Semaglutide, a type 2 diabetes medication, is commonly prescribed to help manage the condition. More recently, it has been used for weight loss by individuals who are obese. Semaglutide is a glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate blood sugar, promotes weight-loss, and curbs hunger. Semaglutide has been proven to be effective in many cases, but some users report feeling fatigued or unusually tired. Semaglutide can make you feel tired.
This article will explore the causes of fatigue caused by semaglutide. We’ll also discuss possible contributing factors and how to manage it.
Semaglutide: How it Works
Understanding how semaglutide works in the body is essential for understanding why it may cause fatigue. Semaglutide mimics GLP-1 hormone, which is produced naturally in the intestines. This hormone is important in controlling blood glucose levels, especially after eating. This is done by:
- Stimulating the production of insulin: Semaglutide stimulates the pancreas, causing it to release insulin. Insulin helps move glucose out of the bloodstream and into the cells. This lowers blood sugar levels.
- Suppressing glucose: This reduces the release glucagon which is a hormone signaling the liver to release glucose stored in the blood.
- Semaglutide and slowing gastric emptying : Semaglutide helps to regulate appetite by making you feel fuller for longer.
Semaglutide is beneficial in managing type 2 diabetes, weight loss and fatigue for some people.
Semaglutide can make you tired
Semaglutide can cause fatigue or tiredness for several reasons. Although not everyone will experience this side effect it is important to understand the mechanisms that cause it. This can help you better manage it.
1. Blood Sugar Fluctuations
Semaglutide regulates blood sugar levels. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial for people with type 2 diabetics to prevent complications. If blood sugar levels fall too low, it can cause fatigue, weakness and lethargy.
Semaglutide is not known to cause hypoglycemia when taken alone. However, it can be a side effect if combined with other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas that also lower blood sugar. When blood sugar levels drop below normal, symptoms like shakiness and confusion can occur.
Manage it
- Monitor your blood sugar regularly, particularly when you first start taking semaglutide.
- Regularly eat balanced meals to maintain stable blood glucose levels.
2. Dehydration
Like other GLP-1 receptor antagonists, semaglutide works by slowing the rate of food leaving the stomach. It also suppresses appetite. If not properly managed, this can lead to a reduction in fluid and food intake. Dehydration can cause fatigue because the body needs enough water to function properly.
Dehydration may also worsen other side effects, such as nausea and dizziness. This can contribute to fatigue.
Manage it
- Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. At least eight glasses of filtered water per day is recommended, but you can drink more if active.
- If nausea is making it hard to drink fluids try drinking water slowly, or adding hydrating food such as fruits and veggies into your diet.
3. Changes to Appetite and Caloric intake
Semaglutide can cause people to eat less and have a reduced appetite. This can be beneficial for weight reduction, but it may also result in a reduced caloric intake.
Sometimes, weight loss and caloric restrictions can lead to an insufficient intake of nutrients essential for optimal body function. When the body doesn’t receive enough nutrients or calories, such as iron, B vitamins or electrolytes it can manifest symptoms like fatigue, dizziness or weakness.
Manage it
- Eat nutrient-dense food that provides essential vitamins and minerals.
- To maintain energy levels, make sure that your meals contain a balanced amount of healthy fats and complex carbohydrates.
- Consult your doctor if you notice a significant weight loss or feel fatigued all the time. He can give you advice on what to eat and whether supplements are needed.
4. Nausea & Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Semaglutide is commonly associated with nausea and gastrointestinal problems. The side effects of semaglutide are more noticeable when the medication is first started or the dosage is increased. Nausea or stomach discomfort may contribute to fatigue as the body diverts its energy to deal with these symptoms.
Chronic nausea may make it difficult for you to maintain your normal activity level, resulting in low energy levels and fatigue.
Manage it
- To minimize side effects, start with a low dose prescribed by your physician. Your body can adjust to a gradual increase in dose.
- Smaller, frequent meals, low-fat or bland, are best.
- Speak to your doctor if nausea persists. They may have some suggestions to reduce the side effect.
5. Getting Used to Medication
It takes time for your body to adjust when you start a new medication. Your body may experience temporary fatigue while it adjusts to changes in appetite, digestion, blood sugar regulation and metabolism. The adjustment period is usually short and most people feel better after a couple of weeks.
Manage it
- Be patient and give your body some time to adjust.
- To help your body adapt and recover, make sure you get enough rest.
- Walking is a good way to boost your energy during this adjustment period.
Semaglutide can cause fatigue or tiredness in some people, even though it has many benefits for those with type 2 diabetes. Fatigue can be caused by a number of factors, including blood sugar fluctuations and dehydration.
It’s vital to closely monitor your symptoms and manage them if you experience fatigue when taking semaglutide. To reduce fatigue, you can stay hydrated, eat balanced meals and adjust to the medication slowly. If the fatigue persists, or worsens over time, you should consult with your doctor to make sure that your treatment is tailored to meet your needs, and that there are no other issues contributing to your symptoms.
This post was written by a professional at Buffalo Weight Loss. Buffalo Weight Loss specializes in Semaglutide weight loss near you and Tirzepatide near you – an effective solution for patients struggling with obesity. Semaglutide is a medication that works by suppressing appetite and reducing food intake, leading to significant weight loss in patients.
Patients will undergo a thorough evaluation to determine their specific weight loss needs and goals. BWL will be provided with a customized treatment plan that includes Semaglutide as part of their weight loss program.
It works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which regulates appetite and glucose metabolism. By activating GLP-1 receptors, Semaglutide reduces hunger and helps you feel full, leading to decreased calorie intake.
