidney disease. You also typically eat less food while taking Ozempic or another GLP-1 medication, which can sometimes cause fatigue.

Does Ozempic cause fatigue?

The short answer is yes: Some people do experience fatigue on Ozempic, but it's not a very common side effect.

“Ozempic can make you feel tired if it is causing you to have inadequate macronutrients and micronutrients,” says Amy Bakios, RD. “Ozempic can significantly decrease the amount of food and hydration intake, which can in turn cause tiredness.”

According to clinical studies, fatigue occurs at different rates depending on how you're using the medication:

• In type 2 diabetes trials (lower doses): Less than 1% of patients reported fatigue
• In weight loss trials (higher doses): About 11% reported fatigue (versus 5% on placebo)
• In real-world studies: About 6.3% of patients noted fatigue, making it the third most common side effect after nausea/vomiting and diarrhea

This means that while most people don't experience significant tiredness, it is a legitimate side effect for some users, especially at the higher doses used for weight loss.

Why does Ozempic make you tired?

There are several reasons why you might feel tired while taking Ozempic:

1. You're eating significantly less

Ozempic dramatically reduces your appetite, which can lead to a substantial drop in calorie intake. It takes time to adjust to a new intake, and your body may respond with fatigue as it gets used to fewer calories.

This is similar to the tiredness many people feel when starting any type of diet; your body is working with less fuel than before and needs to adjust. It’s ok if you need to slow down for a few weeks as you get used to the medication.

2. Dehydration from GI side effects

The most common side effects of Ozempic are gastrointestinal, including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

These symptoms can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which are well-known causes of fatigue. In fact, studies show that people who experience fatigue on Ozempic often have more GI symptoms, too.

That said, as with all GLP-1 side effects, these issues should be temporary. If you are experiencing chronic GI issues, contact your doctor right away.

3. Rapid weight loss

Losing weight quickly can sometimes cause tiredness as your body adjusts. Some research suggests that rapid weight loss with Ozempic can involve some loss of lean body mass (muscle), which might contribute to feelings of fatigue or weakness. Your body prefers to be in a consistent state of homeostasis and may “react” with fatigue as a defense mechanism against all the changes occurring.

4. Your body is adjusting to the medication

When starting any new medication, your body needs time to adapt. Ozempic has wide-reaching effects on the body, ranging all the way from your digestive system to your brain. It acts on gut-brain signaling, which can influence more than just your appetite and digestion. The fatigue you experience might simply be part of this adjustment period.

How common is Ozempic fatigue?

While fatigue can occur with Ozempic, it's important to keep perspective:

• The majority of patients (about 89-94%) do not report fatigue as a side effect
• Fatigue is significantly less common than GI side effects like nausea
• When fatigue does occur, it's usually mild to moderate, not severe

It's also worth noting that, according to some research, certain groups seem more likely to experience fatigue:

• Patients with lower body weight (<90 kg) may experience more fatigue, possibly because they have higher drug exposure relative to their size
• Asian patients may experience higher rates of fatigue compared to other ethnic groups

Does Ozempic fatigue go away?

For most people, Ozempic fatigue does improve over time.

Many patients report that any initial tiredness gets better after the first few weeks as their bodies adjust to both the medication and the reduced calorie intake. This improvement often corresponds with when patients reach the end of the dose adjustment period and are now at a consistent dose (Ozempic is initially prescribed at a .5 mg dose and is increased up to at least 1 mg or as high as 2 mg, depending on a patient’s tolerance and results).

This pattern matches what we see with other Ozempic side effects, which tend to peak early and then fade as your body adapts.

How to manage fatigue while on Ozempic

“Ozempic can alter a person's desire to eat due to feeling full quickly, says Amy Bakios, RD. “This is where I focus on the quality of food and making sure to get the most nutrient-dense foods when the amount of food intake is limited.”

If you're feeling more tired while taking Ozempic, these strategies can help:

1. Stay well-hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is crucial, especially if you're experiencing GI side effects that could lead to dehydration. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily, as recommended by clinical guidelines for semaglutide management. Hydration is key to all physical processes and helps keep your energy levels up.

