Wait—Does Ozempic Make You Tired?
The Ozempic jingle goes heavy on the letter O (Oh-Oh-Oh-Ozempic). However, if you're taking the drug, you may feel yourself craving more Zzzs—as in feeling drained. While the blood sugar and weight loss transformations are real, it's also true that significant changes can be tiring (and energizing). So, can Ozempic make you tired? Or, on the other hand, can Ozempic give you energy?
Both things can be true—Ozempic fatigue is real, as is the pep you may notice in your step.
"Any significant change in diet or medication can make a person feel tired," says Dr. Mir Ali, MD, a board-certified bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center. "This is very patient-dependent. Some people feel more energetic as they are losing weight, whereas others feel tired."
Doctors share the reasons for Ozempic fatigue and why the drug gives some people energy. They also share tips on how to fight fatigue from Ozempic.
Related: Yes, 'Ozempic Butt' Is a Thing—Here's Everything You Need to Know About It
How Ozempic (and Other GLP-1s) Work
Ozempic is part of a class of drugs commonly called GLP-1s or glucagon-like peptides. The body also naturally produces GLP-1. "Ozempic works by stimulating the GLP-1 receptor in the brain and the gastrointestinal tract," Dr. Ali says.
Now, let's back up for a second. Though it has become ubiquitous with weight loss, it is approved for use in people with type 2 diabetes. Another drug, Wegovy, uses the same active ingredient (semaglutide) and can be prescribed for weight loss in people with obesity or who are overweight with certain underlying conditions. Still, like Wegovy, Ozempic can help people regulate food noise and cravings, eat less, and shed pounds.
"They have a tremendous effect on satiety, shutting down appetite so the patient feels very full after eating much less food," says Dr. Sue Decotiis, MD, an NYC-based weight-loss doctor.
However, the benefits don't stop there. Blood sugar is also affected, which is why Ozempic is actually for diabetes management.
"The main way they work is changing the way insulin works," Dr. Decotiis says. "When insulin works well, you can burn fat. When it doesn’t, you gain weight. That’s the game changer."
OK, So Does Ozempic Make You Tired?
While this drug has several health benefits, Ozempic fatigue is a thing. "Fatigue can be an issue, especially in the first several months, because your body is working very hard to burn fat," Dr. Decotiis says. "Your body’s whole physiological makeup is changing, so it’s normal to feel tired at first."
If you don't feel Ozempic fatigue, don't worry—one doctor stresses that many people don't. Still, it's understandable if you feel like an energy vampire has bitten you.
"You are actively losing weight, then you may feel more tired due to reasons such as dehydration from losing water weight, or reduced calorie intake," says Dr. Libu Varughese, MD, an endocrinologist and the medical Advisor at Aeroflow Diabetes.
Related: Thinking About Trying Mounjaro or Zepbound? Here's What You Can Expect Week by Week
Does Ozempic Give You Energy?
Can't relate to Ozempic fatigue? That's normal too. "For the most part, when people start losing weight, they can also gain energy," says Dr. Amy Lee, MD, the chief medical advisor at Lindora. "Carrying excessive weight can be very taxing for joints and results in overall inflammation, which could also cause one to feel tired and even fatigued."
The energy shift may also be mental. "It is motivating to see results with these medications," Dr. Ali says. "Furthermore, as someone loses weight, it is easier to move around, and health issues will also improve."
Dr. Decotiis echoed these sentiments, adding that you may experience both during your Ozempic journey. "People feel better in their skin—more confident," Dr. Decotiis says. "When someone is insulin resistant, they’re more tired. In the short term, [people may feel] some fatigue, but long-term, it can really help with energy."
Related: The Top 6 Ozempic Alternatives Worth Trying, According to a Weight Loss Expert
How to Fight Fatigue From Ozempic
1. Focus on nutrition
PSA: "Just because the appetite is suppressed doesn’t mean you don’t need to eat," Dr. Lee says.
Protein is a biggie. "Some things that might help a person feeling tired while using weight loss medications are making sure that they are consuming enough protein," Dr. Ali says. "Protein can help energy and will also help maintain muscle mass."
Dr. Decotiis says bone broths and smoothies can help people get protein in without feeling uncomfortably full.
2. Eat frequently
What you eat is essential, but so is when you consume food. Three big meals daily may not suit you, especially when taking Ozempic, which reduces appetite.
"Eat regular, small meals throughout the day and overcome the urge to deprive yourself of food," Dr. Varughese says.
3. Hydrate
You may notice you're less thirsty on Ozempic—that's natural. "While many are already aware that patients on Ozempic will not feel as hungry as it silences the hunger center in their brain, the thirst center is beside the hunger center, so consequently, thirst will also decrease," Dr. Varughese says.
Yet, it's still essential to consume enough fluids. "Dehydration is notorious for causing you to be tired, so make it a point to drink regularly throughout the day," Dr. Varughese says.
Everyone is different. However, Dr. Decotiis says you may need a gallon of water daily—though you won't want to drink it all at once.
"Pace yourself with water throughout the day," Dr. Decotiis says. "Start with a quart of water when you wake up. Your urine should be clear."
4. Exercise
It sounds counterintuitive if you're drained, but exercise can help. "Though it may be more difficult to exercise while tired, most people find this helpful," Dr. Ali says. "Regular exercise is also important as this helps maintain metabolism and muscle."
That said, you can leave the go-hard or go-home mentality at the door. "This is not the time to embark on a heavy-duty gym regimen," says Dr. Decotiis. You want to keep your pulse rate below 120 beats per minute. I recommend walking and light weights. Let the drug do its thing. You don’t need to burn a lot of calories at the gym. Keep it simple."
5. Sleep
This one might seem obvious, but if you're tired, getting enough sleep is key."Try to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night," Dr. Ali says.
Next up: What's the Difference Between Ozempic and Metformin, and Which One Is Right for You?
Expert Sources
Dr. Mir Ali, MD, a board-certified bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center
FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014. FDA.
Dr. Sue Decotiis, MD, an NYC-based weight-loss doctor
Dr. Libu Varughese, MD, an endocrinologist and the medical advisor at Aeroflow Diabetes
Dr. Amy Lee, MD, the chief medical advisor at Lindora
