With millions of Americans now taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and diabetes treatment, new and unexpected symptoms are being reported by many users.
One is called “Ozempic breath”, which is often described as a fishy like smell or general bad breath, alongside a constant urge to burp.
Doctors believe this symptom may be tied to how GLP-1 delays gastric emptying, which causes food to sit in the stomach for longer—which can cause increased fermentation and bad odors. It may be caused by compounds being released by food in the stomach, which would typically be further into the digestion system at that point.
Bad breath is also called “halitosis” in medical terminology, and can stem from myriad causes—with bad oral hygiene being the most common culprit.
What it all means
These insights are still speculative among experts, as no peer reviewed research has confirmed these mechanisms.
Per Christopher McGowan, MD, who is a gastroenterologist and obesity medicine specialist, “All medications have side effects, and the anti-obesity drugs are no exception. Bad breath, or halitosis, almost universally arises from oral hygiene. Therefore, it’s crucial to differentiate where odors are arising so that they can be treated at the source.”
Dr. McGowan was sympathetic to the ongoing problems it causes, adding, “Patients report that these odors can ‘clear out a room’ and may be a source of anxiety in social situations.”
Ozempic breath has also had unintended business consequences. Hershey’s has reported increased sales of their mints, likely due to the appetite suppressants ubiquity in the markets.
Which hits at the best possible solutions in the interim.
How to move forward
Nearly 12% of Americans have tried or currently use a GLP-1 weight loss medication. So it’s likely that a few of you seeing this have experienced these symptoms.
Iron down your oral hygiene routine, ensuring you floss, brush, and use mouthwash regularly, while also seeing a dentist at least once a year.
Consider eating smaller meals to reduce the time food sits in your stomach, breaking down. Cut back on sulfur-rich foods such as eggs, garlic and onions. The foods that have a reputation for strong smells will typically make Ozempic breath far worse.
Drink tons of water. This helps dilute the compounds in your stomach and mask the smell.
Lastly, avoid heavy and fatty foods that will slow your digestion down even further.