It's the blockbuster weight loss jab sweeping the nation, but for many, the miracle results come with a deeply embarrassing and socially awkward side effect: uncontrollable, foul-smelling sulphur burps.
Now, a leading NHS doctor is breaking down exactly why drugs like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) cause these gastrointestinal issues and, crucially, what you can do to tackle them.
The Science Behind The 'Ozempic Burp'
These medications, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, work by mimicking a hormone that slows down digestion. "This means food sits in your stomach for much longer than usual," explains the expert. While this promotes feelings of fullness and aids weight loss, it also allows bacteria more time to ferment the food, producing excess gas with a distinct rotten-egg smell.
This slowed gastric emptying is the primary culprit behind the notorious sulphur burps, as well as other common issues like bloating, constipation, and general stomach discomfort.
When A Burp Is A Red Flag
While often just an unpleasant nuisance, the doctor warns that a specific type of vomiting can be a sign of a more serious condition called gastroparesis, where the stomach is effectively paralysed.
"The key thing is the timing of the sickness," the doctor notes. "If you're being sick and you're bringing up food you ate many, many hours ago, or even the day before, and it's undigested, that is a red flag." This symptom warrants an immediate conversation with your prescribing clinician, as it may indicate the medication is not suitable for you.
Top Tips To Manage The Side Effects
For those dealing with the standard, albeit embarrassing, side effects, the doctor offers several practical management strategies:
- Mindful Eating: Avoid large, rich, and fatty meals. Opt for smaller, more frequent portions to ease the burden on your slowed digestive system.
- Food Diary: Keep a log of what you eat. Certain foods like cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage), eggs, and high-sulphur items are more likely to trigger sulphur burps.
- Stay Upright: Avoid lying down for at least two to three hours after eating to help gravity move food along.
- Over-the-Counter Aids: Simethicone tablets can help break down gas bubbles, and some patients find probiotics beneficial for balancing gut bacteria.
Most importantly, the doctor emphasises that these side effects often diminish over time as your body adjusts to the medication. "It's usually worst in the first few weeks after a dose increase," they add, suggesting that persistence and open communication with your healthcare provider are key to finding a tolerable balance between the drug's benefits and its uncomfortable side effects.
