Shrinkingrose
Sulphur burps on Mounjaro
Many people on Mounjaro report sulphur burps within the first few weeks of starting treatment or after increasing their dose. The good news is that for most users, these symptoms improve once your body adjusts to the medication.
"Mounjaro can definitely cause sulphur burps. It’s the only side effect my friend has and she’s been like that for six months", shared FloppySarnie over on our Talk board.
With FurForksSake advising: "Use mint capsules or chew gum. Have a quiet word. I didn’t realise mine were mad till I twigged in a meeting that someone got up and opened a window."
Sulphur burps on Wegovy or Ozempic
Both of these drugs contain the same active ingredient - semaglutide - which can cause sulphur burps for the same reason: slowed digestion.
If you're wondering how to get rid of sulphur burps after weight loss injections, the strategies are similar across all GLP-1 medications - watch your trigger foods, eat smaller portions and stay hydrated.
Related: What happens when you stop taking weight loss drugs?
How long do sulphur burps last?
The duration of sulphur burps depends on the underlying cause:
Food-related: Usually resolve within 12 to 24 hours once the triggering food has passed through your digestive system.
Gastroenteritis or food poisoning: Usually lasts one to three days alongside other symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting. Symptoms should resolve as the infection clears.
H. pylori infection: Burps with this may persist for weeks or months until the bacterial infection is treated with antibioitics.
SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth): Can cause chronic, recurring sulphur burps that persist until the condition is properly diagnosed and treated with antibiotics or dietary changes.
BS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): May cause intermittent sulphur burps that come and go over weeks or months, often triggered by stress or certain foods.
GERD or acid reflux: Can cause occasional sulphur burps that recur regularly, especially after meals or when lying down.
Gastroparesis: May cause persistent or frequent sulphur burps due to chronically delayed stomach emptying.
If sulphur burps last more than one week, recur frequently, or are accompanied by other symptoms (unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, blood in stools, persistent vomiting), consult your GP. These could indicate an underlying condition requiring medical treatment rather than a temporary dietary issue.
How long do sulphur burps last on weight loss injections?
For most people, this common side effect can last a few hours to several days per episode. It's most common to experience this side effect of weight loss injections during the first two to four weeks of treatment, or after a dose increases.
As your body adjusts to the medication, the side effects typically improve.
When should you see a doctor about sulphur burps?
The occasional sulphur burp after a big, protein-heavy meal is nothing to worry about. While sulphur burps are usually temporary and harmless, certain situations require medical attention:
Sulphur burps persist for more than one week despite dietary changes
You're experiencing severe or worsening abdominal pain
You have persistent diarrhoea lasting more than 48 hours (risk of dehydration)
You notice blood in your stools or vomit
You're losing weight unintentionally
You have a fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
You're on weight-loss injections and the side effects are becoming unbearable
“It you’re having other symptoms, such as frequently passing stool, loose or bloody stools, stomach discomfort, nausea or vomiting, this might be a sign of an underlying condition that needs treatment,” explains Dr Daniel, “so if you experience any of the above in addition to sulphur burps, see a doctor as soon as possible.”
It’s a good idea to also speak to your GP if the burps are happening alongside weight loss, blood in stool, vomiting or ongoing pain. These symptoms are red flags that could point to a more serious digestive issue, like an infection, IBD or celiac disease.
For women using weight-loss medications
If you're taking Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, or similar GLP-1 medications and experiencing troublesome sulphur burps, don't stop your medication without consulting your prescriber first. They may be able to adjust your dose, slow down your titration schedule, or recommend specific strategies to manage side effects. Many of our Mumsnet users find that these symptoms improve significantly after the first month of treatment as their body adjusts to the medication.
! Remember that while sulphur burps are a common and usually benign side effect of weight-loss injections, persistent or severe symptoms should always be checked by a GP to rule out other underlying conditions.
How to get rid of sulphur burps
When you're dealing with the embarrassment of sulphur burps during the digestive process, you want relief fast. So, if you're wondering how to get rid of sulphur burps after weight loss injections or after eating something that hasn't agreed with you - here are some effective home remedies for sulphur burps that you can try:
Peppermint or chamomile tea
A glass of water or diluted apple cider vinegar
Bismuth subsalicylate (e.g. Pepto-Bismol)
Important: Bismuth subsalicylate contains salicylate, so avoid if you're allergic to aspirin. Some people find apple cider vinegar aggravates reflux. Always check what's safe for you before starting new remedies.
Always check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking anti-sickness or antacid medicines, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding or on other medication.
“Some probiotic foods, like cultured yoghurts and yoghurt drinks, can help to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria,” says Dr Daniel. “Try to limit coffee and alcoholic drinks if you can. It might also help to even out your portion sizes across your meals, so you aren’t having one overly large meal in the day (and giving your gut a lot to break down at once).”
He adds: “If you eat a lot of red meat, it’s worth thinking about cutting down – as well as reducing the sulphur content of your diet, it can have other health benefits too.”
Many Mumsnet users report that addressing food noise - the constant thoughts about eating - helps them make better dietary choices that reduce sulphur burps and other GLP-1 side effects, like constipation and nausea.