Why do I have sulfur burps on Wegovy?

Semaglutide slows gastric emptying — food stays в the stomach 2-4x longer than normal. This delayed transit lets gut bacteria ferment sulfur-containing proteins (eggs, meat, dairy, garlic, cruciferous vegetables), producing hydrogen sulfide gas. The "rotten egg" smell is the result. Mitigation: smaller meals, lower-sulfur protein sources (poultry, fish), avoid garlic/onions/eggs first 4 weeks, peppermint tea after meals. Persists past 12 weeks? Talk к your prescriber about anti-nausea support or slower titration. Not dangerous but socially disruptive.

Ozempic and constipation — incidence, timing, and management (2026)

Timing

When constipation appears

Gradual onset over weeks 4-12. Persists at maintenance dose.

Mechanism

Why it happens

Slowed colonic motility from semaglutide.

Management

What to do

Psyllium fiber, hydration, magnesium. Movement.

When to escalate

No BM for 5+ days, severe cramping, vomiting. Same-day evaluation.

Editorial note

What the evidence says

Constipation on Ozempic is lower than Wegovy because of dose. Manage proactively with fiber from day one.

Other Ozempic side effects

Ozempic and nausea →
Ozempic and diarrhea →
Ozempic and vomiting →
Ozempic and fatigue and tiredness →
Ozempic and headaches →

Constipation on other GLP-1s

Wegovy and constipation →
Mounjaro and constipation →
Zepbound and constipation →
Saxenda and constipation →

Editorial summary, not medical advice. Incidence figures from FDA prescribing information and pivotal trial publications. Individual experience varies. Coordinate side effect management with your prescriber.