The UK's most complete GLP-1 guide
Every Question Answered. Every Side Effect Explained.
- How GLP-1 medications work
- Mounjaro vs Wegovy compared
- Injection instructions
- Side effects & solutions
- What to eat on treatment
- FAQs answered
Free tracker included with every download this week
Why Am I Burping on Mounjaro?
Burping is a commonly reported side effect when taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight management. This happens because Mounjaro slows how quickly food moves through your stomach and digestive system, which can cause gas to build up and lead to increased burping or belching. While this is usually temporary and harmless, understanding why it occurs and how to manage it can help you feel more comfortable during your treatment. Most people find this side effect lessens over time as their body adjusts to the medication.
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Enter your height and weight below. Supports both imperial (stone & lbs) and metric (kg). Results include NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity adjustments.
What Is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool for assessing whether your weight falls within a healthy range. Used by the NHS, GPs, and weight management services across the UK, BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight relative to your height. The formula is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared (kg/m²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution — it remains the standard first step in identifying potential weight-related health risks including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
The NHS also recommends adjusted thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage — a BMI of 23 or above is classified as overweight, and 27.5 as obese. Our calculator includes this adjustment as a one-click toggle.
How Mounjaro Affects Your Digestion
Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it works through two different hormone pathways to help regulate appetite and support weight loss. One key way it does this is by slowing gastric emptying — the process by which food leaves your stomach and moves into your small intestine. This slower digestion helps you feel fuller for longer and reduces hunger signals to your brain. However, this same slowing effect can cause gas to accumulate in your stomach and upper digestive tract, leading to burping, bloating, or flatulence. Additionally, if you're eating more slowly or in smaller portions (which Mounjaro encourages), you may swallow more air while eating, which also contributes to burping. The good news is that gastric emptying typically normalises over time as your body adjusts to the medication, usually within the first few weeks or months of treatment.
Weight Loss
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How It Works
Three simple steps to understand your weight and take action.
Enter your height and weight in our free calculator. Get your BMI, NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds instantly.
If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Use our progress tracker to log your weight weekly, visualise your journey with charts, and stay motivated — all stored privately in your browser.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
Managing Burping and Other Digestive Side Effects
There are several practical steps you can take to reduce burping while on Mounjaro. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly — this reduces the amount of air you swallow and gives your stomach time to process food properly. Take smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones, and avoid carbonated drinks, fizzy beverages, and foods known to cause gas (beans, lentils, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli). Staying upright after eating and going for a gentle walk can help with digestion. Ginger tea or peppermint can be soothing for some people. If burping is severe or accompanied by severe stomach pain, seek medical attention as it could indicate pancreatitis. Most people find burping improves significantly as their body adjusts to the medication over several weeks.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 22.5% body weight loss (SURMOUNT-1)
- Weekly injection, dose escalation over 20+ weeks
- Available via private prescription in the UK
- Doses: 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15–17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Head-to-Head
A side-by-side comparison of the two most popular GLP-1 weight loss medications available in the UK.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Avg. weight loss | 15–22.5% | 12–17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20–32 weeks | 16–20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | £150–£250/month | £150–£300/month |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Data sourced from SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 clinical trials. Costs are approximate and vary by provider. Always consult a prescriber.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Medication?
In the UK, eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy is based on your BMI and overall health profile.
- BMI of 30 or above (obese)
- Age 18 or over
- No contraindicated conditions
- Committed to lifestyle changes
- BMI of 27 or above
- Plus type 2 diabetes
- Or high blood pressure
- Or obstructive sleep apnoea
Use our BMI calculator to check whether your BMI falls within the eligible range.
How We Built These Tools
Every calculator and guide on myweightcheck is built with accuracy and transparency in mind. Our BMI calculator uses the standard WHO formula with NHS-aligned category thresholds. Our GLP-1 projections are modelled on published clinical trial data from SURMOUNT and STEP studies.
All data stays on your device. We don't require sign-ups, and we don't store your health information on any server. Your progress tracker saves data locally in your browser using localStorage, so only you can see it.
We're based in the UK and our tools are designed specifically for UK users — supporting stone & lbs by default, referencing NHS guidelines, using NICE-approved medication data, and linking to GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BMI, weight loss medications, and our free UK tools.
Is burping a normal side effect of Mounjaro?
Yes, burping is a very common side effect reported by people taking Mounjaro. It occurs because the medication slows gastric emptying (how quickly food leaves your stomach), allowing gas to build up. This is usually harmless and temporary, typically improving as your body adjusts to the medication over time.
How long does burping last when taking Mounjaro?
For most people, burping and other digestive side effects like bloating reduce significantly within the first 4–8 weeks as the body adapts to the medication. However, experiences vary. If burping persists beyond 12 weeks or worsens, discuss it with your prescriber, as dose adjustments may help.
Can I reduce burping while on Mounjaro?
Yes. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly, take smaller meals, avoid fizzy drinks and gas-producing foods, and stay upright after eating. Some people find ginger tea or peppermint helpful. These practical changes, combined with your body's natural adjustment period, usually reduce burping significantly.
Is burping on Mounjaro dangerous?
Mild to moderate burping is not dangerous and is a normal digestive response. However, if you experience severe stomach pain alongside burping, seek urgent medical attention as it could indicate pancreatitis. Contact your prescriber if burping is severely affecting your quality of life.
Should I stop taking Mounjaro if I'm burping a lot?
Do not stop taking Mounjaro without speaking to your prescriber. Burping usually improves within weeks as your body adjusts. Your prescriber may adjust your dose, suggest lifestyle changes, or offer other support. Always discuss side effects with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
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