Burping is often considered a “faux pas,” as it can be embarrassing and off-putting, especially in social situations. 

But for some, the inability to belch can be an issue that can cause discomfort. There is even a medical name for the condition: retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (R-CPD), also known as “no burp syndrome.”

The cricopharyngeus is the main muscle of the upper esophageal sphincter, the top gate of the food pipe. With no burp syndrome, this muscle does not relax, which interferes with the burping process, according to Neil Chheda, MD, associate professor and vice chair in the department of otolaryngology and chief of the division of laryngology at UF Health in Gainesville, Florida.

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“Both men and women can be affected, and risk factors for developing this condition are not known,” Chheda told Fox News Digital.

It may not seem like an inability to burp is a big deal, but it can bring severe challenges, the doctor said. 

“Those who can’t burp may report quality of life issues, such as bloating, a gurgling noise, and discomfort with certain foods and drinks, such as carbonated beverages,” Chheda said.

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Priya Krishna, MD, an otolaryngologist in the department of head and neck surgery at Loma Linda University in California, agreed that no burp syndrome can cause “significant psychological distress” in the affected person.

“It actually severely impacts the life of an individual, making social situations embarrassing because the gurgling can be loud and the flatulence excessive,” she told Fox News Digital.

“Those who can’t burp may report quality of life issues, such as bloating, a gurgling noise, and discomfort with certain foods and drinks.”

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If over-the-counter options, prescription medications and lifestyle tweaks don’t solve the burping issues, patients can turn to Botox for a potential remedy, medical experts say.

Whether it’s injected into the face for a cosmetic procedure or elsewhere in the body for a functional reason, Botox works by preventing a motor nerve from releasing the chemical transmitter that signals a muscle to contract, explained Dr. Chheda with UF Health. 

Botox works by preventing a motor nerve from releasing the chemical transmitter that signals a muscle to contract. (iStock)

“When Botox is injected into the cricopharyngeus, the muscle can’t contract, and thereby relaxes and permits the venting of the esophagus.”  

As a result, this can help a patient burp.

Dr. Krishna of Loma Linda University told Fox News Digital that a Botox injection can be a very safe procedure as long as it is injected into the correct and intended muscle.

“That means having a surgeon familiar with the anatomy — as all otolaryngologists are — injecting the cricopharyngeus muscle,” she said.

While it may not seem like an inability to burp is a big deal, it can bring severe challenges, a doctor said.  (iStock)

The remedy was discovered by Robert Bastian, MD, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) and director of Bastian Voice Institute in Downers Grove, Illinois.

“I have subspecialized in laryngology (the ‘T’ of ENT), which means voice, swallowing, upper airway, sensory neuropathic cough and inability to burp, or R-CPD,” he told Fox News Digital. “So I describe myself as a ‘laryngologist.’”

Bastian said he pioneered the procedure that involves injecting Botox into the cricopharyngeal muscle, which enables it to loosen and permits burping. 

What to expect from the procedure

There are two methods of using Botox to induce burping, according to Bastian. 

The first is a brief procedure under general anesthesia in an outpatient operating room. 

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“A simple ‘scope’ procedure allows one to see the sphincter, at the junction between the low throat and opening of esophagus,” the doctor told Fox News Digital. “A tiny needle is then inserted into the muscle to inject Botox.”

“Both men and women can be affected, and risk factors for developing this condition are not known,” a doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

Because of the anesthesia, someone must drive the patient home after the procedure.

The second method is to inject the muscle while the patient is sitting in a chair in a doctor’s office. 

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“A needle is passed into the muscle from the side of the neck. Surface landmarks and three-dimensional visualization are used by the surgeon, and an EMG device monitors and verifies muscle placement,” Bastian described. 

The patient can drive to and from the procedure since only local anesthesia is used.

A Botox injection can be a very safe procedure as long as it is injected into the correct and intended muscle, one doctor stated. (iStock)

Bastian said it has been rewarding to pioneer the Botox method. 

“It has been a great privilege to be the one to ‘discover’ and codify the diagnosis and help spread the information to other doctors … and above all, it has been an honor to work with lovely patients who have suffered so much and for so long with this terrible disorder,” he told Fox News Digital.

