If you’re googling body odour, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not gross. Bodies sweat. Bacteria do their thing. Sometimes the combo gets pretty noticeable. The goal isn’t zero sweat — that’s impossible, not to mention dangerous—it’s knowing what’s behind the smell and how to manage it without stressing out. Here are the big ten, explained simply, with quick fixes you can actually use.
1. Hormonal shifts
Puberty, periods, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause—all can crank up sweating or change how you smell. Hormones tweak your internal thermostat and oil production, so odour can spike.
What helps: daily showers, a clinical-strength antiperspirant at night, breathable fabrics, and a light body wash after night sweats. If hot flashes are intense, talk to your doctor.
2. Exercise (of any kind)
It’s not just treadmill sprints. Yoga, walking, lifting, stretching, and even eating too vigorously can all raise core temperature, which means more sweat and more food for skin bacteria.
What helps: rinse or wipe down after workouts, change out of damp clothes fast, and wash gear regularly. Apply antiperspirant prior to working out, not after.
3. Diet choices
Spicy foods make you sweat, sure, but sulfur-rich foods (garlic, onions, brassicas like broccoli and cabbage) and large amounts of red meat can also change the BO. Think of it as asparagus pee, but for sweat.
What helps: track what you eat and how you smell; you may not need to cut foods, just space them out. Hydrate well to dilute strong scents.
4. Alcohol
Booze can cause flushing and sweating, and your body also excretes some alcohol byproducts through your pores. It can nudge your skin’s bacterial balance, too.
What helps: alternate drinks with water, skip sugary mixers, and shower before bed after a night out. If you experience “after-wine funk,” consider reducing the amount or frequency. That is, if you care about such triviality.
5. Medical conditions
Some health issues make you sweat more or change how your body processes compounds, including hyperhidrosis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. Faster metabolism means more heat, which in turn means more sweat.
What helps: if odour changes suddenly or comes with other symptoms (weight changes, fatigue, extreme thirst), see a clinician. Treating the root cause often calms the smell.
6. Medications and supplements
Certain meds, like some antidepressants, antiepileptics, hormonal treatments, and even minerals like zinc or iron, can increase sweating or alter odour as a side effect.
What helps: don’t stop meds on your own. Ask your doctor about timing, dose adjustments, or alternatives. In the meantime, upgrade your routine and use stronger antiperspirants, moisture-wicking layers, etc.
7. Stress and anxiety
Stress sweat comes from apocrine glands (hello, armpits and groin) and tends to smell stronger than regular “heat sweat.” If you’ve ever felt hot and clammy before a presentation, you know the vibe.
What helps: quick resets like box breathing, a two-minute walk, or a cool water splash, plus a pit wipe and reapply. Build longer-term stress tools (sleep, movement, therapy, meditation).
8. Hot weather (and stuffy spaces)
Warm days, crowded trains, unventilated rooms—your body tries to cool you by sweating more. The longer sweat sits on the skin, the more bacteria transform it into that funky smell.
What helps: lightweight, loose clothing in natural or tech fabrics; a portable fan; regular water breaks; and a small kit (deodorant wipe, spare tee) for midday refreshes.
9. Genetics
Some people simply produce different sweat compositions or have more active sweat glands. Skin microbiome differences matter, too. You can do everything “right” and still run warmer or smell stronger than a friend.
What helps: clinical antiperspirants, topical antibacterials (benzoyl peroxide wash used briefly on pits, then rinsed), and consistent hygiene. If the BO is severe or unusual, rule out medical causes.
10. Body fat
More body fat can act like a heat blanket, so you may feel warmer and sweat more. Skin folds can also trap moisture where bacteria thrive.
What helps: target moisture management: pat dry well, use absorbent powders (talc-free), anti-chafe sticks, and breathable layers. Focus on comfort habits now; any long-term weight goals are separate and optional.
