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Yellow crystalline sulfur compound used to illustrate the chemical source of the smell in sulphur burps

When to See Your Prescriber


Most burps, even the unpleasant sulphur burps, are a common side effect of GLP-1 medications and aren’t usually a cause for concern. But if your burps persist, become very foul-smelling, or are joined by ongoing diarrhoea, vomiting, or severe discomfort, it’s worth checking in with your prescriber.


You might simply be experiencing sulphur burps alongside normal digestion changes, or your dose of Mounjaro may be contributing. In rare cases, persistent burps and other GI symptoms can signal something worth addressing in your treatment plan.


TL;DR: Why Does Mounjaro or Ozempic Make You Burp?


Burps happen, whether they’re regular or smell like rotten eggs, for many people taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. Right now, science can explain some of the causes, but not all. Hydrogen sulfide gas is a likely player, and your slowed digestive system on these meds sets the stage.


We’ll keep following the research, because the more we understand, the better we can support you through every side effect, even the ones no one warned you about. Until then, remember: you’re not alone, and your GLP-1 journey is about more than a few extra burps.


Want to Get Rid of Sulphur Burps? Start Here


If sulphur burps have become your least favourite side effect of Mounjaro, you’re not the only one. Some people may experience sulfur burps more often than others on these medications. While there’s no guaranteed way to completely get rid of sulphur burps, there are small tweaks that might help reduce sulphur burps over time.


One simple place to start is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated supports your digestive system and can sometimes help ease side effects.


We’ve put together a full guide on foods that can worsen side effects from weight loss jabs, including which ones may contribute to extra burping, so you can make informed choices without cutting out everything you love.


Read “Foods That Can Worsen Side Effects from Weight Loss Jabs” here

Why Mounjaro and Ozempic May Cause Sulfur Burps


So why do some people on GLP-1s experience sulfur burps while others don’t? Research tells us there are a few possible reasons, but the exact cause of sulphur burps on Mounjaro or Ozempic hasn’t been proven.


One theory is that by slowing your digestion, GLP-1s give sulfur-producing bacteria more time to get to work, creating that unmistakable rotten eggs smell. Another emerging idea from early research is that hydrogen sulphide gas might actually interact with your body’s GLP-1 system, possibly influencing how much of the hormone your body produces naturally.


Not everyone experiences sulphur burps or sulfur burps from Ozempic (yes... it's spelt both ways depending on where you are from!), some people just have an increase in normal burps. And for others, burps can also be joined by other digestive side effects like mild nausea or, more rarely, diarrhoea.



The Research Gap: What We Know (and Don’t Yet Know)


Here’s the truth: science still doesn’t have a complete answer. While we know Mounjaro and other GLP-1 weight loss medications can cause side effects like burping, the exact “why” is still being studied.


Some studies show hydrogen sulphide gas can stimulate GLP-1 production in the short term, while others suggest that too much of it might reduce GLP-1 over time. That could mean there’s a complex feedback loop between your digestive system, the bacteria in your tummy, and your medication, but right now, that’s still just a theory.


And as for how long burps last? There’s no universal answer. For some, they fade after the first few weeks. For others, they persist for as long as they take Mounjaro or Ozempic.

If you’re using a weight loss medication like Mounjaro or Ozempic and suddenly find yourself burping more than usual, you've probably got questions. For some, these burps are just… burps. For others, they come with a side order of sulphur burps, the ones that smell like rotten eggs thanks to hydrogen sulfide gas.


Annoying? Absolutely. A common side effect? Yes. But the bigger question is, what is going on in your digestive system, and is it anything to worry about?


Burps on GLP-1s: What’s Actually Happening in Your Body


We all know that burping happens when gas escapes from your stomach. On GLP-1 medications, like Mounjaro and Ozempic, your digestive system slows down, which is called delayed gastric emptying. This is part of how these medications help with weight loss: food stays in your stomach longer, so you feel fuller for longer.


The side effect? That same slowdown can also cause more gas build-up, and that gas has to escape somehow. Sometimes, it’s just a regular burp. Other times, you might notice sulphur burps, eggy burps, or foul-smelling burps if hydrogen sulfide gas is involved. This gas is naturally produced when certain gut bacteria break down foods, especially those high in sulfur, but the slower your system, the more time it has to form.

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Published:

11 Aug 2025

Updated:

6 Oct 2025

Why Am I Burping on Mounjaro or Ozempic? Here’s What We Know

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Person covering their mouth mid-burp, representing a common side effect of Mounjaro and Ozempic

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