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A patient of Bastian spoke about the effectiveness of the procedure, saying it has allowed them to burp, that “any gurgling is gone,” and that “bloating has diminished almost entirely,” the doctor shared.

The patient also noted that getting the procedure has “drastically” improved their day-to-day life.

Fox News Digital reached out to the manufacturer of Botox and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting comment.

A Durham, North Carolina, man has turned his life around after receiving grave medical news. 

Derek Barnett, 55, was diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease 10 years ago, according to a report from SWNS.

At his heaviest, Barnett weighed 240 pounds and was a size 38.

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Barnett, a construction worker who is currently unemployed due to health issues, brushed off his diagnosis, telling SWNS that he “didn’t think anything of it.”

“Everybody’s got a type of thing,” he said.

But the man’s condition worsened, progressing into cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma, also known as liver cancer.

In January 2024, Barnett was given a letter from his doctor that broke some bad news – he potentially had only six months to live if the cancer continued to grow.

“When they gave me that letter last year, it got real,” he reflected.

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“That note said, ‘If the cancer gets aggressive, you have six months to live.’ I saved it, looked at it every day, and it beat me up.”

Barnett’s doctors informed him that the best way to regain his health would be to lose weight – and he knew it was time to get motivated and act.

“I played college baseball, tennis and football in the ’80s, but as I got older, I gained weight,” Barnett said. (SWNS)

“I was like, ‘OK, we can do this,’” he told SWNS. “I’m a fruit-aholic. I went on a major fruit diet basically.”

Barnett began limiting his diet to “very tiny meals” throughout the day, involving lots of his favorite fruits.

“It’s about eating right, staying active and never giving up.”

“I can eat a whole watermelon in a day, but I also eat apples, oranges and grapes — whatever’s in season,” he said.

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“I do protein shakes, too. I’m not a vegetarian, but I don’t eat meat much, because it’s too filling for me.”

Barnett recently hit a record-low weight of 164 pounds. He reported that he dropped the pounds by following this diet, and that his “scores are looking fantastic.”

Barnett reported that he feels “fantastic, and I’m just getting started.” (SWNS)

“I haven’t weighed this since I was probably 15 years old,” he said.

Barnett said he still has work to do in toning his muscles to “catch up to the skin loss,” but he continues to push forward.

“My clothes are a little too big and baggy, and it’s hard to afford clothing when you lose weight so quickly, but I feel fantastic,” he said.

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Barnett has also kept the weight off by staying active, despite his physical limitations.

“I have osteoarthritis in my right knee and need a knee replacement,” he revealed. “I can’t go jogging or do stairs, but I do what I can.”

Barnett managed to lose more than 70 pounds with a fruit and protein shake diet, plus consistent exercise. (SWNS)

He reported that his workouts usually involve sitting in chairs and “using little dumbbells.”

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“I’m nonstop, but I do it without hurting myself,” he added. “Losing weight is just [about] staying active, finding anything you can possibly do to get off a couch.”

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Barnett told SWNS that he will find out the status of his prognosis in February, and that he hopes to inspire others with his successful weight-loss journey.

“I definitely don’t want cancer anymore,” he said. “I don’t want a liver transplant. I want to live an active lifestyle.” (SWNS)

 “If I can do this, anyone can,” he said. “I’ve done everything the doctors told me to do. It’s about eating right, staying active and never giving up.”

“I was 55 going on 90,” he went on. “Now I’m 55, going back on 20 again.”

Barnett hopes to return to work and live a “full, active life,” according to SWNS.

“I want to ring that bell next time I see my doctors and tell them I’ve done it,” he said. “This is just the beginning.”

Even though weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy may seem like miracle drugs, GLP-1 patients are also expected to make significant lifestyle changes. GLP-1s help facilitate weight loss, but adding regular exercise to prevent muscle loss, and dietary changes to to make sure you’re still getting good nutrition while eating less, are crucial for long-term effectiveness. And while GLP-1 patients should be consciously consuming more “healthy” foods, there are also certain foods to avoid on GLP-1s. We spoke to registered dietitians who weighed in on what foods patients should avoid or eliminate entirely from their diets for best possible results.

