'Ozempic breath' sparks questions as users report strange side effect

Those taking GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications for diabetes and weight loss often experience gastrointestinal symptoms – but some lesser-known side effects have also been reported.

One of those, described as "Ozempic breath," refers to "a fishy smell in burps or bad breath," Neha Lalani, MD, an endocrinologist based in Lakeway, Texas, told Healthline.

Bad breath (clinically known as halitosis) is not included in the listed side effects for popular semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Monjouro, Zepbound) medications.

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This potential side effect appears to be shaping consumers’ spending habits. The Hershey CEO recently shared during an earnings call that the popularity of GLP-1 drugs has led to people purchasing gum and mint products to freshen their breath, per reports.

There is currently no peer-reviewed research confirming that these medications cause bad breath or explaining a clear mechanism behind it.

Even so, numerous users have shared their experience with "Ozempic breath" on social media.

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"This is mortifying lol. I even brushed my teeth and gargled with mouthwash and I'm [still] smelling it. It literally smells like a dirty drain or sewage," one user shared.

"I feel like I need to brush my teeth all the time. The sulfur burps were temporary but DISGUSTING," another person wrote.

Dr. Sue Decotiis, a New York City-based physician specializing in medical weight loss and hormone optimization, confirmed that bad breath can result from dehydration, gastric reflux, medication side effects and unhealthy gut flora.

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"Even at moderate doses, GLP medications require about a gallon of still water daily to support fat metabolism and maintain proper hydration," she told Fox News Digital. "Very few patients do this or are advised to do so."

"A well-balanced probiotic containing multiple species may be helpful, especially if reflux persists," Decotiis advised. "Additionally, adequate protein and fiber intake support gastrointestinal health and promote a healthy gut microbiome."

Some users did share tips that seemed to help curb the issue.

"My mouth feels, tastes and smells better when I’m constantly drinking water," one person shared on Reddit.

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"Cut out greasy food from your daily diet. Most processed food too, if possible. And it should go away," another user recommended. Others have had some luck with antacids and fiber supplements.

Anyone experiencing persistent bad breath or unusual digestive symptoms while taking a GLP-1 medication should consult a doctor for evaluation and recommended next steps.

Fox News Digital reached out to Novo Nordisk for comment.

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Copperhead snake bite leaves mayor’s wife in 'excruciating pain,' he reveals

A North Carolina politician is spreading awareness after his wife was bitten by a copperhead snake in a frightening incident this week.

Robert Burns, mayor of Monroe, a suburb southeast of Charlotte, shared the harrowing incident in an X post on April 30.

"So ... word has gotten out that my sweet wife was bitten by a large copperhead last night," he began. "When it happened, we rushed her to the ER."

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The Republican mayor said that, though his wife Lauren's vitals have stabilized, they're "not out of the woods yet."

"She is in a lot of pain, probably more than I’ve ever seen her in," Burns wrote.

"We’re a busy family with a lot going on right now, but we truly cherish your prayers and are grateful for all the support, texts, calls, emails and well wishes," he added.

The copperhead snake is the most common and prevalent venomous snake in the state, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's website.

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"In many areas, including most of the larger urban areas of the state, it is the only venomous snake," the site says. "Because they are so widespread and tolerate living near people, copperheads account for probably over 90% of venomous snakebites in North Carolina."

Speaking to Fox News Digital on Friday, the mayor said his wife is currently "resting in bed as best as she can."

"I've not seen her in this consistent amount of pain before," he said. "We've had six children, and I've also seen her with kidney stones. I've seen it all, and she is in excruciating pain right now."

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Burns, who is known as "NC's mayor," said the incident happened while he was outside grilling food as Lauren spoke on the phone with her father.

Lauren was walking near a rope swing in a wooded area on their property when she was suddenly bitten by the reptile.

"All I heard was, 'Babe, it's not good, this is not good,' and I'm like, 'Are you okay?'" he recalled. "She ran around the side of the house, and she's like, 'Babe, I think I got bit by a snake."

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Burns quickly used his cell phone flashlight and found two puncture wounds on her left ankle.

"They were bleeding. They were big enough," he said.

When Burns asked what type of snake it was, his wife said it may have been a copperhead. They went back and found the likely culprit.

"This was about a 4-foot snake," he said. "It was probably about as thick as my wrist to my forearm."

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Burns added, "The second you see a copperhead, you know it's a copperhead, because it's a copper color and it has a pattern on its back, and it was big."

The couple's 14-year-old daughter had just been walking barefoot in the same area moments before the bite, he said. She may have even tripped over the snake without realizing it.

"These are the types of snakes that don't run," Burns said. "They don't flee … they stand their ground."

Doctors monitored Lauren for several hours, tracking her vitals and consulting poison control as swelling spread from her foot up her leg.

While the bite caused significant pain and inflammation, her condition stabilized, and the family ultimately chose not to use anti-venom due to potential risks. Lauren was discharged to recover at home, where they are managing her pain.

