Does Ozempic Make You Tired? Tips to Combat Fatigue During Weight Loss

Ozempic is well known for its use as a weight loss drug, helping users shed excess pounds when other methods don’t work. Although it is typically prescribed to lower blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes, it can also be prescribed off-label to help with weight loss. 

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As with any medication, you may experience side effects while taking Ozempic such as nausea and digestive discomfort. Some Ozempic users report additional side effects like fatigue and hair loss. These side effects haven’t been scientifically proven and may not be directly related to the drug itself but they are still possible. 

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It is important to be aware of potential side effects before starting to take a new medication like Ozempic. This article will break down everything you need to know about tiredness and fatigue caused by Ozempic and ways that you can prevent it. 

Understanding Ozempic and its Purpose

Ozempic is an injectable medication that is prescribed to help individuals with diabetes keep blood sugar levels normal. Although the only FDA-approved usage of Ozempic is to treat type 2 diabetes, it can also be prescribed off-label to use specifically for weight loss. To qualify for Ozempic for weight loss you must:

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• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more
• Have a BMI of 27 or more plus a health issue related to being overweight (such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure)

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Semaglutide is the active drug used in Ozempic and “Ozempic” is the brand name. Ozempic works by binding to the GLP-1 receptors in the body which causes the pancreas to release insulin. Since insulin works to lower blood sugar levels, Ozempic helps keep blood sugar levels regulated. 

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Ozempic also has the benefit of causing weight loss. Ozempic works to slow the body’s digestive process which can reduce appetite and cause you to feel full for longer. This helps you reduce caloric intake and can result in weight loss. Even though Ozempic has shown weight loss for people who have not had success with other weight loss methods, it is still recommended that people using Ozempic for weight loss take other steps to lead a healthy lifestyle, such as dieting and exercising. 

Does Ozempic Make You Tired?

Ozempic may cause tiredness in people who take the medication. The exact reason why it might make you tired isn’t entirely known. One theory states that tiredness can come from the sudden drop in blood sugar that the medication causes. When you start taking Ozempic, you will be eating much less than what you are used to. This abrupt calorie deficit can also cause tiredness. 

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Ozempic fatigue hasn’t been studied much but most Ozempic side effects are stronger when you first start on the medication and level out as your body adjusts and fatigue may be the same. Side effects from Ozempic may also get worse when your dose is increased. Giving your body some time to adjust is typically recommended to give side effects some time to resolve. Ozempic affects multiple parts of the body which is why it can take a few weeks for your body to adjust and the side effects to fade away. 

Exploring Ozempic Fatigue: Causes and Duration

Everyone will respond differently to this medication and the exact cause of any reported tiredness from it isn’t entirely known. For this reason, it is hard to say exactly how long tiredness and fatigue will last but we recommend giving it a few weeks to resolve on its own. If tiredness from Ozempic is getting in the way of your day-to-day life, meet with your doctor to discuss this side effect. 

Identifying Other Potential Side Effects of Ozempic

Many people experience side effects when starting a new medication like Ozempic. The most common side effects of Ozempic include:

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• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation 
• Low blood sugar 

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Because Ozempic affects your digestive tract, side effects associated with your digestion are some of the most common. It may take some time for your body to adjust to the slowing down of digestion that Ozempic causes. 

How to Improve Fatigue Caused by Ozempic

If you want to take Ozempic but don’t want to let fatigue get in the way of your daily life, you’ll need to take some steps to help prevent this side effect. Fatigue and tiredness don’t happen to everyone who takes Ozempic but it can happen as your body adjusts. Below, we’ve listed some steps to take to help improve symptoms of fatigue caused by Ozempic. 

Improving Sleep Quality

A healthy sleep schedule will support your body in several ways. Make sure you’re getting adequate rest whether you’re taking Ozempic or not so that you can feel energized and feel your best. Some tips to help improve sleep quality are listed below:

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• Cut down on caffeine and alcohol
• Go to sleep around the same time every night
• Create a healthy sleep environment free from noises and lights (use eye covers, black-out curtains, or ear plugs if needed)

Nutrition: Food to Boost Energy

Some people see Ozempic as an easy way to shed weight but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to adjust your diet while taking it. Even though you will quickly fall into a calorie deficit while taking Ozempic, you still need to make sure you’re eating a nutritious and well-rounded diet. Supporting your health with nutrient-dense foods can help to support energy levels and keep you feeling your best. 

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Getting adequate protein in your diet will help you maintain muscle mass as your body sheds weight. It is important to avoid certain foods including any greasy foods, sugary foods, processed foods, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli while taking Ozempic to help prevent side effects like abdominal discomfort. 

Physical Activity for Better Energy Management

Keeping up with a good exercise regimen will help you stay energized and feel like yourself while taking Ozempic. Stretching, yoga, and walking are some lower-impact workouts that can help support your body. Regular exercise helps to boost metabolism, improve heart health, support mental health, and improve your sleep quality. 

Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration is another important way to keep your body feeling healthy and strong as you get acclimated to a new medication. Keep a water bottle with you throughout the day and make sure you’re drinking enough to stay hydrated. Drinking enough water may even help with combating other side effects of Ozempic like stomach discomfort since it helps the body maintain proper function and flushes out your system. 

Mindfulness and Stress Management

Sometimes fatigue and tiredness aren’t just physical, these symptoms can be mental too. Take steps to care for your mental health and manage your stress to help prevent and improve feelings of fatigue when taking Ozempic. Tips for stress management include:

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• Carve out time for yourself throughout the week
• Take breaks throughout your work day to reset and recharge
• Spend time outside and in nature
• Spend time with friends and family or give a friend a call to chat and catch up
• Know when to cut down on work and other obligations and say no when you need to 

Ozempic vs Ahara's GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication

Ahara offers doctor-prescribed weight loss medications to help you meet your weight loss goals. Choose from our Compounded Semaglutide or Compounded Tirzepatide. Compounded Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and it offers effective and reliable results. 

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Our Compounded Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that works to regulate appetite and blood sugar levels to help reduce body weight. Tirzepatide works by mimicking hormones that are naturally secreted after a meal to promote insulin release. It also slows down your digestive process to help keep your body feeling full for longer. 

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Find everything you need in one place with our online weight loss program. We will connect you with an online provider who can help determine if you’re a good candidate for weight loss medications and get the prescription process started. You’ll also have the ability to have regular check-ins with registered dietitians to help ensure that your healthy lifestyle is here to stay. 

Staying Motivated During the Weight Loss Journey

It is important to keep track of how you’re feeling throughout your weight loss journey. Keep a journal or list handy where you log how you're feeling throughout the week. Keep track of energy levels, mood, and weight to help track your progress and give you an idea of what works for you and what doesn’t 

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With Ahara’s personalized nutrition plan, you can stay on top of your health goals and figure out what works best for you. Our team of registered dieticians is available for regular check-ins and our app provides a one-stop-shop for daily nutrition guidance. Let us help you meet your weight loss goals. 

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