Side effects from GLP-1 medications are well documented, but might there be another side effect: Feeling cold or experiencing chills.

GLP-1 receptor agonists, with their proven track record for helping patients lose weight and regulate blood sugar, are now a seemingly permanent part of the weight loss landscape. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea from GLP-1 medications are well documented, but might there be another side effect, namely feeling cold or experiencing chills on Ozempic® or Wegovy®.

Does Ozempic Cause chills?

Thermogenesis is the process through which your body raises its temperature. Essentially your thermogenic response is how your body produces heat. Your thermogenic response is connected to your metabolism, the chemical (metabolic) process through which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy; it is a continuous source of energy that your body uses for breathing, digestion, hormone level management, blood circulation, burning calories, and regulating your body temperature. The functions related to your metabolism generate heat; as you consume fewer calories, your metabolism changes.

It’s thought that people with more body mass or a higher BMI may have a higher basal metabolic rate because their bodies require more energy to sustain and maintain physiological functioning. Brown fat, also known as adipose tissue, stores energy, helps you burn calories, and helps keep you warm; its job to produce heat. Think of your body fat as a type of insulation that slows the rate at which your body loses heat. As you lose fat, your body’s ability to retain heat could be decreased.

Here are some reasons why you might feel cold when taking a GLP-1 RA:

• As you lose weight with a GLP-1 RA like Ozempic or Wegovy, your body is losing fat mass. This loss in fat mass might be what is causing you to feel chills with Ozempic, because your body’s “insulation” is diminishing, and subsequently your metabolism is changing.
• GLP-1 RAs also suppress your appetite, so you are consuming less food, which means that you are losing the heat generated by food digestion. Eating less could result in a lowered body temperature.
• Because of the rapid weight loss that many patients experience while taking a GLP-1 RA, you are likely losing muscle mass along with fat mass. Muscle is metabolically active, which means it generates heat. Having less muscle mass could also lead to feeling colder.
• Your body’s endocrine system (hormones) is changing. Your thyroid regulates metabolism and body temperature, so hormonal changes could also cause you to feel cold.

Feeling cold might be caused by the reasons outlined above, or there may be something else going. If you feel cold or if you are experiencing the chills while taking your GLP-1 RA medication, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider. It should be noted that the chills are not a common side effect for Ozempic and Wegovy, though side effects may vary from person to person. Be sure to monitor your symptoms, and if you believe that feeling cold is persisting or becoming worse, talk with your doctor. 

Prior to starting any weight loss program, whether it includes anti-obesity medication or not, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to make sure your desired weight loss strategy is right for you. 

About the Author: Dr. Dawn M. Sweet has over 20 years of experience in the field of communication. Dr. Sweet has given several invited talks to and workshops for academic and private sector audiences on the role of nonverbal and verbal communication in achieving positive outcomes and mitigating bias. Her research has been published in several top ranked peer-review journals, and it has been featured on NPR’s River to River / All Things Considered, BuzzFeed, and Science Daily. Her research has also been used to inform expert testimony.

Wegovy®, Ozempic® and Rybelsus® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Novo Nordisk is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.

*Biocare may help relieve some side effects associated with weight loss medications, including nausea, bloating, stomach discomfort and constipation. Do not use this product if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please consult your physician or healthcare provider before making changes to your health or diet program.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.