Got the Wegovy sulfur burps? Here's what to do about them
What are sulfur burps, what causes them and what can you do to prevent them? Find out in our guide.
Unpleasant-smelling burps are something we normally associate with foods like garlic bread or a cheeky late-night kebab. That's because these foods are rich in a natural element called sulfur.
Sulfur is not harmful. In fact, it's vital. We need it in our diet as it helps our bodies protect cells from damage.
As useful as sulfur might be, sulfurous burps are unpleasant and potentially embarrassing for the person affected.
Eating sulfur-rich foods is the most common cause. However, a small number of Wegovy users have reported experiencing sulfur burps, too.
Let's find out why they happen – and steps you can take to stop them.
Why can sulfur give you smelly burps?
As your digestive system breaks down sulfur-rich foods, it creates hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas can be released as an unpleasant-smelling burp.
The odour is unmistakable – it's the smell of rotten eggs.
That's because what happens inside the egg is similar to what happens in the digestive system. As the egg goes bad, hydrogen sulfide builds up inside. When you crack the shell, the gas is released – along with that distinctive sulfur pong.
What causes Weygovy sulfur burps?
Our normal digestive processes will produce hydrogen sulfide from sulfur-rich foods. But why do some people experience sulfur burps when taking Wegovy?
It may come down to gut flora. This is the complex soup of bacteria that lives in the digestive system. These bacteria are the main producer of hydrogen sulfide in the gut.
Wegovy influences our digestive hormones – but it's possible that it also affects the balance of bacteria in the gut. This potential imbalance may contribute to sulfur burps.
Wegovy slows down digestion, too, which keeps you feeling full for longer. But this also means those sulfur-loving bacteria get longer to work on your food and break down more sulfur compounds.
This, too, could explain the increase in hydrogen sulfide gas that in turn can cause unpleasant sulfur burps.
What can you do about sulfur burps?
1. Eat fewer sulfur-rich foods
The most obvious way to mitigate sulfur burps is to modify your diet. Eat fewer sulfur-rich foods and your gut will produce less hydrogen sulfide gas.
Examples of sulfur-rich foods include:
- Tinned fish and other seafood
- Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and sprouts
- Onions
- Garlic
- Red meat
- Turkey
- Dairy
- Eggs
2. Eat smaller portions more often
Splitting your usual three main meals into six smaller ones will give your digestive system less work to do. This means there'll be less chance of gas building up.
3. Drink plenty of water
Keeping hydrated with regular drinks of water throughout the day will help digestion.
4. Avoid hot and fizzy drinks
Fizzy drinks contain carbon dioxide gas, which can build up in the stomach and make burping more likely.
Plus, you're more likely to swallow air if you drink fizzy drinks through a straw. This air, too, can make you burp.
A similar thing can happen with hot drinks. That's because we naturally draw in air as we sip to cool the liquid down. It's a good idea to wait for the drink to cool slightly or add a little cold water.
Certain drinks can help prevent burping. Warm peppermint or chamomile tea, for instance, can have a relaxing effect on the stomach.
5. Take probiotic supplements
Taking a probiotic supplement can help to increase the kinds of bacteria in the gut that digest food without causing excess gas.
6. Learn to eat mindfully
The most common reason we burp is because we swallow air as we eat or drink.
To prevent that happening, try to eat mindfully – without the distraction of the TV, for example. You will find it easier to concentrate on eating more slowly, taking smaller mouthfuls, and chewing thoroughly.
What to do next
If none of this helps and the sulfur burps persist then it is advisable to speak to your healthcare provider. They can check in case a medication is contributing to the problem. They can also look for certain health conditions that can also cause sulfur burps.
At SemaPen, our team of obesity specialists is available to offer around-the-clock advice and support. If you're interested in our clinically proven at-home weight loss programmes, start by taking our online medical consultation. It's the quickest way to find out if you're eligible.
