Why Semaglutide Can Make You Tired and How to Manage Fatigue

Updated on March 2, 2026 by Theresa Vuskovich, DMD. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

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Table of contents

• Why Do You Feel Tired While Taking Semaglutide?
• How You Take Semaglutide Can Affect How Tired You Feel
• Your Dose Can Affect How Tired You Feel
• What To Know When Taking Semaglutide
• Tips for Managing Fatigue
• Take the Next Step Today
• Related Content

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At a Glance

• Semaglutide is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in three popular brand name medications, Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, and Wegovy®.[1-5]
• Semaglutide is prescribed for individuals with type 2 diabetes and individuals who are overweight or have obesity with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
• Semaglutide can lead to a reduction in caloric intake, which can make you tired.
• Side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, all of which can also make you tired.
• How you take semaglutide (pill or injection), and your dosage can affect how tired you feel.

Why Do You Feel Tired While Taking Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is prescribed for lowering blood sugar levels for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and weight management for those who are overweight or have obesity with at least one weight-related comorbidity.[1-5] Individuals taking semaglutide may lose up to 15% of their body weight.[5] However, weight loss results may vary depending on your starting weight, comorbidities, other medications, and lifestyle choices.[1-5]

Although the exact mechanism by which semaglutide causes weight loss is still under investigation, it has the potential to reduce appetite, thereby reducing caloric intake.[1-3] You may feel more tired than usual due to the reduced calorie intake while taking semaglutide. Additionally, semaglutide can make you tired due to its gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.[1-3] How tired you feel while taking semaglutide is also impacted by how you take semaglutide (pill or injection) and your dosage.[1-3]

How You Take Semaglutide Can Affect How Tired You Feel

Semaglutide is available as a daily pill (Rybelsus®) or a once-weekly injection (Ozempic® and Wegovy®).[1-3] During clinical trials, individuals taking semaglutide as an injection were more likely to report fatigue (tiredness) as a side effect.[1-3] Patients taking Rybelsus® during clinical trials did not report fatigue as a side effect.[2] Those taking 14 mg of Rybelsus® did report nausea (20%), abdominal pain (11%), diarrhea (10%), decreased appetite (9%), vomiting (8%), and constipation (5%).[2]

During clinical trials for Ozempic® and Wegovy® (semaglutide injections), patients did report feeling tired.[1,3] 11% of participants taking 2.4 mg of Wegovy® for weight management reported feeling tired.[3] Less than .4% of patients reported feeling tired as a side effect during clinical trials for Ozempic®.[1] Those taking 1 mg of Ozempic® did report nausea (20.3%), vomiting (9.2%), diarrhea (8.8%), abdominal pain (5.7%), and constipation (3.1%).[1]

Your Dose Can Affect How Tired You Feel

Individuals taking a higher dose of semaglutide are more likely to feel tired.[1-3] Wegovy® for weight management offers the maximum dose of semaglutide (2.4 mg) and is associated with a higher incidence of fatigue and other side effects.[1-3] Individuals taking 2.4 mg of Wegovy® reported nausea (44%), diarrhea (30%), vomiting (24%), constipation (24%), abdominal pain (20%), and abdominal distension (bloating)(7%) as side effects.[3]

Wegovy® is available as a pre-filled, single-dose injection pen containing 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, or 2.4 mg of semaglutide.[3] Clinical experience suggests starting on a low dose of semaglutide and slowly increasing the dosage may reduce the risk of side effects.[4] Patients can start with 0.25 mg and increase their dose every four weeks until they reach the maintenance dose (2.4 mg).[3] Consult your healthcare provider if you experience fatigue or other side effects while taking semaglutide.

What To Know When Taking Semaglutide

Now that you know semaglutide can make you feel tired, here are some other facts to know about semaglutide [1-5]:

• Rybelsus® and Ozempic® are FDA-approved for individuals with T2D to improve blood sugar levels, while Wegovy® is FDA-approved for weight management. However, Rybelsus® and Ozempic® are prescribed off-label for weight management.
• Semaglutide can increase your risk of thyroid cancer, acute pancreatitis, acute gallbladder disease, hypoglycemia, and acute kidney injury.
• Individuals have reported hypersensitivity reactions, suicidal behavior, and suicidal ideation while taking semaglutide.
• Semaglutide is not for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• If you experience signs of a serious reaction, such as shortness of breath, call 911 immediately.

Tips for Managing Fatigue

If you are experiencing fatigue while on semaglutide, there are several practical steps you can take to boost your energy levels:

• Prioritize Hydration: Fatigue is often worsened by dehydration, especially if you’re experiencing GI side effects like nausea or diarrhea. Sip water or electrolyte-rich drinks throughout the day.
• Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals: To avoid the "crash" associated with low blood sugar or extreme caloric deficits, try eating smaller amounts more often rather than one or two large meals.
• Focus on Protein: Since you’re likely eating less, make sure what you do eat counts. High-quality protein helps maintain muscle mass and provides more stable energy than sugary snacks.
• Incorporate Gentle Movement: It sounds counterintuitive, but a short walk can often boost circulation and wake up your system more effectively than a nap.
• Monitor Your Dosage: If fatigue becomes debilitating, talk to your healthcare provider. They may suggest staying at your current dose for a longer period before increasing it, or they may want to check for underlying issues like vitamin $B_{12}$ deficiency or hypoglycemia.

Take Control of Your Weight Loss Journey

If you are experiencing fatigue or other side effects while on your weight loss journey, having a clinical team that prioritizes dose optimization and supportive care is essential. Our partner, Shed's GLP-1 program is built on the philosophy that your weight loss journey shouldn't come at the expense of your daily energy. You deserve a plan that works with your body, not against it.

Related Content

Dulaglutide vs. Semaglutide: Differences and Similarities Between the Two Medications

What To Eat On Semaglutide

Can An Endocrinologist Help With Weight Loss?

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References

1. Ozempic® Prescribing Information. Novo-pi.com. https://www.novo-pi.com/ozempic.pdf. Accessed August 12, 2023.
2. Rybelsus® Prescribing Information. Novo-pi.com. https://www.novo-pi.com/rybelsus.pdf. Accessed August 12, 2023.
3. Wegovy® Prescribing Information. Novo-pi.com. https://www.novo-pi.com/wegovy.pdf. Accessed August 12, 2023.
4. Kushner RF, Calanna S, Davies M, et al. Semaglutide 2.4 mg for the treatment of obesity: Key elements of the STEP trials 1 to 5. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2020;28(6):1050-1061. doi:10.1002/oby.22794. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32441473/.
5. Kosiborod MN, Bhatta M, Davies M, et al. Semaglutide improves cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with overweight or obesity: STEP 1 and 4 exploratory analyses. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2023;25(2):468-478. doi:10.1111/dom.14890. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200477/.