Some patients taking Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) report experiencing a bad taste in the mouth, a condition known as dysgeusia. Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Whilst taste disturbances are not listed among the common side effects in UK regulatory documentation, post-marketing reports suggest they can occur. This altered taste perception—often described as metallic, bitter, or persistently unpleasant—may affect appetite and quality of life. Understanding why this happens and how to manage it can help patients continue treatment safely and comfortably.
Quick Answer: Wegovy can cause a bad taste in the mouth (dysgeusia) in some patients, though this is not listed as a common side effect in UK regulatory documentation.
Dysgeusia refers to a distortion or alteration in the sense of taste, which has been reported by some patients taking Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg). Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Whilst the medication is generally well-tolerated, taste disturbances—including a persistent metallic, bitter, or unpleasant taste in the mouth—can occur as an adverse effect.
Taste changes may manifest in various ways: some individuals describe a constant bad taste that does not resolve with eating or drinking, whilst others notice that certain foods taste different or less appealing than before. This alteration can affect appetite and eating habits, potentially affecting nutritional intake and quality of life if severe.
It is important to distinguish dysgeusia from other oral symptoms such as dry mouth (xerostomia) or oral infections, which may also occur during treatment. Dysgeusia specifically involves altered taste perception rather than reduced saliva production or inflammation. Understanding this distinction helps patients and healthcare professionals identify the issue accurately and implement appropriate management strategies.
Notably, taste disturbances are not listed among the common side effects of Wegovy in the MHRA-approved Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). However, post-marketing reports and clinical observations suggest they may occur in some individuals. The experience varies considerably between patients, with some noticing mild changes and others finding the symptom more troublesome. Recognising dysgeusia as a potential side effect is the first step towards effective management and reassurance.
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Start HereThe exact mechanism by which semaglutide might cause taste disturbances is not fully understood, but several hypotheses exist. GLP-1 receptors are present not only in the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract but also in the central nervous system, including areas involved in taste perception and appetite regulation. It is theoretically possible that activation of these receptors could influence neural pathways that process taste signals, though this has not been definitively established in clinical studies.
Semaglutide slows gastric emptying, which is one of the mechanisms through which it promotes satiety and weight loss. This delayed gastric emptying can lead to prolonged contact between gastric contents and the oesophagus, potentially causing reflux symptoms. The Wegovy SmPC lists gastro-oesophageal reflux disease as a common adverse reaction (affecting ≥1/100 to <1/10 patients). Acid reflux or regurgitation may contribute to a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, which patients might attribute directly to the medication.
Whilst not extensively documented with semaglutide specifically, changes in saliva composition or flow rate could theoretically affect taste perception in some individuals. Additionally, some patients report temporary alterations in how foods taste during periods of significant weight loss, regardless of the method used. These changes may relate to metabolic adaptations, though the precise relationship requires further research.
There is no established link between semaglutide and direct damage to taste receptors. When investigating taste disturbances, it is also worth considering other potential causes, including concurrent medications, underlying health conditions, or nutritional deficiencies (such as zinc or vitamin B12 deficiency). A thorough medication review and assessment of overall health status can help identify contributing factors beyond Wegovy itself.
Taste disturbances (dysgeusia) are not listed among the very common (≥1/10) or common (≥1/100 to <1/10) adverse effects in the Wegovy SmPC approved by the MHRA. The most frequently reported side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain, which affect a significant proportion of patients, particularly during dose escalation.
In the clinical trials that supported Wegovy's approval, taste disturbances were not prominently reported as a significant adverse event. The European Medicines Agency's European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) for Wegovy similarly does not highlight dysgeusia as a frequently observed side effect in the clinical development programme.
However, post-marketing surveillance through systems such as the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme suggests that taste changes may occur in some patients, though the exact frequency is difficult to quantify. Mild taste changes may be underreported, especially if patients do not recognise them as medication-related or if they resolve spontaneously. When dysgeusia does occur, anecdotal evidence suggests it typically emerges within the first few weeks to months of treatment.
The incidence may vary depending on individual factors such as dose, duration of treatment, concurrent medications, and baseline health status. Some patients report that taste changes diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication, whilst others find the symptom persists throughout treatment. It is important to note that the absence of taste disturbance from the common side effects list does not mean it cannot occur—individual responses to medications vary considerably.
Healthcare professionals should be aware of this potential side effect and enquire about taste changes during follow-up consultations, particularly if patients report reduced appetite or difficulty maintaining adequate nutrition. Suspected adverse reactions can be reported via the Yellow Card Scheme (www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard), which helps monitor the safety profile of medicines in real-world use.
