Feeling bloated on Mounjaro? What to know about trapped wind and how to ease it

If you're taking Mounjaro, you might notice trapped wind or bloating from time to time.

While Mounjaro can be a key part of your weight loss journey, it is a medication, which means it comes with side effects—flatulence and digestive discomfort included.

The good news? There are plenty of simple strategies to help ease these symptoms. And when we say simple, we mean it: sipping on peppermint tea, eating foods that are easy to digest, or giving your belly a gentle massage can often do the trick.

By understanding why trapped wind happens and taking a few proactive steps, you can manage discomfort and keep your weight loss progress on track. We've got all the essential tips you might need.

Can Mounjaro cause trapped wind?

Yes, Mounjaro can sometimes cause trapped wind.

This is because tirzepatide—the active ingredient in Mounjaro—works by slowing down the rate at which your stomach empties. This means food stays in your digestive system for longer, which can lead to a build-up of gas.

This side effect can be particularly bothersome during the first few weeks of treatment or after a dosage increase, while your body adjusts to the medication.

Is trapped wind a common side effect?

Flatulence and bloating are fairly common side effects of Mounjaro, affecting many people in the first few weeks of the weight loss treatment.

Other gastrointestinal symptoms linked to Mounjaro include:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Acid reflux and heartburn
• Abdominal pain
• Eggy burps

When to speak to your health provider

Mounjaro is generally safe and effective, and the symptoms listed above aren't usually a reason for concern. However, you should know when it’s time to check in with your doctor.

Severe stomach pain, blood in your stool, sudden constipation, fever, and unexplained weight loss are all clear signs that something more serious might be going on.

Plus, although rare, severe allergic reactions are also important to watch for. If you notice symptoms like swelling of the face, lips, or throat, hives, or difficulty swallowing/breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

How to relieve trapped wind caused by Mounjaro

From incorporating yoga into your daily life to eating more mindfully, there are many ways to keep your digestion on track:

Lifestyle and diet tweaks

Small adjustments to what and how you eat can make your stomach feel calmer:

Eat smaller meals more often (and take your time)

When you eat smaller meals more often—rather than your usual 3 large meals a day—you give your digestive system more time to process food efficiently, which can prevent the build-up of excess gas.

Eating mindfully can also support smoother digestion. Slowing down your eating pace and chewing thoroughly prevents you from swallowing excess air and makes it easier for your body to break food down properly.

Try peppermint tea or supplements

Peppermint has natural antispasmodic properties, which relax your digestive tract muscles and can ease cramps, bloating, and trapped wind [1]. This includes peppermint tea, oil capsules, or even candies.

Keep in mind that peppermint can worsen heartburn and acid reflux, so if you struggle with either, it may not be the remedy for you.

Try apple cider vinegar

Some anecdotal evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar (ACV) may help combat gut bacteria that contribute to gas build-up, and that its probiotic content can support the growth of good bacteria—potentially making digestion a little easier.

That said, there are also reports claiming that ACV can delay gastric emptying even further and make bloating and flatulence worse.

With this in mind, if you want to give it a go, mix one tablespoon of ACV into a small glass of water or tea, and drink it before your meals. Pro tip: rinse your mouth afterwards to protect your teeth from the acidity.

Use heat for instant relief

Heat can help release tension in your abdomen, whether you hold a hot water bottle or heated pad on the area, take a hot bath, or even sip on warm water [2].

Exercises and movement

Movement can also help, especially exercises that stimulate your belly:

Move around

Something as simple and low-impact as walking can support smoother digestion, helping to release trapped wind.

If you're up for something a bit more intense, exercises like squats, crunches, and Russian twists work particularly well at getting things (in this case, gas) moving.

Put simply, any movement that compresses and extends the intestines can help.

Try yoga

Similar to squats and crunches, certain yoga poses relax your abdomen and give your intestines a gentle twist—often just enough to help your body pass gas.

In fact, there's a movement designed precisely for this purpose, fittingly named Wind-Relieving Pose (Pawanmuktasana).

Other helpful poses include Child's Pose, Two-Knee Spinal Twist Pose, and Happy Baby Pose.

Massage your stomach area

Gentle abdominal massage can be the push your digestive system needs to ease bloating.

A helpful technique here is the "I love you (ILU)" massage, where you trace the letters I, L, and U on your abdomen, following the direction of your colon.

Over-the-counter remedies and medical support

Sometimes, lifestyle changes just don't do the trick. In that case, it may be worth exploring over-the-counter (OTC) remedies.

There are several options here, but first, a disclaimer: before you start any new treatment, always check in with your healthcare provider. Mounjaro can interact with other medications, and pairing it with the wrong one could not only reduce its effectiveness but also worsen your side effects.

