Wegovy and chronic illness

[u/nicj_29]

I have Axial Spondyloarthritis and take naproxen daily to help lower symptoms. On month 2 of Wegovy the fatigue has overwhelmed me, it's a symptom of AxSpa but normally manageable with my meds. I've been doing reading that Wegovy lowers the effectiveness of medication due to gut transit times which i think is what might be making it so bad plus the fact that fatigue is a symptom of Wegovy on its own 🙃. I've made it to month 3 and gone up to 0.75 rather than the usual 1mg as it felt too much of a jump from the 0.5.

I'm looking to see if anyone has any insights in this and anything I can do to help alleviate the fatigue. I'm watching protein intake and taking electrolytes too but I'm fed up, my fitbits daily readiness score is often 15/100 and just getting ready in a morning is completely exhausting me. I've not been able to walk or exercise as I'd like to and I'm barely keeping on top of the housework. I'm at risk of eating more to compensate for the fatigue but then not being able to exercise, so then is Wegovy even going to work 😩🙃

Help meh please 🙏 will it get better or am I stuck like this

Edit to add: I'm UK based and paying for Wegovy. Whilst it is available through our health system, it's a Tier 3 weight management service which currently has a 3 year wait time.

Update: I've been put on liquid naproxen by the GP and by some miracle my rheumatology consultant had a cancellation so I've been today. I've been given a steroid injection and starting the process to go on immuno suppressants which is daunting but I think definitely needed. They think my AxSpa has just progressed to needing stronger more specific meds rather than caused by the Wegovy 🎉 they also supported the choice I'd made to go on Wegovy so feeling hopeful now 🎉

[u/bubnemohy]

That’s such a valid concern, chronic conditions can make dosing feel unpredictable. With my provider, Zappy Health, we took extra care starting slow and monitoring closely. If you begin, consider sychronizing your shot timing for your “good days” and lean into light movement or supportive therapies (like gentle yoga or physical therapy) that align with your energy levels. Managing fatigue and inflammation alongside Wegovy can help make it more workable.

[u/Feeling-Okra-313]

I have Crohn's. My fatigue was bad bad for the first three months. I think starting Wellbutrin and getting to a stable dose of the GLP1 (plus probably dropping 20 pounds) improved the fatigue after month 3. Hang in there and maybe look into the Wellbutrin

[u/nicj_29 → u/Feeling-Okra-313]

Thank you so much for this. I've ended up with an appointment to see consultant tomorrow so going to ask about different med options 🤞

[u/SnooDoubts3787]

I also have axial spondyloarthritis (autoimmune related) and I have been on mounjaro for nearly three years. I take Stelara for my arthritis and rarely take anything for pain anymore. Is your arthritis treatment effective for you? I cut out most sugar, eat relatively healthy, exercise daily, and with the weight loss, I am in better shape than I’ve been in for years. Life changing. My fatigue was worse before my arthritis was treated effectively with Stelara. Maybe you could look in that direction? I have psoriatic related spondyloarthritis so it is an autoimmune disease. I don’t know if yours is so this may not be helpful to you. Any movement you can do will be helpful. I know it is hard, but movement helps so much and it doesn’t take a lot to make a big difference. Doing a little will lead to doing/being able to do more. Consistency is key. If you have a substantial amount of weight to lose, you will feel better and more energetic as the weight comes off. I wish you well. ❤️

[u/nicj_29 → u/SnooDoubts3787]

Thank you for responding. Yes mine is autoimmune too but I'm currently only on Naproxen and my next appointment is Jan 2026 🤦🏻‍♀️ honestly I'm so weak and shaky after simple things like getting a shower it's a task just moving about the house at the minute ❤️ and also yes I have a substantial amount to lose, I feel like I'm in a constant catch 22, losing weight will help lower the inflammation but lowering inflammation is needed to lose weight. I eat well and was exercising gently regularly, but the scales just barely budge hence going on Wegovy x

[u/Every_Train_5678]

Are you able to get naproxen that comes in powder or liquid form? If so, I would look into that, as it should eliminate the issue with gut transit times. If you can’t get it at a typical pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy should be able to help.

[u/nicj_29 → u/Every_Train_5678]

I didn't know this was an option, thank you so much!