If you experience a persistent bad taste whilst taking Wegovy, several practical strategies may help alleviate the symptom and improve your quality of life. Good oral hygiene is fundamental: brush your teeth at least twice daily, use a gentle alcohol-free mouthwash, and consider tongue cleaning to remove bacteria and debris that may contribute to taste disturbances. Sugar-free chewing gum or mints can stimulate saliva production and temporarily mask unpleasant tastes.
Dietary modifications may also prove beneficial. Some patients find that certain flavours—particularly citrus fruits, ginger, or mint—help neutralise bad tastes. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps the mouth moist and may dilute unpleasant taste sensations. Cold or frozen foods such as ice lollies or sorbet can provide temporary relief. Conversely, avoiding very spicy, fatty, or strongly flavoured foods may reduce taste disturbances if these exacerbate the problem.
If acid reflux is contributing to the bad taste, lifestyle measures to reduce reflux are important, in line with NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary recommendations. These include eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions, avoiding eating within three hours of bedtime, elevating the head of the bed, and limiting trigger foods such as caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and acidic foods. For symptom relief, over-the-counter antacids or alginates may help. If reflux symptoms persist despite these measures, consult your GP or pharmacist about whether additional treatments might be appropriate.
Maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition is essential, particularly if taste changes reduce your appetite. Focus on nutrient-dense foods and consider asking for a referral to an NHS dietitian if you struggle to meet your nutritional needs. Some patients find that the taste disturbance lessens after the initial dose escalation period, so perseverance may be worthwhile if the symptom is mild and other benefits of treatment are evident.
Finally, keep a symptom diary noting when the bad taste is most prominent, what foods or activities worsen or improve it, and any other associated symptoms. This information can be valuable when discussing the issue with your healthcare provider and may help identify patterns or triggers.
Whilst taste disturbances are generally not dangerous, certain circumstances warrant medical review. Contact your GP or prescribing clinician if the bad taste is severe, persistent, or significantly affecting your ability to eat and maintain adequate nutrition. Weight loss medications should support healthy, sustainable weight reduction, not compromise nutritional status or quality of life to an unacceptable degree.
Seek medical advice if taste changes are accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as severe or persistent nausea and vomiting, signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, reduced urine output), abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing. These may indicate more significant gastrointestinal issues that require assessment.
Seek urgent same-day medical attention if you develop severe, persistent upper abdominal pain (especially if radiating to the back) with vomiting, as these could be symptoms of acute pancreatitis—a rare but serious adverse effect noted in the Wegovy SmPC. Similarly, symptoms such as fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes), or pain in the right upper abdomen could indicate gallbladder problems, which are also associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Contact NHS 111 or attend A&E if these urgent symptoms develop.
If you develop oral symptoms such as mouth ulcers, swelling, pain, or white patches on the tongue or inside the cheeks, a clinical examination is necessary to rule out oral infections or other conditions. If you suspect the taste disturbance might be related to another medication or a nutritional deficiency, discuss this with your healthcare provider. Your GP may consider whether blood tests are appropriate based on your symptoms and clinical assessment.
It is important not to stop Wegovy abruptly without medical guidance. If taste changes are intolerable, your prescriber may suggest temporarily reducing the dose, pausing treatment to see if symptoms resolve, or considering alternative weight management strategies. The decision to continue, modify, or discontinue treatment should be made collaboratively, weighing the benefits of weight loss against the impact of side effects on your wellbeing.
Finally, report any adverse effects, including taste disturbances, through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard). This national reporting system helps the MHRA monitor the safety of medicines and contributes to the broader understanding of medication side effects in real-world use.
The duration varies between individuals. Some patients report that taste disturbances diminish after the initial dose escalation period (first few weeks to months), whilst others experience persistent symptoms throughout treatment. Keeping a symptom diary and discussing patterns with your healthcare provider can help guide management decisions.
Do not stop Wegovy abruptly without medical guidance. If taste changes are intolerable, contact your prescriber to discuss options such as temporarily reducing the dose, pausing treatment, or considering alternative weight management strategies. The decision should be made collaboratively, weighing benefits against side effects.
Yes, reporting adverse effects including taste disturbances through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard) is encouraged. This national reporting system helps monitor medication safety and contributes to understanding side effects in real-world use, even if they are not listed as common adverse reactions.
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