If you’ve noticed that you’re feeling more tired than usual after taking Wegovy, you’re not alone. In fact, more than 10% of people who take Wegovy experience fatigue as a side effect. 

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But why does Wegovy make you feel tired? And what are some other potential side effects of Wegovy? That’s what we’ll be exploring today. Read on to learn all about Wegovy and fatigue. 

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What is Wegovy? 

Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist – it’s a prescription medication used for weight management and to treat obesity. 

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Wegovy’s active ingredient is semaglutide which replicates the naturally-occurring GLP-1 hormone, making you feel fuller for longer and reducing your appetite. This, in turn, helps you to achieve a calorie deficit and lose weight. 

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You must meet stringent eligibility criteria to be prescribed Wegovy. Wegovy was approved for use on the NHS in 2024 by NICE with specific NICE criteria. On the NHS, Wegovy is for people who have a BMI of 35 (or 30 in some cases), with at least one weight-related health condition. 

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Unfortunately, with limitations on resources in the NHS, the roll out of Wegovy has not really progressed in most places. It is only really available privately. It can be used in the private sector for more people than those limited by the NHS criteria. 

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Unlike some other options out there such as Rybelsus or Mysimba, you inject Wegovy once a week – and gradually increase the dosage as recommended by your doctor. It can take a while to start seeing results, but many people experience a 6.7% loss by the third month.

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Does Wegovy Have Any Side Effects? 

Yes, when you take Wegovy, you may experience side effects as your body adjusts to the medication. You may experience: 

• Nausea 
• Diarrhoea
• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Headache
• Reactions around the injection site 
• Constipation

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If you notice these side effects are impacting your day-to-day life, speak with one of our specialist nurses – we can help you manage your side effects. We can give you guidance on foods to avoid when taking Wegovy – foods that may be worsening your symptoms. We can also help you to identify ‘trigger foods’. 

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You may also experience tiredness as your body gets used to your dosage – but why? Let’s dig deeper…

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Why Do You Feel Tired on Wegovy? 

There are several reasons why you may be feeling tired on Wegovy. Some people believe that fatigue could be an indirect side effect, whether it be from reduced calories or disturbed sleep. Let’s explore this further: 

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You’re consuming fewer calories – Wegovy makes it a lot easier to achieve a calorie deficit – however, this can result in less energy for the body. This can ultimately lead to fatigue – you may feel low on energy due to the reduced calorie intake. This is especially the case if the calorie restriction is more rapid and more marked.

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You’re not sleeping well – Some people struggle to get to sleep – or stay asleep – when taking Wegovy. This could be due to the other side effects such as stomach ache. Lack of sleep will naturally leave you feeling more tired, even if it’s not directly caused by semaglutide. 

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You have low blood sugar – Wegovy can help to reduce blood sugar levels. However, this can leave you feeling tired and weak, especially if you have type 2 diabetes. Even if you do not have type 2 diabetes, skipping meals because of really effective appetite control can result in blood glucose levels dropping to levels close to the bottom end of the normal range which can result in feeling fatigued.

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You’re still adjusting to Wegovy – You might feel tired as your body adjusts to the medication, but this will usually improve over time. 

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You’ve lost a lot of weight and have become nutritionally depleted - in patients who have experienced effective weight loss on Wegovy the reduction in portion sizes can result in an overall reduction in vitamins and minerals which can cause fatigue.

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You’re drinking less fluid - Some people on Wegovy not only experience a reduction in appetite but also in thirst. It is important to ensure adequate hydration with at least 2 -3 litres of fluid a day. Dehydration can otherwise cause fatigue.          

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Will The Fatigue Go Away? 

Yes – you should begin feeling less tired as you get used to the medication. The fatigue should improve within a few weeks of starting treatment. 

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A study found participants felt more tired than usual when taking Wegovy, but this halved from 44% to 22% after just 8 weeks.

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How to Reduce Fatigue on Wegovy

• Try to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep at night 
• Keep your sleep pattern as consistent as possible
• Increase your Wegovy dosage gradually as per your doctor’s instructions – this will help your body adapt 
• Ensure you are sticking to a balanced diet 
• Avoid skipping meals and eat small low glycaemic index snacks and meals at regular intervals
• Keep hydrated
• Engage in regular exercise to boost your energy levels (and help you sleep better!) 

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If you are taking Wegovy with Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, reach out to us. We can help you manage your side effects and ensure you make the most of your medication. 

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