If you’ve been researching weight loss options or treatments for type 2 diabetes, chances are you’ve come across semaglutide. This injectable medication has soared in popularity under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy, and it’s received a lot of buzz for helping individuals manage their weight and improve blood sugar levels.
But if you’re new to semaglutide, you might wonder: Does it make you tired? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the semaglutide effects on your body, whether fatigue is a factor, and how you can improve fatigue if you’re feeling drained.
Semaglutide Affects on the Body
Semaglutide Weight Loss Medication works by mimicking the function of a hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). Under normal conditions, GLP-1 helps regulate appetite, slows down how quickly your stomach empties, and influences your insulin production. By activating GLP-1 receptors, semaglutide effectively reduces hunger, resulting in a feeling of fullness and reduced food intake.
People in Seattle and beyond have found semaglutide beneficial for weight management, especially when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. It can also help stabilize blood sugar levels, making it an option for those needing additional support in managing type 2 diabetes. However, like all medications, there are potential side effects and essential details to understand before starting semaglutide.
Does Semaglutide Make You Tired?
If you’ve ever taken a new medication, you know everyone’s experience can be slightly different. Some individuals using semaglutide report feeling more energetic overall—perhaps because of weight loss or improved blood sugar levels—while others say they’ve noticed additional tiredness. So, does semaglutide make you tired?
In short, it can cause fatigue in some people, but it’s not guaranteed. It may or may not be related directly to semaglutide itself. Sometimes, changes in diet while on the medication can lead to lower calorie intake, which might leave you feeling more fatigued than usual. Other times, side effects like nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort can disrupt sleep or daily routines, which can result in that worn-down feeling during the day.
Fatigue can also stem from lifestyle changes that often come with semaglutide use. For instance, if you’re beginning a new workout routine simultaneously, your body needs an adjustment period, and you may feel more tired. It’s important to remember that each body responds to medication in its own way. While some people breeze through treatment with no problem, others may face side effects that can be more challenging.
Common Side Effects
When we talk about Ozempic side effects or Wegovy side effects, we’re referring to the same active ingredient: semaglutide. Though doses might differ, the overall side effects profile remains largely similar. Here are some common ones:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain are some of the most frequently reported side effects.
- Headaches: Some people experience mild to moderate headaches when they start semaglutide, although these often diminish over time.
- Appetite Changes: One of the medication’s main benefits is reducing appetite. While this helps with weight loss, significant appetite changes may also feel strange at first.
- Fatigue or Tiredness: As mentioned, feeling unusually tired is less common but can still happen. This might be more noticeable if you adjust to a new diet or exercise regimen.
- Possible Allergic Reactions: Though rare, it’s always important to watch for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or swelling.
Most side effects tend to lessen or disappear after your body adapts to the medication. However, if they persist or worsen, contacting your healthcare provider is the best next step.
How Do You Take Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is typically administered via a once-weekly injection. The dosage can vary, and it’s often recommended to start at a lower dose and gradually increase over time to help reduce side effects like nausea. Most people learn how to self-inject semaglutide at home, though regular follow-up with a medical professional is essential to monitor progress and adjust dosage as needed.
When you pick up semaglutide from the pharmacy, you’ll receive detailed instructions on properly injecting the medication, usually in the thigh, upper arm, or stomach area. If unsure, your medical provider or pharmacist can demonstrate the correct technique.
How to Improve Fatigue
If you’re dealing with fatigue while taking semaglutide, there are a few steps you can try to help improve fatigue and keep your energy levels steady:
- Prioritize Nutrition: Even if you’re eating fewer calories because of reduced appetite, ensure those calories are nutrient-dense. Focus on protein, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can quickly sap your energy. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day, or more if you exercise frequently.
- Exercise Smartly: While some movement can boost energy, overexercising may worsen fatigue. Start slow and gradually build up intensity. Listen to your body: If you feel excessively tired, it might be time for a rest day or a lighter workout.
- Get Quality Sleep: Adequate sleep is non-negotiable. Aim for seven to nine hours of uninterrupted rest each night. Develop a bedtime routine that helps you wind down—turn off screens, dim the lights, and give yourself time to relax.
- Talk to Your Provider: If fatigue is persistent, let your healthcare provider know. They might adjust your dosage or suggest additional strategies, such as checking iron levels or other possible contributors to tiredness.
Conclusion
Semaglutide Weight Loss medication can be a game-changer for many people looking to manage weight or stabilize blood sugar levels. While some individuals may experience semaglutide effects like tiredness or fatigue, others undergo treatment with few hiccups. It all comes down to how your body responds and the lifestyle choices you make along the way.
Seattle Plastic Surgery offers a comprehensive semaglutide program to help you lose and maintain weight. Contact us 206-739-0355 to book your consultation!
ALSO READ:
Benefits of Semaglutide Injections
Oral Vs Injectable Semaglutide What You Need to Know Before Starting Treatment
Dr. Jonov is a cosmetic surgeon who specializes in plastic surgeries of the face, breast, and body at Seattle Plastic Surgery.
