weight loss
∙2 minute read
Does Wegovy make you tired?
Wegovy, a brand name for the drug semaglutide, has gained attention for its efficacy in weight loss and obesity management. Approved by the MHRA for weight loss, Wegovy is prescribed for adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition.
Like any medication, Wegovy comes with side effects. But is fatigue one of them?
Let’s consider the evidence.
Understanding Wegovy
Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone, which helps regulate appetite and food intake.1
By enhancing the body's natural GLP-1 response, Wegovy slows gastric emptying, increases satiety, and ultimately reduces caloric intake, contributing to weight loss.1
Common side effects of Wegovy
Clinical trials and patient reports have identified several common side effects associated with Wegovy, including but not limited to:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Abdominal pain
These side effects are generally mild to moderate and tend to decrease over time as the body adjusts to the medication. However, fatigue, while less frequently discussed, has also been noted by some patients and could also be a result of the side effects listed above.
Fatigue as a side effect
In clinical trials for Wegovy (semaglutide), fatigue was reported as a side effect, but it was not among the most common adverse reactions. According to the drug’s prescribing information, fatigue was observed in approximately 11% of patients, making it less common compared to gastrointestinal issues like nausea (44%), diarrhoea (30%), and vomiting (24%).1
Feeling tired could be directly related to the medication or result from other factors such as altered food processing, including appetite control and blood sugar regulation, or reduced calorie intake, which may sometimes lead to lower energy levels.²
The numan take
While Wegovy is an effective weight loss medication, it can cause side effects, including fatigue. This tiredness can result from the body adjusting to the drug, metabolic changes, or reduced caloric intake. If you experience significant fatigue while taking Wegovy, it’s important to consult with a clinician to manage this effectively.
References
1. Novo Nordisk. (2021). Wegovy (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use: Highlights of prescribing information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/215256s000lbl.pdf
2. Blundell, John, Graham Finlayson, Mads Axelsen, Anne Flint, Catherine Gibbons, Trine Kvist, and Julie B. Hjerpsted. 2017. “Effects of Once-Weekly Semaglutide on Appetite, Energy Intake, Control of Eating, Food Preference, and Body Weight in Subjects with Obesity.” Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism 19(9):1242–1251. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.12932.