What Are Ozempic Burps? A Doctor Explains Everything You Need to Know About the Weird but Possible Side Effect

You have likely heard of Ozempic, since the miracle weight loss drug has been making headlines for quite some time now. Some of its side effects have garnered attention, too—many of which are positive indicators of improved health, while others (like Ozempic face, for example) are not so swell. Alas, you can add one more unpleasant side effect to the list: persistent and particularly malodorous belching. So what are Ozempic burps, exactly? Read on for the full scoop from a medical expert, plus some sage advice on how best to alleviate this unpleasant side effect.

Britta Reierson, MD, FAAFP is a board-certified family physician and obesity medicine specialist bringing holistic, comprehensive weight inclusive healthcare to all individuals as a practicing physician leader at knownwell. Dr. Reierson serves as the Midwest/Central Medical Director, leading efforts at knownwell, where she works to expand the clinic’s services and provide increased access to care for patients throughout the region. 

Ozempic is the brand name for a generic medication known as semaglutide—an FDA approved treatment that’s prescribed primarily to manage Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. So how does it function in the body, exactly? “Ozempic belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 Receptor Agonists that work by lowering blood sugar levels through the stimulation of insulin release by the pancreas, thus decreasing the production of sugar by the liver,” explains Dr. Reierson, adding that, “Ozempic also slows the rate of food passing through the stomach and GI tract, resulting in less hunger and early satiety.” Needless to say, this hunger-reducing effect of the drug can result in significant weight loss.

Dr. Reierson tells us that the most common symptoms of Ozempic are gastrointestinal, and include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Burping
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Injection site reactions

The term “Ozempic burps” describes a distinct gastrointestinal side effect that’s associated with the medicine—specifically, “excessive burping that often has a foul odor like rotten eggs,” says Dr. Reierson. Why does this unpleasant side effect occur, you ask? The expert explains that when Ozempic slows down the digestive process, the consequence is a build-up of hydrogen sulfide gas in the stomach, which results in more burps and smellier (i.e., more sulfuric) ones.  While the medication can be very effective in aiding weight loss and mitigating the effects of T2DM, Dr. Reierson does note that this particular side effect can be very distressing to individuals—namely because, well, it’s kind of yucky and obviously can cause some embarrassment in social situations.

If you’re reading this, chances are that you or someone close to you is struggling with this pesky side effect of Ozempic. Fortunately, Dr. Reierson says that there are several simple things a person can do to get some relief from Ozempic burps. The expert’s recommendation is to first consult your healthcare provider to see about adjusting your dosage: “Going down on the dosage for a period of time will often decrease the amount of gas, resulting in less burping [and] oftentimes when the increased dosing is tried again, the side effect does not return.”

Dr. Reierson also tells us that certain dietary changes can alleviate Ozempic burps. Specifically, she advises avoiding foods that are high in sulfur, like eggs, meat and cruciferous vegetables. Additionally, Dr. Reierson advises starting a probiotic to balance the bacteria in the digestive tract and drinking plenty of water to aid digestion. One final recommendation: “Eat smaller and more frequent meals to reduce digestive strain.” As for over the counter remedies like antacids, Dr. Reirson tells us that they may help but it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider before testing those out.