Feeling the cold on Mounjaro or Wegovy? The chill is real

Robert Price | Last update: 3rd February 2026

Is it a side effect?!

In short, no. Feeling colder isn’t listed as a side effect for Mounjaro or Wegovy in user information. 

As many of us know, and have experienced, the main side effects listed for GLP-1 treatments are focussed on gastro issues, including nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation.

But many of us really have felt colder than we did before using weight loss treatments and some of us, me included, feel colder when we’ve moved into our maintenance phase. 

About 2 weeks into my MJ journey I started feeling colder than normal. But, of course, I was losing weight consistently so I was unsurprised – Ben

Why do we feel colder?

Despite not being an official side effect doctors and pharmacies do recognise it as something that happens. They see it as an indirect consequence of weight loss and reduced calorie intake, rather than “GLP-1s make you cold.” 

The most common explanations are:

• Less insulation: losing body fat can reduce your natural insulation.
  
• Lower calorie intake = less heat production: eating less often means less heat generated through digestion and energy use.
  
• Circulation + energy balance changes: some people notice colder hands/feet particularly during faster loss phases.
  

Separately, it’s worth knowing the difference between:

• “I feel colder than usual” (common anecdotal report), and
  
• “I have chills / fever / feel unwell” (could be something else going on).
  

If “feeling cold” comes with severe tummy pain, fever/chills, vomiting, or you feel significantly unwell, you should talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. This is because these symptoms could be pancreatitis symptoms (which can include fever/chills alongside severe abdominal pain). 

Important: this doesn’t mean cold sensitivity = pancreatitis. It means don’t ignore serious symptoms. 

Top tips to deal with the coldness

Layer like a pro

• Base layers (thin + warm) beat one thick jumper
• Keep a “desk blanket” or gilet nearby for quick warmth

Hot drinks (big impact, minimal fuss)

• Tea, herbal tea, black coffee, hot water + lemon

The above give you warmth without having to “eat more to feel warm”.

Move little and often

If you sit at a desk or just aren’t moving a lot, try:

• 10 simple squats
• a 60-second brisk walk to the kitchen and back
• calf raises while the kettle boils

Tiny movement boosts circulation fast.

Wear your favourite hat, even indoors

It sounds ridiculous until you try it. A warm hat can make a big difference, especially if you’re sitting still. Cold head/ears are often the tipping point between “fine” and “frozen.” 

I have a full set of hats, fleece blanket and fingerless gloves in my home office – Robert our founder

The “no pain, no gain”?

We’ve found that a lot of the people we meet think being colder is a reminder that their body is adjusting to a new energy balance and a changing body composition. 

Basically, if you’re losing weight, it’s normal that some things feel different.

Think about positives!

Picture how you’ll feel the next time you dress up for a party, a meeting, or a night out:

• clothes fitting differently
• standing taller
• feeling lighter and more confident
  

 That mental image can be surprisingly powerful on the days you’re wrapped up in three layers at your desk.

I can definitely say feeling a bit chilly because I’m fitter and thinner is super manageable versus being the size I was – Claire  

So…

Cold sensitivity on GLP-1 weight loss journeys is widely discussed even though it’s not an officially listed side effect. 

For most people it’s manageable with smart layering, hot drinks and regular movement. 

But if cold comes with fever/chills and severe abdominal pain treat that as a medical red flag and get medical advice quickly.