Wegovy sulfur burps: Why they happen and how to treat them

In this article:

• What are sulfur burps, and why do they happen?
• Does Wegovy cause sulfur burps?
• How to prevent and treat Wegovy sulfur burps
• What other side effects does Wegovy cause?
• Exploring other medication options due to Wegovy sulfur burps
• When to see a doctor about Wegovy sulfur burps

In this article

• What are sulfur burps, and why do they happen?
• Does Wegovy cause sulfur burps?
• How to prevent and treat Wegovy sulfur burps
• What other side effects does Wegovy cause?
• Exploring other medication options due to Wegovy sulfur burps
• When to see a doctor about Wegovy sulfur burps

For those who use Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight loss, there’s a chance of experiencing sulfur-tasting burps. It’s not one of the most common side effects of Wegovy, but it can catch people off guard and leave them wondering why it’s happening. This side effect can be awkward or uncomfortable, especially around meals. However, it’s possible to manage this side effect with diet and lifestyle changes, as well as over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.

What are sulfur burps, and why do they happen?

Sulfur burps are belches that release a rotten egg smell. They come from the digestive system breaking down foods high in sulfur, which can release hydrogen sulfide gas and give off that distinct smell. Common foods that can cause these burps include eggs, meat, and certain vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.

Excess gas may be linked to stomach problems like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). In some cases, burping can also occur simply because you swallowed too much air. Medications may also cause burping as a side effect, and if sulfate-reducing bacteria are in the gut, burping can give off a sulfur smell.

Does Wegovy cause sulfur burps?

Yes, burping is possible while using Wegovy. These belches could smell like sulfur based on the way Wegovy changes the gut microbiome. Studies show semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, can increase certain bacteria, like Akkermansia, in the gut. These bacteria are known to produce hydrogen sulfide gas. 

Still, burping is not the most common side effect of Wegovy, according to the drug label. In clinical trials, burping (also known as eructation) occurred in around 7% of people taking 2.4 mg of Wegovy weekly for obesity. In contrast, around 44% of people on Wegovy experienced nausea.

In addition to Wegovy, other GLP-1 medications, such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Saxenda (liraglutide), may also cause burping as a side effect. Not all burping has a sulfur smell, but some people may notice a rotten-egg smell based on foods they’ve recently eaten. 

How to prevent and treat Wegovy sulfur burps

It’s possible to manage sulfur burps from Wegovy by making small changes to your diet and overall lifestyle. 

Stay hydrated

Dehydration can affect the balance of gut bacteria, causing digestive issues, like increased gas production. Therefore, drinking plenty of water may be helpful for reducing sulfur burps. 

Staying hydrated can keep digestion running smoothly and help with other symptoms like bloating and heartburn. Choose water and unsweetened drinks since sugary beverages could aggravate gas for some people.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals

Since Wegovy slows stomach emptying, large meals could stick around in the digestive system, leading to more sulfur gas being produced. Try eating smaller meals more often throughout the day. 

Focus on balanced meals that include whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables that aren’t part of the cruciferous family. It’s also important to eat slowly and pay attention to when you feel full. This can help avoid overloading your stomach. 

Avoid high-sulfur foods

Certain foods are more likely to increase sulfur production in the gut. High-sulfur foods include eggs, meat, onions, garlic, and dairy products. Cutting back on these may help reduce sulfur burps. Instead, focus on other sources of protein and foods low in sulfur.

Cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and collard greens, are healthy but should be eaten in moderation if sulfur burps become a problem. These vegetables contain glucosinolates, which are high in sulfur compounds. 

Limit carbonated beverages

Carbonated drinks add excess air to the digestive system, which can worsen sulfur burps. These drinks, like soda and sparkling water, may also make symptoms of acid reflux and bloating worse. Try avoiding these bubbly drinks for a couple of weeks and see if you notice a difference. 

Switching to flavored water or herbal teas may also help reduce the risk of gas. Peppermint tea, in particular, may be beneficial for relieving stomach discomfort. 

