Sulphur burps while on Mounjaro? Here's why that might be happening

Ah, the joy of weight loss medication — helping us shed those stubborn pounds while delivering a few quirky surprises along the way.

If you’ve started taking Mounjaro and found yourself greeted by sulphur burps (a.k.a. a charming smell like rotten eggs), you might be wondering what’s going on.

No one wants their weight loss journey accompanied by a side of eggy belches, but rest assured, you’re not alone. So, what’s the deal with these mysterious sulphur burps while on Mounjaro? And more importantly, how can you make them disappear?

Let’s find out more about these eggy burps, Mounjaro, what might be happening and, more importantly, what you can do about them.

Are eggy burps a common side effect of Mounjaro?

So, let’s start with the basics: are these foul-smelling burps something you should expect while on Mounjaro, or have you drawn the short straw?

While sulphur burps aren’t listed as one of the top side effects of Mounjaro, they’re definitely not unheard of.

Many people on weight loss medication or diabetes treatment, especially those in the GLP-1 family like Mounjaro, have reported experiencing these rather fragrant burps [1]. 

But why does this happen, and what does it mean? Simply put, sulphur burps occur when hydrogen sulphide gas is produced in your digestive tract [2].

Normally, your body produces small amounts of this gas as it breaks down certain foods, but when things get a little out of whack — thanks to medication or dietary changes — this gas can start making itself known in ways you’d rather avoid.

Although not the most common side effect, eggy burps aren’t a complete anomaly either. Most people experience them to varying degrees, and the good news is they’re usually harmless. That being said, they’re not exactly something you want to bring to your next social event.

Why does Mounjaro cause sulphur burps?

If you’re scratching your head (while holding your nose) and wondering why Mounjaro is causing these unpleasant burps, you’re not alone. The answer lies in how Mounjaro works and what it’s doing to your digestive tract.

Mounjaro, like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, works by slowing down how quickly food moves through your stomach. This delay helps you feel full for longer, which is great for managing appetite and cravings [3].

However, there’s a trade-off — slowing down digestion can sometimes cause food to sit longer in your stomach and intestines, allowing for more fermentation. Cue the sulphur gas!

Here’s where it gets eggy. When food (especially foods containing sulphur compounds like eggs, meat, dairy, and certain vegetables) sits too long in the gut, bacteria can produce hydrogen sulphide gas as they break it down [2]. The result? That lovely smell of rotten eggs coming from your burps.

But don’t panic! This doesn’t mean Mounjaro isn’t working or that anything serious is wrong. It’s just a slightly stinky side effect of how the medication slows down your digestive tract.

However, there are ways to manage and prevent these sulphur burps from becoming a regular occurrence.

How to prevent Mounjaro sulphur burps

Now that we know why Mounjaro might be giving you sulphur burps, let’s talk about what you can do to prevent them.

After all, no one wants to live with eggy burps indefinitely, especially when you’re focused on losing body weight and feeling good.

1. Watch what you eat

Certain foods are more likely to cause sulphur burps than others. High-sulphur foods, such as eggs, red meat, dairy, garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and Brussels sprouts), and fried foods are the usual culprits [2].

Since Mounjaro slows digestion, these foods can sit in your system longer, leading to more fermentation and — well, you know the rest.

Try to limit or avoid these foods, especially if you’ve noticed a pattern between eating them and the onset of burps.

It's also important to remain conscious of any food intolerances that could impact your digestion further when you're taking Mounjaro. Instead, focus on low-sulphur options like leafy greens, lean proteins (like chicken and fish), and whole grains. [4] This might help reduce the build-up of sulphur in your system.

2. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can help keep your digestive system moving, even when Mounjaro is working to slow things down.

Staying hydrated ensures that food moves through your intestines more efficiently, reducing the chance for it to hang around and produce sulphur gas [5]. 

Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider drinking a glass before and after meals to support digestion. Herbal teas that aid digestion, like ginger or peppermint, can also be a good option [6].

