Wegovy sulfur burps, explained

From nausea to diarrhea, taking Wegovy (semaglutide) comes with a list of potential side effects that can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and, sometimes, a bit gross. Wegovy sulfur burps can often fall into that last category. 

If you’ve noticed an uptick in eggy, sulfur-tasting burps since you started the weight loss and management medication, you’re probably wondering what’s causing them — and more importantly, what you can do to stop them. Sulfur burps can be a common, albeit less-talked-about, side effect of Wegovy. 

Read on as we explore what causes Wegovy sulfur burps and offer tips for relief.

Wegovy sulfur burps are rotten egg-smelling belches that you may experience while taking Wegovy as well as other GLP-1 medications. They happen when hydrogen sulfide gas builds up in your digestive tract.

Your digestive system naturally makes hydrogen sulfide gas when breaking down food. But eating sulfur-rich foods or taking certain medications (e.g. Wegovy) can increase the production of this gas, leading to more frequent, foul-smelling burps. Oh and FYI, not only do Wegovy sulfur burps smell sulfuric, but they may taste pretty sulfur-y too. 

In clinical trials of Wegovy, 7% of people reported an increase in burping while on the medication. (Although some studies say this side effect impacts as many as 11%–13% of people taking Wegovy.) In most cases, sulfur burps aren’t anything to worry about. But if they’re disrupting your daily life — or you just don’t want to deal with them — talk to your healthcare provider. They can offer specific tips that may help relieve this symptom.

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It’s not fully understood why Wegovy causes sulfur burps. But it’s likely due to the drug’s effects on the digestive system.

Wegovy works in part by slowing down how quickly food moves through your digestive tract — a process called gastric emptying. This makes you feel full sooner and longer, leading you to eat less and lose weight However, it can also lead to more gas buildup in the gut, including the kind of sulfur-containing gases that make your burps stinkier. 

When digestion slows (such as on Wegovy), it can cause symptoms such as bloating, acid reflux or heartburn, and indigestion. These issues can lead to more burping on their own. So, if you’re dealing with these side effects, you may also experience sulfur burps. 

This is especially true if you have a high-sulfur diet. When you eat sulfur-rich foods, there’s a higher chance that hydrogen sulfide gas gets released, and you let an egg-y burp (or two) loose. 

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, slows digestion, meaning food stays in your stomach longer. This can allow gut bacteria more time to ferment food, producing gases like hydrogen sulfide, which is responsible for sulfur burps. 

Your gut microbiome may also shift as your body adjusts to the medication or dietary changes while on Wegovy. 

Prioritizing protein and filling up on fiber are two key eating strategies while taking semaglutide. Maybe you’ve made eggs your new go-to breakfast. Or perhaps you’ve been eating more broccoli (mixed with a lot of garlic). Sound familiar? Good for you. Just know that these foods are high in sulfur, and adjusting your diet can increase the chances of sulfur burps. 

That said, more research is needed to fully understand the role of the microbiome in Wegovy sulfur burps.

Sulfur burps, like most gastrointestinal side effects of Wegovy, tend to be worse at the beginning of treatment and when increasing your dose. Some studies have found these side effects are most common during the first 8–12 weeks of treatment. But they may last for up to 20 weeks if you titrate up to the highest dosage of Wegovy. Your individual experience may vary.

If you’re experiencing sulfur burps on Wegovy, there are several things you can do to stop them — or even prevent them from occurring in the first place. Strategies are simple, from making small changes to your diet to trying over-the-counter medications. 

1. Limit high-sulfur foods 

Gut bacteria naturally produce gas as they break down food during digestion. But eating foods high in sulfur can boost the chances of bacteria releasing hydrogen sulfide gas, which is responsible for that rotten egg smell. 

When diet is to blame, the fix for foul-smelling burps is relatively easy: Try cutting back on sulfur-rich foods for a while to see if your Wegovy sulfur burps improve. 

Examples of high-sulfur foods include: 

• Eggs

• Onions

• Garlic

• Leeks 

• Chives

• Kidney beans 

• Dairy products, such as yogurt and mature cheeses 

• Pastries 

• Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts

2. Drink plenty of water 

Proper hydration plays an important part in keeping gas at a minimum and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. Staying well-hydrated helps your body digest food more easily and move it more swiftly through your digestive tract. This can help prevent gas buildup, so there’s less to release through belching or flatulence. 

Drinking lots of water can also relieve other Wegovy side effects like bloating, heartburn, and indigestion — all of which can boost belching.  

