Sulphur burps on Wegovy or Mounjaro: How to manage them

GLP-1 medications, like Wegovy and Mounjaro, are effective weight loss treatments that work by increasing feelings of fullness, reducing feelings of hunger and cravings, and controlling blood sugar levels.

But, like all medicines, they can have some side effects. One side effect that can be unpleasant is sulphur burps – or eggy burps. In this article, we’ll look at why they might happen and how they can be managed.

What are sulphur burps and what causes them?

Burping, or belching, is the passing of air from the stomach out through the mouth, often noisily.

Burping is normal – it is how we get rid of excess gas that has built up in the stomach. This gas can come from air that we swallow, or it can come from the digestion of certain foods. Food that causes burps in one person might not cause burps in another.

But some foods or drinks are more likely to lead to a build-up of gas. These include:

• Beans
• Vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage
• Fruits such as apples, peaches and raisins
• Dairy products
• Sorbitol (a type of sweetener)
• Fizzy drinks
• Wine and dark beer

A ‘sulphur burp’ is one that has a particular ‘sulphur’ or ‘rotten egg’ smell that people may find unpleasant or embarrassing. This smell comes from a gas – called hydrogen sulphide – that can build up in the digestive system as bacteria break down sulphur-rich food, or when digestion is slowed.

Are sulphur burps common when taking GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro?

Side effects of the digestive system are common in people using GLP-1 medications, especially when treatment is first started or when increasing the dose.

Burping is a known side effect of GLP-1 medications affecting between 1% and 10% of people in clinical studies.

Information about whether these burps are “sulphur burps” was not collected in the clinical studies, but further research has identified that this is a problem for some people. 

Why do people have sulphur burps when taking GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro?

Sulphur burps are caused by the build-up of gas containing hydrogen sulphide.

GLP-1 medications affect the digestive system by slowing down digestion – delaying the movement of food out of the stomach and into the intestines. This delay could lead to the build-up of more gas.

Sulphur-containing foods include protein-rich foods such as red meat, eggs, and dairy, as well as garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cabbage). Suddenly increasing these foods in your diet, in combination with starting a GLP-1 medication, may increase the chance of experiencing sulphur burps.

What can help reduce or stop sulphur burps?

The best way to treat sulphur burps depends on what is causing them. It might be useful to keep a food and drink diary to see if you can pinpoint the likely cause.

There are some things you could try to help reduce sulphur burps:

1. Reduce the amount of air you swallow by eating and drinking more slowly:
   • Take smaller bites of food and chew well
   • Sip water, don’t gulp!
   • Avoid fizzy drinks

2. Reduce the build-up of gas in your stomach:

• Eat smaller portions of food – maybe have six small meals instead of three bigger ones.
• Drink plenty of water – this helps your digestive system – but do it slowly throughout the day.
• Limit foods and drinks that cause a build-up of gas

3. Limit sulphur-containing foods. These include:

• Red meat, poultry, fish
• Eggs
• Dairy
• Beans, lentils
• Dried fruits
• Vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage
• Garlic, onions

• But don’t cut them all out – be mindful of your nutritional needs, especially making sure you eat enough protein. Try monitoring what you eat to see which ones might be the cause

4. Do some gentle exercise, like walking, after meals to help with digestion

5. Try natural remedies like green, ginger, chamomile or peppermint tea, which are known to aid digestion

6. Use over-the-counter medications

• There may be some over-the-counter medicines you can use to help manage burping, but you should discuss these with a healthcare professional to make sure they can be used with GLP-1 medication.s

When to seek medical advice about sulphur burps

Sulphur burps, as a side effect of using GLP-1 medications, may be unpleasant and embarrassing, but they are usually harmless. They will usually get better as you get used to the medication, or if you make some of the changes described above.

However, if your sulphur burps do not improve, if they get worse or if they are very uncomfortable, then you should seek medical advice.

Sulphur burps can also be an indication of other digestive disorders. You should seek medical advice if you have other symptoms such as:

• Severe pain in your chest or abdomen (urgent)
• Severe vomiting, vomiting blood or what looks like coffee-grounds, or if you're unable to keep fluids down
• Discomfort in your stomach that happens other than after eating
• Severe or persistent diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration
• Severe or persistent constipation/ unable to pass stools
• Black stools or bleeding from the bottom
• Unexplained weight loss (more than expected with GLP-1 medication treatment)

Key messages

• Sulphur burps are burps that have a sulphurous or ‘rotten egg’ smell. They can be a side effect of GLP-1 medications due to the fact that they can slow down the digestive system
• Ways to manage sulphur burps may include some or all of the following:
  • Eat more slowly, chew well and eat smaller meals
  • Stay hydrated by sipping water and avoiding fizzy drinks
  • Limit foods that make you gassy, especially ones containing sulphur – like meat, eggs, dairy and some vegetables – but maintain a nutritionally-balanced, healthy diet.
  • Do gentle walking after eating
  • Try natural remedies or over-the-counter medications
• If sulphur burps are persistent, worsen, or you have other symptoms, seek medical advice

Genwell reflections

We get it – no one wants to be producing eggy burps! As with any medicine side effect, if you are part of the Genwell care programme, we are here to help you through it.

At Genwell, we know that a personalised approach is needed when it comes to supporting our clients – what works for one person might not work for another. Our wellbeing coaches, with input from nutritional experts and your GP, will help you navigate this problem and find a solution that works for you.

Eggy burps might not sound like a serious problem, but they can affect your quality of life, and your wellbeing is important to us.