Avoiding these foods when you’re taking GLP-1s may help your weight loss results

With weight loss, there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution. However, dietitians such as Angel Luk, RD and co-founder of FoodMysteries emphasize the importance of avoiding large amounts of sugar and processed foods while taking GLP-1s, to get the most out of the medication (which we make note of in our printable PDF!): “Ultra processed foods that are high in added sugars and unhealthy fats pack a heavy calorie punch while being very low in nutrient density,” she explains. “To optimize results on GLP-1s, I highly recommend that people continue to eat three small meals a day, with one to to snacks as needed, while ensuring that each small meal and snack includes protein, vegetable and/or fruit, and some complex carbohydrates.”

[Ensure] that each small meal and snack includes protein, vegetable and/or fruit, and some complex carbohydrates.

Eating at home can help avoid sneaky extra calories

Caloric deficits are also necessary to ensure the medication works — which is why Luk also adds that eating out should be a treat. Even though cooking a homemade meal after a long day at work can sometimes seem quite taxing, it helps those looking to lose weight — especially on GLP-1s — know exactly what’s going into their food, and how much they are eating. “Even ‘healthier’ options at a restaurant often contain significantly more calories than a homemade ‘copycat’ version of the same meal,” Luk says.

GLP-1 patients should also avoid foods that trigger negative side effects

GLP-1s can sometimes come with unpleasant side effects. Michelle Routhenstein, MS RD CDCES CDN says GLP-1 patients should avoid anything that will further upset their stomachs: “Given that GLP-1 medications can cause nausea and constipation, it’s best to avoid foods that may worsen these symptoms,” Routhenstein says. “This includes refined sugars, fatty foods, processed foods, and large portions.”

This includes refined sugars, fatty foods, processed foods, and large portions.

There are some foods you should be sure to eat when taking GLP-1s

Because GLP-1s tend to decrease appetite, patients should also make sure they are taking in certain nutrients (as noted in our PDF!). Routhenstein says protein and fiber are at the top of her list: “It’s important to include adequate protein intake to prevent muscle loss, as well as fiber to promote regularity and ensure you receive essential vitamins and minerals for overall health,” she explains.

Opting for more cold protein can be an easier way to get enough nutrition with less cooking—and help with side effects

While some may associate “protein” with a grilled steak or a bowl of lentil soup, Luk suggests going cold. Indigestion, headaches, and diarrhea — which are associated with GLP-1s — can make it hard to eat. But opting for cold food may be easier to digest. “Cold protein foods such as milk or calcium fortified plant milk, as well as yogurt, nuts, and seeds, are optimal choices,” Luk explains. “They are dense in protein and unlikely to worsen nausea, which is often triggered by hot, aromatic foods.”

Supplements may depend on you

Routhenstein adds that supplement recommendations will vary from person to person. Getting regular bloodwork on GLP-1s is necessary, however, to examine and identify an individual’s possible deficiencies. “If GLP-1 medications reduce appetite to the point of only consuming one meal per day, supplements may be necessary to ensure adequate nutrient intake. The choice of supplements should be guided by a Registered Dietitian,” Routhenstein says. “They are evaluating your lab results, medical history, medications, age, and gender, with your food intake to ensure benefit versus potential harm.”

It can be hard to get enough fiber while eating less

Although supplements may vary person to person, Luk recommends GLP-1 patients supplement their diets with fiber, in gradual amounts: “In general, most adults do not meet the recommended daily fiber intake goal of 25 to 38 grams per day, let alone while their appetite and intake is reduced while on GLP-1s,” Luk says. “If someone is really struggling to meet their dietary fiber goal via food sources alone, it’s worthwhile to discuss taking a fiber supplement with a health care provider.”

Maintaining a healthy diet on GLP-1s is crucial

If you need a printable reminder of what to eat and not to eat on GLP-1s, make sure to download our PDF! Below is a list of foods to avoid and eat more of while taking weight loss medications.

Foods to Avoid on GLP-1s

• Processed foods
• Food from restaurants
• Refined sugars
• Fatty foods
• Processed foods
• Large portions

Foods to Incorporate into a GLP-1 Diet

• Protein (eat cold for digestion)
• Supplements, based on guidance from a dietitian
• Fiber

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.