Does Wegovy Cause Fatigue?

Summary Overview

• According to the patients who are taking Wegovy, there are roughly 11% of people who experience fatigue under the medication while there is 5% on placebo.
• Experiencing fatigue often begins when there is a dose increase or during the first few weeks of the medication.
• Here are a few common contributing causes of experiencing fatigue: reduced food intake, dehydration, and having poor sleep.
• According to some patient experiences, energy levels usually improve by weeks 4 to 8.

What You Will Learn

By the end of the article, you’ll be able to learn the following:

• You will learn to understand whether Wegovy can actually cause fatigue and what the clinical data say about it.
• You will learn to recognise the likely reasons behind fatigue.
• You will learn to know how long fatigue usually lasts.
• You will learn when to seek medical advice if fatigue doesn’t improve or is severe.

What You Need To Know About Wegovy (Semaglutide)?

It is an injectable prescription medication which contains semaglutide. It is specifically designed for treating chronic weight management. It is actually part of the class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. This works by mimicking the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone which is naturally produced in the gut. When these receptors are activated, Wegovy will slow down gastric emptying and will send signals to the brain to increase the feeling of fullness and to suppress your appetite. This result is a significant reduction in your caloric intake which leads to sustaining weight loss when it is paired with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

In order to minimise the side effects, Wegovy is following a standard 5-month dose escalation schedule. All patients who are using it typically start at 0.25 mg weekly for the first four weeks then gradually increase it into 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, and 1.7 mg every month. Your goal is to reach the 2.4 mg maintenance dose. At this maintenance dose, this is where the strength is utilised according to major clinical trials in order to achieve maximum efficacy.

Read more: Unlocking Weight Loss: How Does Wegovy Work for You?

Is Fatigue Common with Wegovy?

According to the STEP clinical trials, it indicates that fatigue is usually a documented side effect. Although it is typically less common than any gastrointestinal issues. According to these studies, there are approximately 11% of participants reported who are feeling tired or fatigued while they are taking Wegovy. While there is a 5% in the placebo group. While it is not the most frequent side effect for some, it is typically a significant factor for about one in ten users.

In the UK, the majority of the clinics suggest that fatigue often peaks at the first few days after an injection or sometimes immediately following a dose escalation. The majority of UK users often describe a heavy feeling or a lack of motivation which typically fades as the body is slowly adjusting to the medication over the next weeks.

While fatigue is typically notable, it is statistically often overshadowed by the gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting. These GI symptoms are reported by the majority of Wegovy users which is over 40%. However, fatigue can actually be more distracting for daily productivity for some, it is still recommended to maintain your exercise routine as you continue your medication.

What Are The Possible Causes Why Wegovy Makes You Feel Tired?

Reduced Caloric Intake

One of the primary benefits of Wegovy is the suppression of appetite. This means that it naturally leads you into eating less but feeling full. If your caloric intake significantly drops too sharply, your body might enter an energy deficit which isn’t sufficient in powering your usual physical and mental activities. This energy shortage is one of the most common reasons why the majority of the users feel tired during the early stages of taking Wegovy.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects & Dehydration

Oftentimes, these are the side effects that users have been experiencing: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea which can immediately lead to fluid and electrolyte loss. Dehydration is the major yet oftentimes overlooked that causes fatigue. When your body lacks essential minerals and hydration because of GI distress, your blood volume will drop which can make your heart work harder and leave you feeling exhausted during your medication.

Effects on Sleep and Sleep Quality

Losing weight and experiencing hormonal changes can actually shift your circadian rhythms. According to some users, they’ve reported to have restless sleep because of physical discomfort like acid reflux or bloating. This is usually caused by slowed digestion.

Hormonal Adjustments

When you are experiencing a rapid weight loss, it is usually a significant physiological stressor. This happens as your body switches its primary energy source from the ingested glucose into the stored fat. Your metabolism is actually undergoing a complex re-wiring.

How Long Does Fatigue Last?

Onset During Titration

According to the majority of Wegovy users, fatigue is most common during the dose escalation phase or within the first few weeks when they start taking the medication. This happens as the body is receiving an increased amount of semaglutide which the metabolic and digestive systems are required to work harder to adapt. The majority of patients have noticed that fatigue is mostly acute in the 24 to 48 hours following their weekly injection.

Duration and Improvement

According to the majority of Wegovy users, fatigue is only a temporary side effect. They’ve reported that they’ve seen a significant improvement in their energy after 3 to 4 weeks of taking in on a consistent dose. If you are experiencing fatigue beyond for more than a month of the maintenance dose, it might be a sign of other underlying factors. It is best to consult with your clinic immediately to avoid any further complications.

When To Seek Medical Advice

While fatigue is usually a temporary side effect, you should consult your clinician if fatigue becomes persistent for more than a month. Monitor yourself if you’d usually find yourself unable to do your daily tasks, having a hard time staying awake at work, or if the fatigue is actually accompanied by a significant low mood that can affect the quality of your daily life. Make sure to take note of any of these symptoms and consult with your doctor immediately as fatigue should only be temporary and not a long-term effect of Wegovy.