FROM nausea and hair loss to grim burps and life-threatening pancreatitis, if you’re one of the estimated million-plus fat jab fanatics, chances are you are clued up on the side effects.
Like all medications, GLP-1 drugs come with risks, but in the wake of the Mounjaro price hike, and many switching to Wegovy, a new, altogether more embarrassing side effect is rearing its ugly head – farts so bad they can clear a room.
Weight loss jabs could make you feel more flatulent than usual – read on for how to combat it[/caption]
GLP-1 users have reportedly been struck by a bothersome side effect, dubbed ‘Wegovy Wind’.
Forums are littered with people saying their work and home lives have become torturous from trying to hold in “earth-shattering” gas.
One user – who’d been on Wegovy for three weeks – took to Reddit to recount waking up at 3am feeling “very uncomfortable”.
“I took two steps toward the washroom and “BWARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRP!”. It was as though Godzilla had entered our bedroom,” they wrote.
“My spouse woke up, alarmed, which in turn [startled] the dogs, [who] commenced barking.
“My response was an immediate second “, BWARPPPPPPP!”, followed by hysterics about the noises I had just created.
“I am trying to eat much earlier and less eruptive foods,” the Redditor added.
Let’s get one thing straight – farting is totally normal and everyone does it, whether they admit it or not.
But weight loss jabs may crank up the body’s natural process of releasing gas from the digestive system.
Jason Murphy, weight management expert and Head of Pharmacy at Chemist4U, tells The Sun: “Weight loss injections, like any medication, can cause side effects.
“However, for most people, they are often mild and tend to settle on their own.
“Increased flatulence is a common side effect of weight loss injections.”
Though the name is catchy, Wegovy isn’t the only drug that causes extra wind.
Jason says: “While often dubbed ‘Wegovy Wind’, it is not exclusive to Wegovy and is a common side effect of other weight loss injections such as Mounjaro.”
Jason Murphy, from Chemist4U, says ‘Wegovy Wind’ can arise from any weight loss jab[/caption]
Danielle Brightman from Numan explains foods sits in your stomach for longer, producing gas[/caption]
Experts at health tech company Numan say many weight loss jab users might only notice a mild change to their wind, while others may struggle with increased flatulence that’s noticeably smellier.
But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to produce eye-watering farts all the way through your weight loss journey.
According to Numan, you might find you feel gassier when you first start using the injections.
Jason adds: “This side effect typically peaks when you increase your lower doses and usually improves as your body adjusts to the medication.”
Danielle Brightman, registered pharmacist and clinical director at Numan, explains that weight loss jab users may notice excessive wind due to the amount of time food sits in the stomach.
She says: “Wegovy works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach.
“Food sitting longer in the stomach and intestines can ferment more, producing extra gas.
“The drug also alters gut motility – the way your intestines contract – and this can make digestion slower or uneven, leading to bloating and trapped wind.”
What are the side effects of weight loss jabs?
Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects.
Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include:
Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts.
Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea.
Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset.
Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation.
Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort.
Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss.
Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating.
Serious side effects can also include:
Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon.
Thyroid tumors: There’s a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic.
Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin.
Jason says “trapped wind in the gut” from weight loss jabs can “cause discomfort, ranging from very mild to quite intense”.
As to why the farts might smell worse than normal, Danielle adds: “This is usually linked to how the medication slows digestion.
“Because food stays longer in the stomach and intestines, it can ferment more before being broken down, which increases both the amount and smell of gas.”
A few factors concentrate the stink, Danielle adds.
“This effect can be stronger if meals are high in fat, fried, or contain sulfur-rich foods such as eggs, onions, or cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.”
But she notes that while the smell of ‘Wegovy Wind’ can be “bothersome”, the side effect is “often harmless”.
The jabs can cause food to sit in your gut for longer, increasing gas production[/caption]
HOW TO COMBAT ‘WEGOVY WIND’
While wind is a natural way for the body to release excess air from the stomach, it can be uncomfortable.
Jason says: “There are several steps that can be taken to minimise the impact of this side effect.
“These include dietary changes like ensuring you eat little and often, rather than sticking to three big meals.
“Increasing physical activity can also aid digestion and staying hydrated is key.”
Here are some tips to help your bowels out a little – and they’re all free!
1. Slow down
Danielle says: “Eat and drink slowly.
“When you eat or drink quickly, you may swallow ai,r which can lead to wind.”
Taking your time while eating can “allow your stomach time to catch up”, Jason adds.
2. Chew on it
Don’t just gulp down your food, Danielle adds.
“Chew your food well,” she says.
“This can also reduce the amount of air that you swallow while you’re eating.”
3. Fizz out
Sadly, your afternoon fizzy pop may not be helping matters if you’re feeling a bit gassy.
Jason advises: “Avoid fizzy drinks to reduce the amount of air being swallowed, which can lead to the production of gas.”
4. No gum
Gum is also a no-no if you’re feeling gassy.
Danielle says: “Avoid chewing gum as it can cause you to swallow air.”
And while you’re at it, avoid drinking out of straws too.
5. Slash fat and sugar
Jason says: “Keep it light on the spice and reduce your fatty and sugary food intake to avoid side effects from worsening.
“Also, limiting gas-producing vegetables such as sprouts and cabbage can alleviate pain caused by gas or bloating.”
6. Swerve booze
Say no booze if you’re having tummy troubles, Jason adds.
“Alcohol can also make your side effects worse, so it’s best to steer clear when taking weight loss medication.”
7. Suit yourself
And finally, make things easier on yourself by donning comfy clothing.
Danielle says: “Avoid tight clothing, which might put pressure on the waist and stomach.”
WHEN SHOULD I WORRY?
Jason says: “It is important to remember that worrying about side effects is natural, especially when starting a new medication.
“In most cases, side effects such as excess or trapped wind go away on their own as the body gets used to the medication.
“However, if side effects persist or worsen, you should speak to your prescriber or speak to a healthcare professional for advice.”
When to speak to a GP about farting
The NHS recommends you speak to someone about farts if:
- Farting is affecting your life and self help and pharmacy treatments have not worked
- You have a stomach ache or bloating that will not go away or comes back
- You keep getting constipation or diarrhoea
- You have lost weight without trying
- You’ve had blood in your poo for three weeks
Source: NHS
