Have you recently started taking Mounjaro? Have you noticed that you’ve been burping more, and your burps smell like eggs? You’re not alone. This is a known side effect of Mounjaro. 

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However, although it’s a normal side effect and usually no cause for concern, it’s understandable that you want to prevent these burps and get them under control.

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So, in this blog post, we explore the reasons behind sulphur burps, how you can prevent and manage sulphur burps, and when it’s time to contact a healthcare professional. 

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Why Am I Getting Sulphur Burps on Mounjaro? 

You may be getting unpleasant sulphur burps when taking Mounjaro because of the way the medication works – and its effect on your digestive system. 

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Mounjaro is a GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonist – it slows down the digestion process, making you feel fuller for longer. Although this is great for facilitating weight loss, there’s a caveat – it can cause eggy burps. 

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Because Mounjaro delays stomach emptying and slows down digestion, the food you eat sits in your stomach – and intestines – for longer. This can lead to more fermentation… which leads to more gas and smelly burps. 

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When you eat food such as dairy, meat or eggs, bacteria may produce hydrogen sulphide gas as the food breaks down, which is the main cause of sulphur burps on Mounjaro. 

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Some people also report that these symptoms can be worse when consuming gluten-containing carbohydrates like bread or pasta. You should try and identify trigger foods that sometimes are very individual.

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To summarise: 

1. Mounjaro caused food to sit in your stomach for longer, leading to more gas
2. Mounjaro can change the bacteria in your digestive system causing more hydrogen sulphide to be produced
3. Trigger foods such as high-sulphur foods (eggs, meats, dairy) can make the dreaded sulphur burps worse

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How to Prevent and Control Mounjaro’s Sulphur Burps 

So, now you know why you’re getting bad burps on Mounjaro, let’s explore how you can tackle it. As well as avoiding straws, steering clear of chewing gum and stopping smoking, here are some of the best ways you can get those dreaded sulphur burps under control: 

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Limit Trigger Foods

As we’ve established, high-sulphur foods can make your burps worse… so limit foods such as: 

• Eggs 
• Meat 
• Fish 
• Milk 
• Cheese
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts 

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Be sure to avoid any foods you may be intolerant to – these can make the burps even worse. If you notice that gluten-containing carbohydrates make your symptoms worse, limit or avoid these. We’d also recommend avoiding fried foods and fizzy sugary drinks, too. These not only contain lots of calories and make it harder to achieve the calorie deficit needed for weight loss, but can make you burp more. 

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Change Your Eating Patterns

Some people eat three large meals per day – but when taking Mounjaro, many people find it easier to eat smaller meals at suitable intervals depending on the level of their appetite control. This means that there won’t be lots of food sitting in your stomach throughout the day, which can prevent the food from fermenting and causing sulphur burps. 

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We’d also recommend eating slowly to give your food time to digest. Also, avoid talking whilst eating – when you talk when eating, you’re taking in more air, which can lead to more burping! 

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Stay Hydrated

When you take Mounjaro, or any other GLP-1 medication for that matter, you should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Here are some other reasons why you should drink plenty of water when taking Mounjaro… 

• Drinking lots of water can flush out excess gas, helping you manage the sulphur burps 
• Drinking water can keep your digestive system moving (despite Mounjaro slowing it down)
• Drinking water helps food move through your intestines quicker

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So, drink plenty of water every day. The Eatwell guide recommends that you drink between 6 to 8 glasses of water per day to stay hydrated. If you’re not a big water drinker, there are other ways you can increase your water intake. Why not try some herbal teas, or add a little flavour to your water? Some people infuse their water with tasty fruits, whereas others may try a low-calorie cordial. 

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Try Over-The-Counter Medications

Finally, if you’re still experiencing unpleasant burps after following the guidance we’ve listed above, you could benefit from over-the-counter medication.

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Simeticone, for example, is a medication that can help treat bloating, burping and excessive gas - so look out for products like 'Wind-Eze tablets' in your local pharmacy. Some other options include: 

• Braggs Charcoal Tablets – These tablets absorb excess gas in your digestive system
• Pepto Bismol – This can help with gas symptoms, although it's mainly used for other digestive issues
• Colpermin – This contains peppermint oil which can help fight digestive troubles

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Do Any Other GLP-1 Medications Cause Eggy Burps? 

Yes, other GLP-1 medications can cause sulphur burps. Saxenda, for example, can slow down digestion, resulting in more smelly burps. Wegovy can also cause similar burps – Wegovy works in a similar way to Mounjaro and has similar side effects. 

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When Do Sulphur Burps Become a Problem?

Sulphur burps are a known side effect of Mounjaro and other GLP-1 receptor agonists. In most cases, it’s nothing to worry about – this side effect will improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. 

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However, if you’ve taken the steps listed above to prevent and manage sulphur burps on Mounjaro and are still having no luck, it might be time to speak to your doctor or prescriber. 

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If you have a tendency for overproduction of acid in the stomach. This may require treatment with some commonly prescribed medications– that can help to neutralise stomach acid and reduce the production of gas.

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Likewise, speak to your prescriber if: 

• Your burps are painful 
• You’re experiencing other digestive symptoms (e.g. nausea, bloating, vomiting, diarrhoea)

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At Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, we not only offer Mounjaro – we stay with you every step of the way. If you’ve started your Mounjaro journey with us, we can give you all the support you need when it comes to managing sulphur burps. 

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Whether it be amending your dose, recommending a diet plan, or switching to a different weight loss medication, trust us to give you the best advice for you and your situation. 

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