Having said that, once you have the all-clear from your doctor, OTC remedies for trapped wind include:

• Simethicone-based medications, which help break down gas bubbles in your stomach and intestines [3]
• Antacids, which are particularly helpful when trapped gas comes with bloating or indigestion [4]
• Supplements with digestive enzymes like alpha-galactosidase, which can help break down gas-causing carbohydrates in foods like beans or lentils [5]

How long does Mounjaro trapped wind usually last?

Everyone experiences side effects differently, and flatulence is no exception.

Typically, you should start to notice improvements within the first few days to a couple of weeks after starting Mounjaro, as your body gets used to the medication.

As we mentioned before, dosage increases can also trigger digestive flare-ups—but again, they shouldn't last more than a couple of weeks.

If you experience very persistent trapped wind along with severe pain, we recommend chatting with your doctor. They can help you navigate side effects with tailored advice, so you feel as comfortable as possible as you lose weight. Not to mention, they can step in promptly in case of a medical emergency.

Tips for managing digestive side effects on Mounjaro

Managing Mounjaro’s digestive side effects is easier when you combine mindful eating, movement, and good rest:

What to eat (and avoid)

To support your digestion, focus on foods that are gentle on your stomach and easy to process:

• Low-fat foods like lean proteins (think chicken, fish, or tofu) and low-fat dairy products.
• Easily digestible carbs like white rice, oats, potatoes (white or sweet), and soft fruits.
• High-fibre foods like vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. One caveat here is, too much fibre at once can actually cause gas, so moderation is key.
• Foods/drinks with probiotics like kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and sauerkraut.
• Bland foods like plain pasta, toast, or oatmeal, especially if you're experiencing nausea, diarrhoea, or vomiting.

It's also important to stay hydrated. Sipping on a cold drink, drinking ginger tea, or keeping a water bottle handy are all simple yet effective strategies to keep fluids up.

As for what to avoid, you want to steer clear of foods that might slow down your digestion even more and add to the gassiness:

• Fatty foods
• Carbonated drinks
• High-sugar foods
• Foods with artificial sweeteners

Prioritising rest and stress management

So far, we've focused on how regular movement and a balanced diet can help with Mounjaro trapped wind. But how much you sleep and how stressed you feel are two other factors to consider.

The truth is, a calm mind and a well-rested body help your digestive system function more smoothly.

Our advice? Try to keep a regular sleep routine, limit screentime before bed, sleep in a dark room, and give deep breathing or meditation a go to keep stress levels low.

Tracking symptoms for better management

Another simple habit that can be incredibly helpful is keeping a food diary. In it, you want to jot down everything you eat and drink, as well as any digestive symptoms, including how long they last and how severe they are.

To paint an even clearer picture, consider tracking other lifestyle factors, like exercise, sleep, stress, and energy levels.

Do this for at least two weeks, and you may start to notice patterns and potential food triggers, which you can then use to tweak your diet and overall routine.

This can also come in handy if you end up seeking medical help, as your doctor will have detailed info to better understand your gut issues and come up with a management plan.

Navigating Mounjaro’s side effects with confidence

No one knows your body better than you. And, when it comes to side effects of Mounjaro (or any other weight loss injection), it's always better to err on the side of caution.

You already know that if you're experiencing severe abdominal pain or an allergic reaction, that's your cue to seek emergency medical attention.

Other rare but serious side effects include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), pancreatitis, and gallbladder problems [6]. There's a potential link to thyroid cancer (particularly if there's a personal or family history), although that's based on animal clinical trials, not human [6].

Whether you believe you may be experiencing something serious or are noticing mild symptoms that you're just not used to, talk to your healthcare provider whenever you feel it's necessary.

Trust your instincts—reaching out early can help you stay safe and feel supported on your weight loss journey.

Juniper is here to help you

If you want extra support losing weight in the safest way possible and managing side effects along the way, the Juniper Programme might be right for you.

The Juniper Programme combines weight loss medication with dietitian-led health coaching and tracking, so you can lose weight and reach your goals for good.

Kickstart your weight loss journey with Wegovy or Mounjaro, two groundbreaking weight loss medications that mimic the GLP-1 and GIP hormones, respectively, to help control cravings, delay stomach emptying, and keep you feeling fuller for longer. These clinically backed treatments help members experience up to 20% body weight loss.

Plus, we have a team of expert dietitians and health coaches you can consult with to help you work through any challenges you're experiencing during your weight management journey. This approach sets you up for sustained weight loss, rather than a quick-fix solution.

This means you can continue to enjoy the things you love in moderation without ever feeling deprived.

Ready to see if Juniper is right for you? You can check your eligibility here.

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