Wegovy giving you sulphur burps? Here’s what to do about it

Let’s be honest: nothing takes the shine off your weight loss journey quite like an unexpected (and rather stinky) side effect.

If you’re taking Wegovy and suddenly finding yourself belching up the scent of rotten eggs, you’re not alone — and no, it’s not just your imagination. Sulphur burps, caused by hydrogen sulphide gas, have made their (unwelcome) presence known in a handful of Wegovy users, leaving many wondering if their digestive system has gone rogue [1].

While this particular symptom may not be mentioned on glossy leaflets or motivational posters, it’s real, it’s common, and thankfully, it’s usually short-lived. So, if you’re experiencing sulphur burps on Wegovy, here’s the lowdown on what’s causing the stench, what you can do about it, and why this small bump in your digestive health road isn’t a reason to give up on weight loss injections entirely.

What are sulphur burps and how are they linked to Wegovy?

Sulphur burps are exactly what they sound like: burps with the distinct odour of sulphur — or to put it more bluntly, rotten eggs. They occur when hydrogen sulphide gas is produced in the digestive system and makes a quick (and pungent) exit via the mouth. It’s the same gas that gives natural hot springs their aroma, only now it’s bubbling up from your own digestive tract. Delightful.

This particular kind of belching tends to appear when the digestive process is disrupted — think slowed gastric emptying, increased gas production, or a shift in gut bacteria [1]. All of these are relevant when taking Wegovy, a semaglutide, which alters your digestive rhythm.

While many patients notice reduced appetite and slower digestion (a key part of how the medication works), others may experience a build-up of gas — and unfortunately, that includes hydrogen sulphide [1].

So, yes, sulphur burps and Wegovy can be linked. It's not that the medication is making your body toxic — it's that your digestive system is adjusting to a slower pace, and fermentation and gas production may temporarily get a bit… enthusiastic.

If you're noticing a rotten egg smell post-meal or waking up to gas bubbles in your chest, you might be experiencing one of the less glamorous — but manageable — side effects of Wegovy.

Why does Wegovy cause sulphur burps?

GLP-1 medications like Wegovy work by mimicking a hormone that affects insulin production and slows down how quickly food moves through the stomach — also known as delayed gastric emptying [2].

While this helps you feel fuller for longer (brilliant for appetite control and weight loss), it can also mean that food sits in your stomach for a little too long, particularly in the early weeks. The longer your meals linger, the more time there is for certain bacteria to produce gas, including hydrogen sulphide.

This shift in gut rhythm may also affect your gut microbiome — the trillions of beneficial bacteria that help you digest food and keep your digestive tract humming along. When digestion slows, it can alter the balance of gut flora, sometimes encouraging bacteria that are more likely to cause digestive issues, like bloating, gas buildup, and yes, sulphur burps [2].

Add in foods that are rich in sulphur compounds (like red meat, eggs, or fermented foods), and you’ve got a perfect storm for unpleasant odours.

How to stop sulphur burps while taking Wegovy?

Thankfully, for most Wegovy users, sulphur burps are a passing phase — not a permanent lifestyle.

As your body adjusts to the medication, many of these digestive symptoms settle down within a few weeks.

In the meantime, tweaking your eating habits, adjusting your food choices, and embracing some digestive-friendly habits can help reduce gas production and bring your breath back to baseline.

Remedies that may help

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Helps avoid overwhelming your digestive system and reduces excess gas production
• Avoid sulphur-rich foods: Certain foods like garlic, onions, red meat, and eggs can worsen the smell — limit these if the odour becomes too much
• Steer clear of fizzy drinks: Carbonated beverages can increase gas buildup in the stomach
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day to support digestion and prevent food from lingering in the stomach too long
• Peppermint tea: Can relax digestive muscles and reduce symptoms like bloating or burping. Other herbal teas containing fennel, ginger, lemon and camomile may also help
• Consider digestive enzymes: These may help break down food more efficiently and reduce fermentation
• Try food breaks: Allow your digestive system a breather between meals instead of constantly grazing
• Limit fermented foods: Kombucha, kimchi, and friends might be trendy and good for your gut health overall, but they can stir up more gas while your gut is adjusting
• Chew slowly and thoroughly: Eating slowly can reduce swallowed air, which contributes to excess gas

Are sulphur burps a sign of other Wegovy side effects?

