Understanding Mounjaro and Burping: Possible Side Effects Explained

If you’re using Mounjaro for weight loss or you are thinking about starting, it’s helpful to understand side effects and how to manage the.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at one of the side effects that is talked about less, sulphur burping. We’ll walk you through what it is, why it happens and what you can do to manage it.

Article Summary:

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes, helping control blood sugar and reduce appetite. It mimics the GLP-1 and GIP hormones to promote weight loss.
• Some people may experience sulphur burps, also known as "eggy burps" as a side effect due to its impact on the digestive tract.
• To manage sulphur burps, we recommend changes to your diet, staying properly hydrated, incorporating exercise, and considering safe over-the-counter remedies.

Overview of Mounjaro

Mounjaro is a popular weight loss medication that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. It is part of a larger group of medications called GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists because it works by mimicking two hormones that are naturally released in your gut after you finish eating.

The first hormone that it mimics is GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide), which helps the body make more insulin after meals and may also have helpful effects on how the body handles fat.

Similar to other weight loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) it also mimics the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone. Mimicking this hormone helps your body make more insulin when your blood sugar is high, slows down digestion (gastric emptying) so food stays in your stomach longer, and works on the brain to make you feel less hungry.

Mounjaro is taken once a week as a subcutaneous injection, which means it is injected just under the skin. Clinical trials show that tirzepatide users lost 20.9% of their body weight in 72 weeks when combined with diet and exercise changes. [1]

Common Side Effects of Mounjaro

Like all medications, Mounjaro can cause side effects, with some more common than others. The most common side effects of Mounjaro are related to your digestive system, including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting and burping.

The good news is that most people notice side effects when they first start taking these Mounjaro or after a dose increase. This happens because your body is adjusting, and these side effects usually subside within a few days to a couple of weeks. Most people find these temporary issues manageable at home. [1]

What Are Sulphur Burps?

Burping, also known as eructation, is when gas is released from your stomach and comes out through your mouth, often with a noticeable sound. It is a normal way for your body to get rid of air that you have swallowed while eating or drinking.

Sulphur burps are slightly different to regular burps. Only 3% of people taking Mounajro experience sulphur burps, while 1 in 10 experience regular burps as a side effect. You can tell if you’re experiencing sulphur burps if they smell like rotten eggs. [2]

Why Does Mounjaro Cause Sulphur Burps?

Mounjaro slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach. When food stays in your stomach longer than normal, bacteria have more time to break it down. If you eat foods with sulphur, including eggs, garlic, onions and some cruciferous vegetables, these bacteria can cause a build-up of hydrogen sulphide gas, which smells like rotten eggs.

Mounjaro can also change the mix of bacteria in your gut and how quickly food moves through your body. This can make more sulphur gas build up, resulting in sulphur burps.

Managing Sulphur Burps When Using Mounjaro

If you’re dealing with sulphur burps while using Mounjaro, there are several practical steps you can take to reduce discomfort. These include making different dietary choices, staying properly hydrated, incorporating exercise, and considering safe over-the-counter remedies.

To manage sulphur burps, here’s what we recommend:

• Eat and drink slowly to help reduce the amount of air you swallow
• Avoid fizzy drinks
• Avoid chewing gum and sweets
• Take regular walks as exercise and gentle movement can aid digestion and improve bloating
• Avoid eating too many sulphur-rich foods like eggs, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage
• Stay hydrated by drinking 6-8 cups of fluids each day [3]
• Try probiotics to balance gut bacteria

Seek immediate medical advice if sulphur burps are accompanied by symptoms like severe abdominal pain or vomiting by calling 999.

Ready to Start Your Weight Loss Journey?

At MedExpress, we’re here to support you through your whole weight loss journey. If you’re thinking about getting started, complete a consultation on our website.

References

1. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine [Internet]. 2022 Jun 4;387(3):205–16. Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
2. Drugscom. Do GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro cause sulfur burps? [Internet]. Drugs.com. 2025. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/glp-1-drugs-ozempic-mounjaro-cause-sulfur-burps-3579872/
3. NHS. Water, Drinks and Your Health [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2023. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/