Feeling Cold / Chills / Shivering
Users on Reddit report experiencing feeling cold, chills, and shivering as a side effect of GLP-1 medications. This sensation can range from a general feeling of being cold to intense shivering episodes.
Experiences with Feeling Cold / Chills / Shivering:
Some users who were previously always warm now feel cold. A user mentioned, "Holy crap the cold. I never used to feel cold. Since the mounjaro I actually feel cold like a normal person and I gotta tell you, I don't care for it. But my A1c is incredible so screw it I guess I'm a popsicle now. "[4]
The feeling of cold can be quite intense. One user described, "Not cold all the time but I have had sudden \"drops\" where I cannot get warm and get the shakes... I've literally had to go out to the car, get hot soup and crank the heater up because even crawling under the sheets can't make my teeth stop chattering during those incidents - twice in the last year. "[5]
For individuals with pre-existing conditions like fibromyalgia or Raynaud's, this side effect can be amplified. A user with fibromyalgia described, "The chills…. Mixed with fibro temp intolerance, is just insane. Feels like I’m getting dunked in an ice bath while flickered by a flame torch. "[2] Another with Raynaud's said, "I have Raynaud’s. I am always freezing, regardless of my weight. Interestingly I’m finding I am more cold than ever before... Glp-1 meds have made it worse. "[17]
Some users experience fluctuating temperatures. One user noted, "I get cold and hot. Back and forth between the two. "[12] Another said, "I could be sitting on the couch freezing and then five minutes later I’m burning up and then five minutes later I’m freezing again. "[6]
The onset of feeling cold can be quick, even before significant weight loss. A user commented, "I kept seeing these posts thinking it had to do with fat loss... But i haven’t lost anything yet (on week 6) and you mentioned freezing while in bed and yeah, I’ve had that since i started! "[11] Another added, "I got cold the first week, before losing any significant weight, so it definitely wasn’t the insulating fat for me! "[6]
A user on Mounjaro for almost two years reported, "I have severe fatigue and my hands and feet are always so cold. I had hoped the symptoms would pass but I am have been on MJ for almost 2 years Lost over 100 lbs and been at my goal weight for well over a year so basically just still taking for maintenance but I really don’t feel great. "[16]
One user on Ozempic for 18 months still gets "what I refer to as \"the shivers. \" I get so cold that I shiver and I have to get into bed, fully clothed, under the comforter. "[2]
Possible Explanations Mentioned by Users (often speculative or based on their understanding):
One user shared a detailed explanation: "GLP-1 and GIP can stimulate BAT (brown fat) thermogenesis... leading to increased heat production and potentially influencing body temperature regulation because just like when you have a fever the hypothalamus which regulates body temperature raises the ‘set point’ to a higher temperature. " This user also mentions vasodilation as a cooling mechanism. [1]
Another user mentioned, "From what I understand, it has to do with GLP-1 pathways affecting a neuron that controls the thermal regulation in our brain. "[6]
Reduced calorie intake is also suggested as a reason: "I tell myself it's due to the calorie deficit, which helps me tolerate it a bit more. "[11] and "Prior to semaglutide I would do intermittent fasting and noticed when I got to around 14-16 hours fasted I would get really cold. I wonder if consuming a lot less calories is having the same effect? "[11]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Dressing in layers: "I was out walking my dogs dressed head to toe in heavy fleece while my neighbors were out in jeans and tee shirts. I always have a space heater blasting in my office at work. "[11] and "I wear layers at the grocery in August... always have layers on from Oct thru April. Now have one or two more layers. "[17]
Taking hot showers or baths: "I get super chilly and either have to go bake in the sun or boil myself warm in a bath. "[11]
Dietary Adjustments:
Eating a nutrient-dense snack before bed: "I've noticed that if I eat a small nutrient dense snack an hour before bed, it helps my overall warmth and ability to STAY asleep too (a protein shake and about an oz macadamia nuts)"[11]
Ensuring adequate calorie intake: One user suggested, "You too are eating too little. " as a reason for feeling cold. [11]
Supplements:
Iron supplements: "take some iron supplement. it's bc of low blood sugar"[11] (Note: low blood sugar is a separate issue, but iron was suggested for coldness).
Vitamin B12: A user mentioned, "I’ve found taking vitamin b12 methocobalamyn every day really controls the cold fingers and toes. "[16]
Other:
Tylenol: "For the chills, I used a heated blanket and sometimes took a Tylenol. It usually helps but, when you’re flaring and on these meds, both things only do so much. "[2]
Rechargeable hand warmers. [17]
Wearing gloves, especially when dealing with cold items or in cold environments. [17]
Some users note that this side effect may persist. One said, "I've been on Wegovy since Feb. 22 and this is one side effect that has not gone away!
Experiences with Feeling Cold / Chills / Shivering:
- Many users report feeling cold more easily or consistently after starting GLP-1s.
Possible Explanations Mentioned by Users (often speculative or based on their understanding):
- Some users attribute it to weight loss and loss of insulating fat, though others experience it before significant weight loss.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Warmth and Layers:
- Using heated blankets: "I’m typing this under a heated blanket"[3] and "NOW I sleep with long pants on, a thick t-shirt or hoodie, and socks
and have to prepare for sleep by preheating my bed with a heated blanket + taking a hot shower to increase my basal body temp.
Some users note that this side effect may persist. One said, "I've been on Wegovy since Feb. 22 and this is one side effect that has not gone away!