Are weight-loss drugs making you feel tired? Tips to get your energy back
Ed Milner | Last update: 24th May 2025
You may feel unusually tired while taking weight loss drugs – don’t worry you’re not alone. Many SlimrChat members have found that they struggled with tiredness when they first started their weight loss journey with GLP-1 treatments, like Wegovy, Mounjaro and Saxenda. The good news is that after some trial and error most have found ways to counter the fatigue and boost their energy levels.
Everyone is different so you will find some things work for you while others don’t. Understanding why tiredness happens and how to address it will help you regain your energy and stay motivated.
What causes the tiredness?
The new revolutionary weight loss drugs work by slowing digestion and regulating appetite. While these effects are crucial for weight loss, they can alter your metabolism and energy levels as your body adapts and this makes you feel tired.
Key reasons for fatigue and feeling tired:
- Caloric deficit: Eating less means less fuel for your body, potentially causing tiredness.
- Slower digestion: The delay in gastric emptying (the time it takes for food to empty your stomach) can affect your energy levels.
- Adjustments in metabolism: Your body is recalibrating, which can leave you feeling drained.
Boosting energy naturally
Small changes to your routine can have a significant impact on your energy levels. Here are practical steps to help:
1. Fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods
- Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Include healthy fats, such as avocados and nuts, to provide sustained energy.
2. Stay hydrated
- Dehydration can exacerbate fatigue, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Herbal teas or water infused with fruits can be a refreshing way to stay hydrated.
3. Balance activity levels
- Engage in light physical activities, such as walking or yoga, to boost circulation and combat lethargy.
- Avoid overexerting yourself, as it can worsen fatigue.
Sleep and stress management
Proper rest and stress reduction are critical to maintaining energy whilst using the treatments.
1. Build healthy sleep habits
- Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
- Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading or meditating.
- Keep your sleeping environment cool, dark, and quiet.
2. Manage stress effectively
- Practice mindfulness or breathing exercises to reduce stress.
- Consider journaling to process emotions and clear your mind.
- Connect with supportive communities, like SlimrChat, to share experiences and stay motivated.
Regain your energy and focus
Fatigue can feel like a hurdle, but it’s often temporary as your body adjusts to the treatment. By prioritising nutrition, hydration, rest, and stress management, you can reclaim your energy and stay on track with your weight-loss goals.
Other side effects you may be experiencing
Weight-loss medications can be really effective, but like all treatments, they can come with side effects. Not everyone experiences them, and for most, they are temporary and manageable but some of the more common are nausea, constipation and bloating. Check out our other articles on side effects, why they happen, what you may experience and how you can manage them:
Feeling bloated? Tips to ease the discomfort
Beating nausea: your simple fixes for the most common GLP-1 side effect
Have you experienced tiredness on GLP-1 treatments? Share your tips and experiences with the SlimrChat community. Help others find their energy today – click the button below and join the chat now!