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Two semaglutide pens: Wegovy sulfur burps: Why they happen and how to treat them
Drug Info

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

About 7% of people who take Wegovy experience sulfur burps
Gerardo Sison medical writer headshot
By | Nov. 11, 2024

Key takeaways

  • Sulfur burps can occur with Wegovy due to changes in gut bacteria or sulfur-rich foods in your diet.

  • Staying hydrated and eating smaller, balanced meals may help reduce sulfur burps while on Wegovy.

  • Avoid high-sulfur foods like eggs, meat, and cruciferous vegetables to manage sulfur burps.

  • If sulfur burps persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider to explore dosage changes or alternatives.

In this article:

If you’re using Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight loss, there’s a small chance you may unexpectedly experience sulfur-tasting burps. This discomfort can catch you off guard and leave you wondering why it’s happening. While uncommon, this side effect can disrupt your daily life, making you hesitant to socialize or enjoy meals with others.

Fortunately, there are ways to manage these bothersome sulfur burps. You may find some relief by figuring out what might trigger them and making a few changes to your habits. For example, staying hydrated, eating smaller meals, and taking over-the-counter (OTC) medicines may help prevent or lessen their occurrence. Read on to learn more tips and advice on how to handle this Wegovy side effect while continuing your treatment.

What are sulfur burps, and why do they happen?

Sulfur burps are belches that release a rotten egg smell caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. This unpleasant odor often stems from certain foods high in sulfur. The digestive system breaks down these foods, releasing gas that leads to the sulfur smell. Common foods that can cause these burps include eggs, meat, and some vegetables.

Sulfur burps can occur when there is excess gas in your digestive system. They may be linked to stomach issues like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), or problems with digestion related to enzymes. In addition, sulfate-reducing bacteria in the gut may cause sulfur burps. Sometimes, these burps can also occur simply because you swallowed too much air.

Does Wegovy cause sulfur burps?

Wegovy is a medication prescribed for promoting weight loss in people with obesity or who are overweight. Other GLP-1 agonists, such as Mounjaro and Saxenda, may also cause sulfur burps as a side effect. Some people report experiencing sulfur burps on Wegovy, but it is less common than other side effects, occurring in about 7% of participants in clinical trials.

Sulfur burps may be connected to how Wegovy affects your digestive system. The medication may change the bacteria in your gut, which might lead to an increase in bacteria that produce sulfur. Because these burps can also occur with other stomach issues, it’s important to let your healthcare provider know if you’re experiencing them or any other ongoing side effects. 

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

Drinking plenty of water may be key to reducing sulfur burps. Dehydration may affect the gut microbiome, which may lead to an imbalance in the beneficial bacteria that help with digestion. A disrupted gut microbiome may cause digestive issues, including increased gas production and sulfur burps. Water can help your body get rid of excess toxins and keep digestion running smoothly.

Staying hydrated can also help with other symptoms like bloating and heartburn. Try to alternate between regular water and clear, non-sugary drinks. Sugary drinks and caffeine can cause more digestive problems.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals

Large meals may put a strain on your digestive system, which can lead to producing more sulfur gas. To help with this, try eating smaller meals more often throughout the day. Focus on having balanced meals that include whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables that are not 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. Making these changes to your diet may help improve digestion overall and reduce the occurrence of sulfur burps.

Avoid high-sulfur foods

Certain foods may 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 plant-based proteins and foods low in sulfur.

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

Limit carbonated beverages

Carbonated drinks introduce excess air into 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. Avoiding these bubbly drinks may be a simple home remedy that can produce noticeable results. 

Switching to flavored water or herbal teas may help reduce the risk of gas. Peppermint tea may be beneficial as well, as it may ease digestive discomfort. 

Consider digestive enzymes

Digestive enzymes can help break down food particles, decreasing the buildup of gas, supporting gut health, and preventing 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 deal with indigestion and reflux. Before starting any enzyme supplement, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. 

Try probiotics

Probiotics may be helpful for keeping a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut, which may 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 issues related to indigestion and reflux. They’re an easy and natural way to support digestive health.

Adjust 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 the symptoms without affecting how well the treatment works. It’s important to share any side effects with your healthcare professional so they can help you find the best solution. 

They might also provide medical advice or recommend taking Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) and Gas-X (simethicone) for 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 you best.

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 cause serious side effects, including thyroid tumors. It’s important to tell your healthcare provider if you notice a lump in your neck, have trouble swallowing, or feel hoarse, as these may be signs of thyroid cancer. Those with a family history of certain thyroid cancers should not use Wegovy. 

Other serious risks include 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 significant 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 when used with insulin or similar medications. It can also slow stomach emptying, which may change how well some oral medications are absorbed. Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting new medications while taking Wegovy.

Exploring other medication options due to Wegovy sulfur burps

For those affected by sulfur burps that persist or worsen, 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, while topiramate is an anticonvulsant that can also reduce appetite.

RELATED: Qsymia vs. Wegovy

  • Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion): Contrave is a combination of naltrexone, which is used to manage addiction, 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. This action can lead to weight loss over time, especially when paired with a low-fat diet.

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

Adjusting lifestyle choices may also help manage side effects like sulfur burps. A mix of medications and lifestyle changes might be the key to effective weight loss without discomfort. 

When to consult a healthcare professional 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 determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted or if another medical condition is causing them. Seek medical advice if you have other new or persistent symptoms, like rashes or dizziness, since they could indicate complications.