3. Smaller, more frequent meals

If you’re used to having 3 big meals a day, it might be time to rethink that approach while on Mounjaro. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can reduce the amount of food sitting in your stomach at any given time, helping to prevent excess fermentation. [2] 

Plus, eating smaller meals might also help with managing appetite and avoiding overeating — an added bonus if you’re trying to stick to your weight loss goals!

4. Get moving

Gentle movement after meals can help speed up digestion, preventing food from lingering in your stomach for too long. A short walk after eating can make a big difference in blood sugar and how your body processes your food [7] and may help ward off those unpleasant burps.

Exercise also helps improve overall digestion and can be a key factor in supporting weight loss, so it’s a win-win.

5. Over-the-counter remedies

If diet and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, over-the-counter remedies like antacids or gas-relief medications may offer relief.

Products containing simethicone or activated charcoal can help reduce the build-up of gas, while antacids can neutralise stomach acid that might be contributing to the problem [8]. 

However, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor or healthcare provider before adding any new medications to your routine, especially when you’re on Mounjaro, as you want to avoid any potential drug interactions.

Do other weight loss medications cause eggy burps?

You might be wondering if sulphur burps are exclusive to Mounjaro or if other weight loss medications are capable of turning your breath into something best described as "questionable."

The answer? Clinical trials show other medications can also cause similar unpleasant effects, but it depends on how they work [9].

Wegovy

Wegovy, another GLP-1 receptor agonist like Mounjaro, can cause similar common side effects, including sulphur burps.

Since the active ingredient in Wegovy works the same way as Mounjaro, it can lead to the same delayed gastric emptying that allows food to ferment and produce sulphur gas. So, if you switch to Wegovy, don’t be surprised if the burps follow!

Saxenda

Saxenda is another GLP-1 medication used for weight loss, and while it’s effective in controlling appetite and promoting weight loss, it also has the potential to slow down digestion.

Like Mounjaro and Wegovy, this slowing can sometimes result in the infamous sulphur burps.

Phentermine

Phentermine works differently from GLP-1 medications, as it’s a stimulant that suppresses appetite without affecting digestion in the same way [10].

While it’s less likely to cause sulphur burps, it can still cause other side effects like dry mouth or an upset stomach. If you’re trying to avoid eggy burps, this might be a better option, but as always, consult your healthcare provider.

When to seek medical help

Most of the time, sulphur burps are nothing to worry about — just an annoying side effect of how Mounjaro works. But there are times when these eggy burps might signal something more serious, and it’s important to know when to get medical advice.

1. Persistent burps

If your sulphur burps are constant and don’t seem to improve with dietary changes, hydration, or over-the-counter medication, it might be time to speak to a healthcare provider.

Persistent burps can sometimes indicate an underlying issue like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a more serious digestive problem. [11] 

2. Other digestive symptoms

If your sulphur burps are accompanied by other digestive symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain or diarrhoea, it’s important to get checked out.

These symptoms could indicate that your body isn’t tolerating Mounjaro as well as expected, or there may be another issue affecting your digestion.

3. Severe discomfort

If your burps are causing significant discomfort, chest pain or abdominal pain, or if you’re noticing any unusual symptoms like unexplained weight loss (beyond what’s expected on Mounjaro), it’s worth seeking medical advice.

While Mounjaro is generally safe and effective, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

Your weight loss journey with Mounjaro

Sulphur burps might not be the most glamorous part of your weight loss journey with Mounjaro, but they’re usually nothing to worry about.

Understanding why they happen and taking steps to prevent them can help you manage this stinky side effect while staying focused on your ultimate goal — achieving a healthier, happier you.

Whether it’s tweaking your diet, staying hydrated, or getting a bit more active, there are plenty of ways to kick those eggy burps to the curb. And remember, if things don’t improve or you’re feeling concerned, speak to your doctor.

Juniper’s Weight Reset Programme is here to support you every step of the way on your weight loss journey.

Whether you have concerns about side effects, adjusting your lifestyle, or optimising your results, the healthcare professionals at Juniper are available for unlimited consultations to help address any questions or worries you might have.

With access to personalised coaching and a dedicated team of clinicians, you’ll never have to navigate your health journey alone.

Whatever obstacles arise, Juniper’s community is here to make sure you feel confident and supported as you work towards your weight loss goals.

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