While the occasional burp that smells suspiciously like rotten eggs might seem like a standalone drama, it can also be a sign that your digestive system is working overtime to adjust to the medication.

Wegovy, like all powerful medicines, comes with a list of potential side effects — most of which are simply a result of how it alters digestion, blood sugar regulation, and appetite suppression.

If you’re noticing other digestive issues alongside the sulphur burps (think bloating, nausea, or a sense that food just… sits there), it’s likely all part of the same adjustment package.

But don’t panic: experiencing sulphur burps doesn’t automatically mean something is going wrong. More often than not, it's a side effect of your body adjusting to delayed gastric emptying and increased gas production.

Still, it’s worth keeping an eye out for any symptoms that feel severe or persistent — especially if they start to impact your daily life, mental health, or motivation to continue your weight loss journey.

Common vs. less common side effects

Let’s break it down: not all symptoms are created equal. Some are par for the course (hello, mild nausea), while others should prompt a chat with your healthcare provider — especially if they stick around longer than your patience [3].

Common side effects of Wegovy:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Headaches
• Indigestion
• Bloating
• Delayed gastric emptying
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Excess gas and burping (including sulphur burps)

Less common side effects of Wegovy:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Signs of pancreatitis (like back pain or vomiting with fever)
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, itching)
• Gallbladder issues
• Changes in mood or mental health
• Kidney problems, especially if dehydrated
• Adverse reactions when combined with other medications
• Electrolyte imbalances from persistent vomiting or diarrhoea

If you’re ever unsure whether a symptom is “just part of it” or something more serious, that’s exactly what your healthcare provider is there for — to offer up-to-date advice tailored to your experience, body, and health history. And yes, even if your main concern is the rotten egg smell that’s taken over your week.

When to speak to your healthcare provider

If sulphur burps persist beyond the first few weeks of taking Wegovy — or if they’re accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, digestive discomfort, or weight loss that feels too rapid — it’s worth checking in with your healthcare provider. Sometimes, symptoms can point to issues like delayed gastric emptying that go beyond the usual adjustment period [4].

It’s also important to rule out interactions with other medications or underlying digestive problems that might be exacerbating the side effects [5]. If your rotten egg burps are starting to impact daily life or mental health, don’t grin and bear it. Your doctor or Juniper clinician can help you adjust your plan to manage side effects while staying on track with your weight loss goals.

Why support makes all the difference

While sulphur burps may not be the glamorous side effect you imagined when starting your weight loss injections, they’re often a temporary bump on the road to better health. Most patients find that as their gut bacteria and digestive tract adjust to the medication, symptoms like excess gas and digestive discomfort ease up — especially with the right support.

With the Juniper Programme, you can access weight loss medication tailored to your health and goals — never one-size-fits-all. Our app helps you track progress, connect with your care team, adjust medication as needed, and access expert support. You'll also get structured tools to build lasting habits and ongoing care.

Kickstart your weight loss journey with Wegovy, a groundbreaking weight loss injection that mimics the GLP-1 hormone to help control cravings, delay stomach emptying, and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

We help you make lifestyle and habit changes, and we’re in it with you for the long run, having helped thousands of women achieve their weight loss goals. Translation? You’re never left Googling “rotten egg smell burp” at 2am with no answers.

So if your digestive system is throwing a temporary tantrum, rest assured: there’s help, there’s science, and there’s a plan. Burps may be a symptom, but they don’t get the final word on your weight loss journey.

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