Does Wegovy make you tired? What can you do about it?
Yes – tiredness can be a side effect of Wegovy. If you feel like it’s interfering with daily life, you’re not alone. Even when you’re seeing weight loss progress, if you feel drained, you may be tempted to stop treatment altogether.
The good news – for most people, this tiredness improves over time.
We cover why Wegovy can make you feel tired, how long it usually lasts, and practical ways to boost your energy on Wegovy.
Your doctor can help you manage it too, so make sure to let them know. With Oviva, it’s easy to message our experts about any side effects from our handy app.
Key Takeaways
- Fatigue is a recognised side effect of Wegovy, often because of changes in your nutrition.
- Tiredness usually resolves naturally as your body gets used to the medication.
- You can manage Wegovy tiredness by making small, daily changes to your diet, exercise levels and sleep hygiene.
- Oviva can offer continuous support, including help with managing Wegovy-related tiredness.
Table of Contents
Why does Wegovy make you tired?
Does dosage make a difference?
Will Wegovy tiredness go away?
Does the time you take it make a difference?
Tips to manage tiredness on Wegovy
You may have seen these tips online – do they help?
Struggling with Wegovy tiredness? You don’t have to manage it alone
Why does Wegovy make you tired?
Fatigue is a recognised side effect of Wegovy. Around 11% of people reported tiredness in clinical trials.
There are several reasons this can happen.
1. You may be eating less
Wegovy reduces appetite, so you’ll likely eat less than usual.
When your calorie and nutrient intake drops, your body has less energy available. It can take time for your body to adjust.
2. Dehydration
Side effects such as vomiting or diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, which may cause fatigue.
Some people also find that, as well as suppressing appetite, Wegovy represses thirst, so they drink less water and can become dehydrated.
3. Low blood glucose
If you’re living with diabetes and take medications such as insulin, your blood glucose levels may drop too low.
Your healthcare team may adjust your medication to reduce this risk.
4. Sleep disruption
Some people find that Wegovy affects their sleep. Poor sleep can make tiredness worse, especially in the first few weeks of treatment.
Your doctor can monitor this and make adjustments if you need them. This is why it’s important to access Wegovy from a provider that offers professional medical support.
Does dosage make a difference?
Yes. Fatigue is most common when you start Wegovy or when your dose increases.
At these times, people begin eating fewer calories as their appetite reduces. This change can temporarily lower your energy levels while your body adjusts.
However, most people find that their energy improves as their body adapts.
Will Wegovy tiredness go away?
In most cases, Wegovy-related fatigue improves over time as your body adapts to eating less and adjusting to the medication. Many people notice their energy levels return within a few weeks or months.
But when you’re living it, it can feel frustrating, especially if it’s getting in the way of your day to day life.
If tiredness continues even after a few weeks, it may indicate another issue, such as not getting enough nutrients. Signs of undernutrition can include:
- Weakness
- Poor concentration
- Low mood
- Wounds taking longer to heal
- Feeling colder than usual
If you’re living with diabetes, it may also be worth reviewing your medication with your healthcare team, as changes in appetite and weight can affect blood glucose levels.
For the first time I’ve found something that truly works. I’m eating about two thirds of what I ate before, making healthier choices and I genuinely can’t stomach a lot of rich or sweet foods now. It’s given me the boost I needed, without the extreme of surgery.
Does the time you take it make a difference?
So far, there’s no evidence to show that the time you take Wegovy makes a real difference to your level of tiredness.
If fatigue is worse immediately after taking your medication, you may want to try taking it at night, so you can sleep through it.
Tips to manage Wegovy tiredness
There are simple things you can do to help your energy levels, without overhauling your life.
1. Fuel your body so it keeps up with you
Your body needs enough protein and nutrients to stay energised, especially when your appetite is lower.
Focus on foods like:
- Chicken
- Tofu
- Fish
- Eggs
- Low-fat Greek yoghurt
These also give you iron, zinc, and other nutrients that support energy.
Practical tips:
- Limit sugary drinks, cakes, crisps – these give a short boost but leave you crashing.
- Drink water regularly (aim for 6–8 daily glasses).
- Try not to skip meals, even if you’re busy—small, balanced meals help prevent energy dips.
2. Fresh air and gentle movement
It might seem counterintuitive – but movement can boost your energy, not drain you. And getting outside into fresh air can increase oxygen flow to increase alertness.
Start with a gentle walk and gradually increase the distance over time.
Exercise can help reduce stress too – which is known to cause fatigue.
3. Support your sleep
If you feel like Wegovy has disrupted your sleep, there are sleep hygiene habits that can help – small changes that make a difference.
- Keep your room cool to help your body relax
- Make your bedroom dark with blackout curtains or an eye mask
- Limit screens before bed or use blue-light filters if you need your phone
- Stick to a consistent bedtime and wake time to support your body’s internal clock
- Avoid caffeine at least 4–6 hours before bed
You may have seen these tips online – do they help?
Patients taking Wegovy have noted a few tips that have helped them:
Vitamin B12 – helps your body get energy from food
Low B12 can cause fatigue, so taking B12 supplements or eating more B12-rich foods, like meat, fish, dairy and eggs, may hel.
Other signs B12 deficiency are:
- Shortness of breath
- Pins and needles
- Mouth ulcers
- Problems with balance
If you’re not eating enough on Wegovy, you may benefit from asking your doctor for a B12 test.
But remember: extra B12 only helps if you’re actually low.
Folate (methylfolate) – helps your body make new cells and can affect energy
Methylfolate is the active form of folate. Low folate can cause tiredness. You can get it from foods like:
- Broccoli
- Leafy green vegetables, e.g., spinach
- Chickpeas
- Fortified breakfast cereals
Too much folate (more than 1 mg per day) can mask a B12 deficiency, so it’s best to only consider supplements if a test shows you’re low.
Electrolytes – keep your body balanced and avoid crashes
An imbalance in your electrolytes can cause fatigue.
As you’re eating less on Wegovy, it’s possible you may not eat enough electrolytes. And side effects such as diarrhoea and vomiting can also cause electrolyte loss.
Other signs of an electrolyte imbalance include:
- Irregular or faster heartbeat
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
You can top up with:
- Electrolyte drinks or oral rehydration solutions
- Foods like bananas and potatoes
If an electrolyte imbalance is the cause, you’ll usually notice your energy improve quickly. Extra electrolytes won’t give a boost if your levels are already fine.
Worried about Wegovy tiredness? Don’t do it alone
If you’re worried about feeling fatigue on Wegovy, there are options available and you don’t need to give up on the weight loss benefits.
With Oviva, you get 1:1 support from a health coach, as well as access to a healthcare team who can manage your side effects and help you thrive on your journey.
Plus, we offer:
- Prescription Wegovy delivered to your door
- Your new go-to weight loss app – track goals, upload meals and become an expert in weight loss with free learning tools
- A personalised weight loss plan designed to create lasting change in your life – without unrealistic diets
Want to find out if you’re eligible for Oviva’s NHS-funded support?
Get your free info pack and talk to your GP about a referral to Oviva.