Ozempic is the brand name for an injectable medication containing the active ingredient semaglutide and is part of a wider class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists also referred to as GLP-1s. It was initially developed for people with type 2 diabetes but has gained popularity in recent years due to its effectiveness in promoting weight loss for adults with obesity.
GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking a hormone that is naturally produced in your gut after eating and they promote weight loss by slowing down digestion, regulating blood sugar levels and by signalling to your brain that you are full and therefore reducing your appetite and food intake. [1]
In some cases people report experiencing fatigue when they first start taking Ozempic and while they adjust to the different strengths of medication. This is thought to happen because it causes a significant reduction in appetite which results in reduced calorie intake and can lead to feelings of tiredness and fatigue as energy levels drop. When we lower our calorie intake without replacing the water we get from our food, it can also cause us to become dehydrated which can also lead to tiredness.
Additionally, Ozempic helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which if you’ve been experiencing large swings in blood sugar for a long time, can take some time to get used to. How long does Ozempic fatigue last? Fatigue caused by weight loss medications usually resolves as your body adjusts to medication.
The good news is that there are a few ways to prevent and manage Ozempic fatigue, here’s what our clinical team suggests.
A large percentage of the water our bodies take in is from our food. So when we reduce our intake of food, it can cause dehydration and lead to feelings of thirst and fatigue. Maintaining hydration is crucial for overall energy levels which is why we recommend drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, adjusting for increased needs during exercise or hot weather. Remember to avoid sugary beverages that can lead to spikes in sugar levels and instead try sticking to water and tea.
When taking Ozempic it’s essential to make sure you are getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night. If you find it difficult to get to sleep or stay asleep here are a few tips from our experts.
Fueling your body with a healthy diet is another way to prevent Ozempic fatigue. We recommend incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to provide essential nutrients and avoiding sugary and highly processed foods that can lead to spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, contributing to fatigue. You can also prevent fatigue by opting for high-fiber foods, such as legumes, whole grains, and vegetables, to promote satiety and stabilize blood sugar.
It’s also important to pay attention to hunger cues and eat when hungry as restrictive eating can negatively impact energy levels.
Exercise is often the last thing we want to do when our energy levels are low but regular physical activity can enhance both short-term and long-term energy levels. This is because exercise and the increased oxygen circulation that comes with it helps you to produce more mitochondria, which are the parts of your cells that turn glucose from food and oxygen from the air into energy. The more mitochondria you have the more energy you’ll have. Additionally, exertion and exercise promotes better nighttime sleep which creates more stable energy levels. [2]
If you’re not sure how to start engaging in regular exercise we recommend starting small by aiming for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily and gradually increasing duration and intensity as you improve. By starting small you are more likely to stay consistent with your routine and avoid overexertion. Remember, you don’t have to do the same type of exercise everyday and mixing different types of exercise (e.g. walking, yoga, swimming) helps to keep it enjoyable and reduce boredom.
At Levity we offer Ozempic and a variety of other weight loss medications including Compounded Semaglutide. If you want to learn more you can speak to our experts for advice and start a consultation at Levity today.
[1] Davies M, Færch L, Jeppesen OK, Pakseresht A, Pedersen SD, Perreault L, et al. Semaglutide 2·4 mg once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes (STEP 2): a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. The Lancet [Internet]. 2021 Mar;397(10278):971–84. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33667417/
[2] MD TG, MD HR. Does Exercise Really Boost Energy levels? [Internet]. Harvard Health. Harvard Health Publishing; 2021. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/does-exercise-really-boost-energy-levels
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