Fat Britons were today warned that weight loss jabs can cause bad breath.
Semaglutide, available as Ozempic and Wegovy, has been hailed as a monumental breakthrough in the war against obesity.
But, according to one expert, the injections can create an imbalance of bacteria in the gut, contributing to its growing list of unwanted side effects.
Dr Ferakh Hamid, a dentist at Leeds-based Aesthetique Dental Care, warned that “not drinking enough water” could also be behind the problem.
Semaglutide, available as Ozempic and Wegovy, has been hailed as a monumental breakthrough in the war against obesity. But, according to one expert, the injections can create an imbalance of bacteria in the gut, contributing to the growing list of unwanted side effects.
Weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy mimic the production of the hormone GLP-1, which helps keep the body full.
A clinical trial by drug maker Novo Nordisk found that nine percent of participants suffered from belching, known medically as “eructations.”
This figure dropped to just one percent in the placebo group.
However, researchers don’t know exactly why the medications may cause bad breath or halitosis.
Dr Hamid said: “While Ozempic is really good for managing type 2 diabetes and can help you lose a few kilos, it is important to remember that it can also cause side effects.
‘One of those side effects is bad breath, which could be related to stomach problems and not drinking enough water.
“They are studying how Ozempic could cause bad breath by affecting bacteria in the intestine.”
He added: ‘Ozempic works by changing the way your body handles insulin and sugar, which could upset the balance of gut bacteria and cause bad-smelling breath. However, more research is needed to fully understand this.
‘Those using Ozempic should be aware of possible dental side effects caused by semaglutide, its main ingredient.
“You may experience dry mouth, changes in taste, and a greater chance of having dental problems.”
The injections, which work by mimicking GLP-1, a natural hormone that tells the brain it is full, have long been known to cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Experts have suggested that because they slow digestion, this could give the stomach more time to break down food and produce gas.
In this case, putrid air can escape through the mouth.
Others believe that certain foods, such as dairy, may also cause more odor emissions.
However, those who suspect that blows are the root cause of their bad breath can make lifestyle changes, Dr. Hamid said.
Despite being hailed as one of the most powerful pharmaceutical tools to date, experts have warned that it is neither a “magic pill” nor a miracle solution for everything. Trials have shown that users can quickly gain weight again once they stop taking the medication and this can trigger a variety of unpleasant side effects. Users often complain of nausea, constipation and diarrhea.
It’s also important to eat a wide variety of plants and consume plenty of whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Extreme dieting or drastically cutting carbs can lead to ketosis (when the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose), “which could make your breath smell worse,” he added.
Remembering to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and a tongue scraper can also be “crucial.”
She said: ‘If you’ve tried everything and bad breath still persists, talk to your doctor.
They may suggest that you adjust your Ozempic dosage or explore other diabetes management options that are more beneficial for your oral health.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, was dubbed Hollywood’s worst-kept secret when it burst onto the scene because the number of celebrities reportedly using it was low.
It has been shown to help users lose up to 33 pounds (15.3 kg) on ​​average in about a year.
Ministers plan to hand out the drug to millions of overweight Britons to cut the country’s swollen benefits bill.
Over time, children could also receive the injections.
The latest NHS data shows that 26 per cent of adults in England are obese and a further 38 per cent are overweight but not obese.
Ozempic is currently only available on the NHS as a treatment to control blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Its spectacular slimming effects caused doctors and pharmacists to distribute it “off label” to people who want to lose weight.
However, officials urged against it due to supply problems, warning it would put the lives of diabetics at risk.
The news comes after MailOnline revealed that the men at Ozempic were flooding Reddit forums with reports of performance issues in the bedroom.
The safety leaflets included with the medications include a warning that sexual dysfunction could be a side effect, but the association has not been studied extensively.
A study earlier this year found that the problem was a side effect in about one in 75 men taking weight-loss drugs, with many of them describing frustration and humiliation in the bedroom.
The problem is thought to be due to low testosterone levels caused by these blockbuster drugs.