Burns encourages people to be cautious.

"Any snake bite, you want to take seriously," he said. "Because you don't really know, especially if you don't get eyes on it."

"I'm very grateful for all the support and help."

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Thinking about peptides? Doctors reveal key dos and don’ts as ‘Wild West’ market grows

The peptide boom is under scrutiny as the FDA weighs easing restrictions on several drugs in the category.

Peptides, which are short chains of amino acids that serve as the building blocks of proteins, have gained popularity among wellness influencers and fitness gurus as a means of building muscle, healing injuries or appearing younger.

Similar to how GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists) suppress appetite and trigger weight loss, peptides can signal other functions, like the release of growth hormones.

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But unlike GLP-1 drugs — which were extensively studied and regulated — many peptides lack comparable evidence and oversight, said New York endocrinologist Dr. Philip Rabito, adding that some are "not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness or quality before marketing."

Peptides under FDA review, including BPC-157, are often marketed for tendon and gut healing, injury recovery and inflammation reduction, despite warnings about the risks of unapproved treatments.

Even as regulators consider loosening restrictions, the market has been widely described as a "Wild West," with various versions sold online without a prescription.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, board-certified internist and longevity expert Dr. Amanda Kahn, who prescribes peptides in her own New York practice, confirmed that interest has grown "significantly" across the U.S.

Peptides are popular because they "sit at the intersection of wellness optimization and medicine," according to the doctor.

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"As a class, they are targeted biosimilar molecules that can influence specific pathways like inflammation, recovery and metabolism in a way that feels more biologically synergistic than traditional pharmaceuticals," she said.

Most patients spend a few hundred to thousands of dollars on these drugs per month, according to Kahn. Costs can be high because peptides are often custom-made and must meet strict quality and sterility standards.

"At the same time, patients today are far more proactive and invested in their health," Kahn added. "They’re not waiting to get sick; they want to feel better, recover faster and age more intentionally."

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Peptides have evolved rapidly from just a few years ago, when they were largely focused on weight loss, the expert said, with growing interest in energy, post-illness or injury recovery, muscle preservation and sleep quality.

But these drugs are not one-size-fits-all, experts warn, especially when not prescribed by a professional or cleared by a reputable pharmacy.

Experts shared the following guidance on using peptides.

Kahn recommends using peptides with "a clear, clinical rationale, not just because they’re trending."

"Think of peptides as part of a broader health plan, not a standalone solution," she advised.

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Kahn said patients often come into her practice focused on weight or appearance, but in-depth testing may uncover underlying issues such as inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, hormonal imbalance or recovery deficits.

"It’s both aesthetic and medical, but the trend in my internal medicine practice has always been toward specific health concerns," she added.

Dr. Kent Bradley, chief medical officer at 10X Health in California, recommends approaching peptides with "curiosity and rigor" and discussing the science with a physician.

"Work with a clinician who provides a baseline of biomarkers before you introduce peptides," he recommended during an interview with Fox News Digital. "You will need to know where you’re starting in order to measure the impact."

Peptides should always be purchased from "reputable compounding pharmacies by prescription," Kahn emphasized.

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"While they are powerful signaling molecules, when used appropriately, they can be very safe and effective," she said. "When used incorrectly, [with] the wrong dose, wrong indication or poor sourcing, they can be dangerous or ineffective."

She added, "The key is clinical oversight, proper selection and individualized use."

The current peptide ecosystem — including unlicensed providers and "gray market" access — is "more dangerous than the molecules themselves," Kahn warned.

It's important to use pharmacies that meet FDA 503A or 503B regulations to ensure consumer safety, the expert added.

Multiple peptides should not be combined without understanding how they interact with each other, nor should they be injected as mixtures, Kahn warned.

"Don’t treat them as risk-free supplements," she said. "They are biologically active and should be used thoughtfully."

"Peptides should be cycled, paused and re-assessed — don’t ‘set it and let it go.’"

Dose-response and drug interactions require medical oversight, and peptides should be prescribed by a doctor, according to Bradley. Some products that are marketed as "natural" may still have the capacity to do harm to the body, he warned.

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Fundamental pillars of health, like sleep, nutrition and exercise, should be addressed before using a peptide as a "shortcut" to fix health complications, Kahn said.

Bradley agreed, adding that "the same instinct that drives patients toward unnecessary surgery drives them toward complex peptide stacks when the real leverage is upstream and boring."

Kenny Santucci, a fitness expert and founder of Strong New York, shared with Fox News Digital that he takes peptides for muscle building himself – but noted that it’s not right for everyone.

Especially for younger individuals, whose bodies are "already working at optimal levels," peptides may be unnecessary, he said.

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"If you take care of yourself — if you’re eating right, sleeping right, working out — you probably don't need much," he said. 

"I think as you get older, these things start to help out a little bit, or if you suffer from an injury and you want to take something that will help repair the tissue quicker, that's great."

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