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Why speaking up matters


It’s tempting to shrug off side effects because you don’t want to seem dramatic, but remember, your prescriber wants you to succeed on this medication. If burping is constant or uncomfortable, it can affect your quality of life, and that matters.


There’s also a chance that persistent GI symptoms signal something your prescriber can help manage, like:


  • Adjusting your dose

  • Tweaking the timing of your injections

  • Offering guidance on food choices during your adjustment period

  • Checking that nothing else is going on in your digestive system


You’re not bothering them; you’re making sure the treatment works for you in the long run.


Caring for yourself in the meantime


If your burping feels normal but annoying, there are small things you can try while your body adjusts:


  • Stay hydrated; water helps ease digestion.

  • Avoid fizzy drinks; carbonation adds to gas.

  • Eat smaller meals more often instead of one big plate.

  • Give yourself an hour upright after eating before lying down.

  • Try soothing drinks like peppermint or ginger tea.


These aren’t cures, but they can reduce the intensity and help you feel more comfortable.


If you haven’t already, check out our Quick Fixes for Sulfur Burps for a simple list of user-approved hacks.


Remember: the first weeks feel strange


One thing almost everyone says about starting GLP-1s is that the first month feels weird. Your appetite is different, your digestion slows down, and your body is adjusting to something brand new. Burping is often just part of that transition.


So if you’re sitting there thinking, “This can’t be normal, why is my body doing this?”  take a breath. It usually is normal, and you’re definitely not the only one feeling this way.


The bottom line


Burping on GLP-1s like Mounjaro and Ozempic is usually harmless and temporary. Occasional eggy burps or mild bloating are part of how the medication works.


But if burping becomes constant, very foul-smelling, painful, or shows up alongside vomiting, diarrhoea, or severe discomfort, it’s time to call your prescriber. Everyone’s body responds differently, and getting reassurance (or a dose adjustment) can make all the difference.


For the full science behind why GLP-1s cause burping, read our complete guide here.


What’s considered normal burping?


If you’re in your first weeks on Mounjaro or Ozempic, here are some signs that your burping is in the normal, harmless camp:


  • Occasional burps that come and go during the day.

  • Eggy or sulfur smell now and then, especially after meals with onions, garlic, broccoli, or eggs.

  • Burps that fade over time, either within hours of eating or after your body starts adjusting in the first few weeks.

  • Mild bloating or fullness that eases on its own without severe discomfort.

  • No other worrying symptoms, just burps, maybe paired with a little queasiness at times.


In short: if your burps are inconvenient but not painful, and they don’t dominate your day, it’s usually a side effect you can monitor rather than panic over.


When burping might signal a problem


Burping itself isn’t dangerous. But when it becomes more intense, persistent, or appears alongside other symptoms, that’s when it can be a red flag.


Here’s when to check in with your prescriber:


  • Constant sulfur burps that don’t let up, no matter what you eat or drink.

  • Very foul-smelling burps that seem unusually strong or are new for you.

  • Severe bloating or abdominal pain that doesn’t ease with time or position changes.

  • Burps plus vomiting or diarrhoea that continue beyond the first day or two.

  • A sudden change, for example, you’ve been fine for weeks, and then the burps appear suddenly and aggressively.

  • Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or ongoing nausea alongside burping.


These don’t automatically mean something serious, but they are worth a conversation with your healthcare provider. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of adjusting your dose or checking for other causes.

Starting a GLP-1 like Mounjaro or Ozempic is exciting, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. Your appetite changes, your digestion feels different, and then, out of nowhere, you’re burping like you’ve just downed a fizzy drink.


If you’re in your first few weeks, this can make you wonder: Is this just part of the journey, or is something wrong?


The good news: most burping is harmless and temporary. But it’s also smart to know when to keep an eye on it and when it’s time to reach out for professional advice.


Why burping happens on GLP-1s


A quick refresher: GLP-1 medications slow down how quickly your stomach empties food. That’s part of how they help you feel fuller for longer. But it also means gas has more time to build up, and the easiest escape route is upwards.


For some people, it’s just more frequent “normal” burps. For others, the slower digestion allows hydrogen sulfide gas to form, which is where that unmistakable rotten-egg smell comes from (aka sulfur burps).

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Published:

26 Aug 2025

Updated:

26 Aug 2025

When Burping on GLP-1s Is Normal and When to Call Your Prescriber

Starting Out

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