Consider digestive enzymes

Digestive enzymes can help break down food, decreasing the buildup of gas, supporting gut health, and reducing excessive belching.

Some common enzyme supplements include Lactaid, which contains lactase to help digest dairy products, and Beano, which has alpha-galactosidase to help break down complex carbohydrates. These enzymes can be found over the counter and may be useful if you often experience indigestion and reflux. 

Try probiotics

Probiotics may be helpful for keeping a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut, which could help prevent the overgrowth of sulfur-producing bacteria. You can find probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut or as dietary supplements. 

Regularly consuming probiotics might also help prevent problems related to indigestion and reflux. They’re an easy and natural way to support digestive health.

Adjust the dosage with a healthcare provider

If you continue to have sulfur burps, it may be a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider about adjusting your Wegovy dosage. Lowering the dose might help reduce symptoms without affecting how well the treatment works. 

They might also provide medical advice or recommend taking OTC medicines. For example, OTC drugs like Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) and Gas-X (simethicone) may provide temporary relief. 

Various factors can cause sulfur burps, and not every solution will work for everyone. It may take some time and experimentation to find what helps the most.

RELATED: Wegovy interactions to avoid

What other side effects does Wegovy cause?

Besides burping, Wegovy has a range of side effects. However, the most common side effects of Wegovy involve the digestive system. Gastrointestinal side effects can vary in intensity and may improve over time. 

The most common side effects of Wegovy include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Flatulence
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Upset stomach 
• Dizziness
• Bloating
• Heartburn
• Runny nose
• Sore throat

Consult a healthcare provider if side effects persist or worsen while on Wegovy. 

Serious side effects, warnings, and precautions

Wegovy may also cause serious side effects, including inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) and gallbladder problems. Wegovy can also lower blood sugar levels, especially in people taking diabetes medications, leading to symptoms like dizziness and confusion. In addition, it’s important to watch for serious allergic reactions and unusual changes in mood or thoughts. 

Wegovy can affect how other medications work, especially diabetes drugs. It lowers blood sugar, increasing the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with insulin or similar medications. Because it slows gastric emptying, it may change how well some oral medications are absorbed. Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting new medications while taking Wegovy.

Exploring other medication options due to Wegovy sulfur burps

For those affected by sulfur burps, exploring other weight loss medications might be helpful. Alternatives to Wegovy for weight loss include the following medications:

• Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate): This combination medication can help with weight loss by suppressing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. Phentermine is a stimulant that works similarly to an amphetamine to reduce appetite, while topiramate is an anticonvulsant that can also decrease appetite.

RELATED: Qsymia vs. Wegovy

• Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion): Contrave is a combination of naltrexone, which is used to manage substance use disorder, and bupropion, an antidepressant that also helps with smoking cessation. This medication targets the brain’s reward system and helps reduce cravings for food, which may make it easier to stick to a weight loss plan.

RELATED: Contrave vs. Wegovy

• Xenical (orlistat): This medication works by blocking the absorption of some fats from the food you eat, which can help reduce calorie intake. Over time, this medication may help promote weight loss, especially when paired with a low-fat diet.

Everyone’s body reacts differently to medications. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider before making a switch. They can help weigh the pros and cons of each option to find the most appropriate one.

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When to see a doctor about Wegovy sulfur burps

Most of the time, sulfur burps while taking Wegovy aren’t a big deal. They often go away on their own. It’s just your body’s way of adjusting to the medication, and in many cases, staying hydrated and eating smaller, more frequent meals may help manage these burps.

Sometimes, though, sulfur burps can be a sign of something more serious. If these burps come with symptoms like severe abdominal pain, constant nausea, or frequent diarrhea, it might be time to see a healthcare professional.

Another reason to get help is if the burps become bothersome or affect daily life. A healthcare provider can see if the dosage needs to be adjusted or if another medical condition is causing it. Seek medical advice if you have other new or persistent symptoms, like rashes or dizziness, since they could indicate complications.