2. Maintain proper nutrition

While Ozempic reduces your appetite, it's still important to get adequate nutrition:

• Focus on nutrient-dense foods rather than just eating less
• Include enough protein to help preserve muscle mass
• Eat small, frequent meals if you find it difficult to eat larger amounts

If you’re struggling to eat properly while taking Ozempic, connect with a registered dietitian to find balance.

3. Consider timing your Ozempic dose

Some people find it helpful to take their Ozempic injection on a day when fatigue would have less impact, such as Friday evening or the weekend. However, talk to your doctor about your injection schedule before changing it. There are certain guidelines to follow when adjusting your dosing schedule.

4. Get gentle exercise

It might seem counterintuitive when you're tired, but light physical activity like walking can actually boost your energy levels and help with fatigue. Taking a walk, doing some yoga or Tai Chi, or even going for a light bike ride can all help reinvigorate you. Give it a try next time you’re feeling tired and see how it makes you feel.

5. Ensure you're getting enough sleep

Of course, if you’re tired, sleep is all the more important. Quality sleep becomes even more important when your body is adjusting to a new medication and possibly rapid weight changes. Sleep helps support your metabolism, hunger hormones, and other factors that support healthy weight loss.

6. Talk to your healthcare provider about dose adjustment

If fatigue is significantly affecting your daily life, your doctor might recommend:

• Staying at a lower Ozempic dose for longer before increasing
• Checking for other causes of fatigue (like thyroid issues or anemia)
• Evaluating if any other medications you're taking might be contributing to tiredness

Do not stop taking Ozempic on your own without consulting your doctor first.

When to be concerned about fatigue on Ozempic

Most fatigue with Ozempic is mild and temporary. However, you should contact your healthcare provider if:

• Your fatigue is severe or debilitating
• Tiredness doesn't improve after several weeks
• You experience other concerning symptoms alongside fatigue
• You become so tired that you cannot perform daily activities

These could indicate more serious issues like severe dehydration or another underlying condition that needs attention.

Resolving Ozempic fatigue

Fatigue is a recognized side effect of Ozempic, particularly at higher doses used for weight loss. However, it's typically mild, affects only a minority of users, and often improves as your body adjusts to both the medication and reduced calorie intake.

The benefits of improved blood sugar control and meaningful weight loss usually outweigh the temporary fatigue some people experience. With proper hydration, nutrition, and activity, most people can successfully manage tiredness while continuing to benefit from Ozempic.

Remember that everyone's experience with Ozempic is different. What matters most is how the medication affects you personally and whether any side effects are manageable with the help of your healthcare team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fatigue a common side effect of Ozempic?

Fatigue is not among the most common side effects of Ozempic. It affects about 6-11% of people taking higher doses for weight loss, compared to approximately 5% in placebo groups. Gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea are much more common.

How long does Ozempic fatigue last?

For most people, Ozempic fatigue improves after the first few weeks as their body adjusts to the medication. It's typically most noticeable during the dose titration period (when you're increasing up to your target dose). Most side effects, including fatigue, tend to diminish over time.

Should I stop taking Ozempic if I feel tired?

Generally, mild fatigue alone is not a reason to discontinue Ozempic. However, you should discuss any concerning side effects with your healthcare provider. They might suggest strategies to manage the fatigue or, if necessary, adjust your treatment plan.

Can changing my diet help with Ozempic fatigue?

Yes! Making sure you get quality nutrition despite reduced appetite can help combat fatigue. Focus on nutrient-dense foods, adequate protein intake, and proper hydration. A registered dietitian can help create a personalized eating plan that provides enough energy while supporting your weight management goals.

Does Ozempic directly cause drowsiness?

Unlike some medications that directly affect the central nervous system, Ozempic doesn't cause drowsiness or sedation. The fatigue experienced is more of a general low-energy feeling, likely related to eating a lower calorie intake, being dehydrated, or adjusting to the medication.

Start managing your Ozempic side effects with the right nutrition plan. Find a weight loss dietitian who accepts your insurance with Fay.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.