When choosing drinks to stay hydrated, opt for plain water and sugar-free liquids. 

Caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and carbonated beverages (such as soda and even sparkling water) can worsen gas and gastrointestinal distress.

3. Eat smaller, more frequent meals

Eating smaller meals more frequently can relieve some of the GI side effects that lead to sulfur burps on Wegovy, such as acid reflux. It can also help reduce Wegovy sulfur burps by limiting the amount of air you swallow while you eat. (That air has to get released eventually, after all.) To avoid gulping in extra air, take advantage of these tips:

• Avoid distractions while you eat, so you can focus on chewing your food with your mouth closed

• Wait to speak until you’ve finished chewing

• Drink directly from a cup or bottle instead of using a straw

4. Try over-the-counter medication

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, there’s still hope. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Gas-X can help relieve burping by breaking down gas in the digestive tract. Probiotic supplements may also prevent Wegovy sulfur burps by supporting overall healthy digestion. 

 It’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider before adding anything new to your regimen. And be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label to a tee. 

If your Wegovy sulfur burps become too much, your healthcare provider may recommend slowing down your titration schedule or lowering your dosage to relieve side effects. They may also consider switching you to a different weight loss medication altogether. 

For example, Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) are other meds approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss. Zepbound works a little differently — it targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors — but it’s often grouped with other GLP-1 medications like Saxenda and Wegovy. Overall, these types of drugs can cause an increase in burping, which makes sense given the way they slow down the gut. 

Still, it’s possible you may have a better response to some or one of these medications than others. Plus, studies show that burping is much less common on Saxenda than Wegovy. On the other hand, Zepbound and Wegovy cause belching at around the same rate. 

With that in mind, you may want to consider other treatments, such as weight loss pills instead. Here are some options to discuss with your healthcare provider:

• Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate) is a daily oral medication that works by reducing appetite and binge eating behaviors. Burps are not considered a common side effect.

• Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) is a twice-daily oral medication that lowers your appetite and food cravings. Burping may occur, but it’s rare enough to not be considered a common side effect.

• Xenical (orlistat) is a thrice-daily oral medication that works by decreasing the amount of fat you absorb from the food. Belching is not a common side effect of orlistat, but other GI symptoms are possible.  

Keep in mind that all medications come with their risks and benefits. So, you will need to have a conversation with your healthcare provider to better understand the pros and cons of each option.

Usually, Wegovy sulfur burps are not anything to worry about. They may go away on their own as your body gets used to the medication or with lifestyle modifications. But you may want to see your healthcare provider if your belching is: 

• Ongoing and not improving with dietary or lifestyle changes

• Accompanied by severe nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain

• Affecting your ability to eat, sleep, or socialize

If you experience any of these situations, contact your healthcare provider. They can help rule out other conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), suggest a change to your Wegovy dosing schedule, or recommend a different treatment. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek emergency medical attention.

Sulfur burps are just one of several possible side effects you may experience on Wegovy. Most, but not all, of the drug’s common side effects are gastrointestinal in nature and often improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Stomach pain

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Upset stomach or indigestion

• Dizziness

• Bloating

• Burping

• Flatulence

• Stomach flu-like symptoms

• Heartburn or acid reflux

• Common cold-like symptoms

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in people with type 2 diabetes

More serious side effects are also possible but are less likely. The prescribing information has more complete information. 

If you experience any side effects on Wegovy, contact your healthcare provider. And if your symptoms are severe or concerning, seek emergency medical attention.

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If you’ve read any Wegovy reviews, you know that sulfur burps can be a bit of an unpleasant side effect of the medication.  Here’s what to remember:

• Wegovy sulfur burps are belches with a foul smell reminiscent of rotten eggs experienced while taking GLP-1. They’re likely the result of the medication’s effects on the digestive tract.

• By slowing how fast food moves through the gut, Wegovy can lead to more gas buildup in the gut and, in turn, belching.  In clinical trials, 7%--13% of people taking Wegovy experienced burping. 

• Lifestyle changes can help alleviate Wegovy sulfur burps. These include avoiding high-sulfur foods, staying hydrated, eating smaller and more frequent meals, and trying OTC treatments. 

• Like other GI side effects, Wegovy sulfur burps may go away on their own as your body gets used to the medication. But if your sulfur burps become disruptive or don’t abate with lifestyle changes, talk to your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage or suggest an alternative medication.