Why Am I Getting Sulphur Burps on Mounjaro? Causes & Tips to Stop the Smell
If you’ve recently started using Mounjaro as part of your weight loss journey and noticed an unpleasant side effect — burps that smell like rotten eggs — you’re not alone.
These so-called sulphur burps might be a surprise, but they’re a relatively common experience for some people on GLP-1 weight loss treatments. While not dangerous, they can be disruptive and embarrassing.
In this guide, we’ll explain what causes sulphur burps while on Mounjaro, why they happen, and most importantly — how you can reduce or even avoid them while staying on track with your weight loss goals at Weight Medics.
What Are Sulphur Burps — and Are They Common with Mounjaro?
Sulphur burps smell unpleasant because they contain hydrogen sulphide, a gas produced when food breaks down in the digestive tract. The smell is often compared to rotten eggs — and if you're experiencing this while taking Mounjaro, you're definitely not imagining it.
Although not listed as a primary side effect, many users of GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro report occasional eggy burps. These side effects stem from how the medication works to slow digestion, allowing food to remain in the stomach and intestines for longer than usual.
This extra time gives gut bacteria the opportunity to ferment food more than usual, which can release sulphur-based gases.
The good news? These burps are usually harmless and can often be managed with simple lifestyle and dietary changes.
Why Does Mounjaro Cause Sulphur Burps?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist that helps with weight loss by slowing gastric emptying, controlling appetite, and regulating blood sugar. This delay in digestion, while beneficial for weight control, also gives sulphur-producing bacteria more time to work on undigested food — leading to those infamous eggy burps.
Certain foods are high in sulphur compounds — like red meat, dairy, onions, and cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cabbage) — and when these remain in your digestive tract longer than usual, it can result in the release of hydrogen sulphide gas. As your appetite changes, your eating habits might shift toward foods higher in sulphur increasing the chances of these unpleasant burps.
In addition, Mounjaro may alter your gut microbiome, which can sometimes increase sulphur-producing bacteria.
How to Prevent or Reduce Sulphur Burps on Mounjaro
Here are clinically backed ways to ease or eliminate sulphur burps while on Mounjaro, without compromising your weight loss results.
1. Adjust Your Diet
High-sulphur foods such as eggs, red meat, garlic, and dairy products may increase sulphur gas production. Try:
- Reducing sulphur-rich foods in your diet
- Reduce sugary and high processed foods
- Try Manuka Honey, a medically-active honey harvested from the tea tree family. It may help relieve digestive symptoms and kill off potentially infectious bacteria in the gut.
- Focusing on low-sulphur alternatives like leafy greens, lean proteins (chicken, tofu), and whole grains
- Identifying any food intolerances (like lactose or gluten), which can worsen digestive symptoms when combined with Mounjaro
Pro tip: Keep a food diary to track which meals trigger symptoms the most.
2. Stay Hydrated
Water is essential for digestion, especially when your gastrointestinal motility is slowed. Staying hydrated:
- Aids in breaking down food more efficiently
- Helps move food through the intestines
- Reduces fermentation time in your gut
- Aim for 6–8 glasses a day, and consider herbal teas like peppermint or ginger, which can support digestion.
3. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Instead of three large meals, opt for five to six smaller meals throughout the day. This:
- Reduces the amount of food fermenting in your stomach
- Supports better portion control, which is key in any medical weight loss programme
- May reduce bloating and discomfort
4. Reduce Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol use may be another culprit for sulphur burps.
At the very least, alcohol consumption may disrupt effective digestion in the body and lead to stomach acid reflux, which may influence sulphur burps. Some people may find their digestive symptoms go away simply by reducing their alcohol intake.
5. Get Light Exercise After Meals
Gentle activity like a 10-15 minute walk after eating can help move food through the gut, preventing it from sitting too long and producing excess gas.
6. Try Digestive Aids (With Medical Advice)
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, consider asking your Weight Medics clinician about:
- Simethicone-based gas relief medications
- Antiacids and Proton Pump Inhibitors
- Try probiotics: They may help balance your gut bacteria
- Activated charcoal (to absorb gas)
Always consult a clinician before using over-the-counter products alongside prescription weight loss medication.
Are Sulphur Burps Unique to Mounjaro?
Other medications used in medically supervised weight loss programmes may have similar side effects:
Wegovy (semaglutide): Works similarly to Mounjaro and may also cause delayed gastric emptying and sulphur burps.
Phentermine: This appetite suppressant doesn’t slow digestion, so it’s less likely to cause sulphur burps, but it comes with its own side effect profile (e.g., dry mouth, insomnia).
When to Speak to a Weight Medics Clinician
In most cases, sulphur burps are manageable. However, consult your clinician if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening burping despite lifestyle changes
- Additional symptoms like nausea, bloating, or diarrhoea
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Unintended weight loss beyond what’s expected from the programme
- These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition that needs medical evaluation, such as coeliac disease, irritable bowel syndrome or GERD( gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Weight Medics: Personalised Support for Every Step of Your Journey
At Weight Medics, your health and comfort are our top priorities. If you’re struggling with side effects like sulphur burps, our medical weight loss specialists can help adjust your plan, recommend safe remedies, and ensure your treatment is both effective and sustainable.
With ongoing support, custom meal plans, and expert guidance, you're never alone in your journey to better health.
Written by Dr Debra Marcos | MBBS
