Guide · Side effects · 3 min read
Reflux and bloating
Heartburn, reflux, burping, gas and bloating are among the common side effects of GLP-1 medicines; they may affect up to 1 in 10 people. 1·2
For reflux
Reflux is stomach acid travelling up towards your throat; it causes a burning feeling in your chest and a sour taste in your mouth. 4 Symptoms are often worse after eating, when lying down and when bending over. 4
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals. 4
- Don't eat in the 3 or 4 hours before bed. 4
- Don't wear clothes that are tight around your waist. 4
- Cut down on food and drink that trigger your symptoms. Coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate and fatty or spicy food make reflux worse for some people. 4
- Keep alcohol low. With GLP-1 treatment it can make nausea and reflux worse. 3·4
- Raising the head of your bed by about 10 to 20 cm can help, but extra pillows can press on your belly and make it worse. 4
- Don't smoke. 4
If you keep getting heartburn, your pharmacist can suggest an antacid; these are for the short term and should not be taken regularly for long periods. 4
For bloating
The most common reason for bloating is a lot of gas in your gut. 5 Some vegetables, fizzy drinks or swallowing air while you eat can cause it. 5
- Chew with your mouth closed to avoid swallowing air. 5
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones. 5
- Drink plenty of water; go easy on fizzy drinks, alcohol and caffeine. 5
- Don't eat lots of foods that cause gas, such as cabbage, beans or lentils. 5
- Exercise regularly. It can help when you feel bloated too. 5
- If you are constipated, eat foods high in soluble fiber such as oats or linseed. 5
In CalJab
Log bloating in How are you as "Bloated"; the number of days appears in your doctor report. On a gentle day, recipes that are easy on the stomach come first in Recipes.
When to see a doctor
- Severe stomach pain that does not go away and may spread to your back: see a doctor straight away. It can be a sign of an inflamed pancreas. 1·2
- Heartburn most days, lifestyle changes and pharmacy medicines not helping, food getting stuck in your throat or being sick often: see your doctor. 4
- Bloating with vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, stomach ache, fever, a swelling or lump in your tummy, or not being able to pass gas or poo: contact a doctor right away. 5
- Sudden severe stomach ache with a swollen stomach, vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or severe trouble breathing: get emergency help. 5
Make decisions about your medicine and dose with your doctor.
Sources
- 1Wegovy product information and package leaflet. European Medicines Agency (EMA). Accessed 20 October 2026. ema.europa.eu
- 2Mounjaro product information and package leaflet. European Medicines Agency (EMA). Accessed 20 October 2026. ema.europa.eu
- 3Mozaffarian D, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from ACLM, ASN, OMA and The Obesity Society. Obesity 2025;33(8):1475-1503. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4NHS: Heartburn and acid reflux. Last reviewed 20 November 2023. nhs.uk
- 5NHS: Bloating. Last reviewed 21 January 2026. nhs.uk
Written by the CalJab team, with sources. It does not replace your doctor's advice. Found a mistake? Write to support@caljab.app.