Burping on GLP-1 medicines

In short

Frequent burping, sometimes with a sulfur smell, is listed in GLP-1 label tables. It tends to follow larger or high-protein meals that sit in the stomach longer.

Why it happens

When food stays in the stomach longer, gut bacteria and digestion have more time to produce gas. Some of that gas comes back up as burps.

Sulfur burps get their smell from hydrogen sulfide. Foods rich in sulfur, like eggs, red meat, broccoli, cabbage and some protein powders, can add to it.

When it starts and fades

Burping tends to be most common when starting treatment and after dose increases, the same window as other stomach side effects, which were mostly mild to moderate in trials.

It often eases as portions shrink and you learn which foods sit heavily for you.

What helps

• Eat smaller meals and chew slowly to swallow less air.
• Cut back on fizzy drinks and drinking through straws.
• Notice whether eggs, cruciferous vegetables or certain protein powders set it off.
• Space protein across the day rather than one large serving.
• Take a short walk after meals to help digestion.
• Ask a pharmacist about over-the-counter gas remedies.