Why Am I So Cold on Wegovy?
For many people who start Wegovy, the focus is on weight loss - fewer cravings, a quieter mind around food, and steady progress on the scale. But another unexpected side effect comes up again and again in online discussions: feeling cold.
Some users describe shivering constantly, piling on extra blankets, and wearing multiple layers even indoors. Others welcome it, joking that after years of overheating, they finally understand why their slimmer friends always carried sweaters.
So, why does Wegovy make so many people feel colder? Is it just weight loss and less body fat, or does the medication itself play a role? Let’s explore what real users are saying and what might explain the chill.
"I Can’t Get Warm" – Real Experiences
In community forums, the first-person accounts are vivid and relatable.
"I used to be hot/cold all the time and I thought it was like heat flashes but now since I’ve been on Wegovy I’m always cold no matter the outside temperature." -u/Glass_Onion2669
"I run cold in general, but I have felt especially cold since starting… I was in Chicago this weekend and it was very cold and windy and I felt like I could die." -u/raytay_1
"Freezing. I always ran cold before due to anemia, now I am straight up freezing!" -u/Better_Future8210
Many users describe being unable to get warm even with layers, heating pads, or hot drinks. For some, this is a dramatic shift: people who previously "ran hot" find themselves huddled under blankets.
Weight Loss and Fat as Insulation
One of the most straightforward explanations is the loss of fat itself. Fat is not just stored energy - it’s insulation. Losing it makes people more sensitive to cold.
"Not as well marbled as I used to be and I’m always freezing now." -u/mollyjwink
"My 33 pound coat is gone. Not surprising I’m freezing." -u/Dazzling_Awareness46
"As I’ve lost weight on Wegovy over the last few weeks I’ve definitely noticed the cold. I’m assuming that’s less fat to keep me warm…" -u/Skimfinite_Jest
This mirrors what bariatric surgery patients often report: losing body fat changes temperature regulation, making people more sensitive to weather. For many, it’s a reminder of how much "built-in insulation" they once carried.
Is It the Medication Itself?
Not everyone agrees that fat loss is the whole story. A surprising number of users report chills almost immediately - sometimes after their very first dose, before any visible weight loss.
"I have been extremely cold since my second month of Wegovy, before I lost any weight. It’s definitely a side effect of the drug and not just about losing fat." -u/Elegant_Meringue2271
"Just took my first shot last night… nope, I keep getting the chills! That is not me, I am always hot and freezing out everyone around me." -u/Tough_Worry9090
"Very first Wegovy shot last night. Today I am freezing cold and feel like I got ran over by a truck. Sleepy, low energy, and freezing cold." -u/chr0nic_love
This has led some to speculate that Wegovy may directly affect metabolism, digestion speed, or thermogenesis (the body’s ability to generate heat). GLP-1 receptor agonists slow gastric emptying and may alter energy use - which could, in theory, contribute to a colder baseline feeling.
Flu-Like Side Effects
Alongside general coldness, some people describe chills and body aches that feel similar to having the flu.
"Omg I thought I was going crazy! Yes I’m getting chills inside my body… like flu-like almost, but no fever! It’s really been since I started the 1.7 dose!" -u/Feeling_Height5336
"I too have chills and body aches. Like I am coming down with something, but not." -u/Flashy-Yam51
"I have the same issue every week after my shot. 2-3 days of body aches with skin sensitivity, which eventually decrease a bit until my next shot." -u/lostris27
These symptoms often appear in cycles after injections and may reflect how the body adapts to the medication. Importantly, while mild chills without fever are common, persistent flu-like symptoms or fever should be checked by a doctor to rule out infection or rare complications.
Community Tips for Warming Up
If there’s one thing Wegovy users do well, it’s share creative hacks. The community has built a library of strategies for coping with the cold.
"Added two additional blankets at bedtime. My feet are freezing! Only my third injection tomorrow. I am SO cold!" -u/Proper-Toe-6622
"I’m cold to the bone all the time right now. Trying to wear layers, I WFH so I don’t even get some warm relief in the office!" -u/sickiesusan
"Just in case, could you check your iron level? Sometimes, the chilling feeling is because of low iron." -u/scorpion509
Practical tips include:
- Layering up: socks, sweaters, heated blankets.
- Warm drinks and meals: soups, teas, and hot water bottles help.
- Movement: light exercise boosts circulation.
- Checking labs: anaemia, thyroid issues, or low B12 can worsen cold intolerance.
- Gadgets: heated mousepads, hand warmers, and electric throws for those who work from home.
When to See a Doctor
Most cold sensitivity on Wegovy is harmless and manageable. But it’s worth checking with a doctor if:
- The coldness is extreme or persistent and interfering with daily life.
- It’s paired with fatigue, dizziness, or weakness (possible anaemia).
- You develop fever, severe aches, or gallbladder pain, which may signal a complication.
- You have a history of thyroid or circulation issues that may be worsening.
Pharmacist’s Perspective
We asked Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist at Medino, for his professional take:
"Cold sensitivity is a commonly reported experience on Wegovy. Some of this is explained by fat loss - adipose tissue acts as insulation. But some patients do report chills even before weight loss begins, which suggests the drug itself can play a role, likely by changing energy balance and metabolism."
"The key is to manage the symptom: wear layers, keep hydrated, eat balanced meals with sufficient protein and iron, and stay active to promote circulation. Simple measures like warm drinks and heated blankets can help too."
"However, if the coldness is extreme, persistent, or accompanied by fatigue, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms, it’s worth checking in with your GP. Bloodwork can rule out anaemia, thyroid imbalance, or nutrient deficiencies, which may all contribute."
Final Thoughts
Feeling cold on Wegovy is one of those side effects that’s easy to dismiss but very real for those experiencing it. For some, it’s a mild nuisance. For others, it’s a daily discomfort requiring layers, blankets, and lifestyle adjustments.
The good news is that it’s usually not dangerous, and most people find it improves with time or with simple self-care strategies. Still, it’s a reminder that weight loss changes more than the scale - it shifts how your body feels in everyday life.
If you’re freezing on Wegovy, you’re not alone. And with the right adjustments - and a quick check-in with your doctor if needed - you can find ways to stay warm while continuing your weight loss journey.
