13 hours ago
‘Ozempic Penis': Males Are Reporting a Surprising New GLP-1 Side Effect
Male Reddit users are reporting what they call 'Ozempic penis,' with some claiming penile growth of up to 1.5 inches.
Experts say, however, that Ozempic penis is not a true side effect of GLP-1 drugs.
Instead, fat loss above the penis allows more of the organ to be visible, and improved blood flow due to improved metabolic health could also play a role.
If you've spent any time in online forums like Reddit's r/Ozempic, you may have come across an eyebrow-raising phenomenon dubbed ' Ozempic penis.'
Some males taking semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and other GLP-1 medications — such as tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), and liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza) — are reporting a surprising side effect: their penis appears larger.
'I recently measured myself down there and noticed I gained about 1 inch,' said Redditor coffeebeardtv.
While it might sound like internet folklore, a growing number of users are sharing similar experiences.
In a viral thread, other men chimed in to confirm that it had also happened to them.
'Yeah, wife has definitely noticed a difference, was 278 down to under 200,' said Beathil.
'Yep I noticed that happen to me as well,' added OwnCarpet717.
WeatherInfinite30 also agreed, saying, 'Yes. I gained 1.5 inches in length. No joke.'
But is this effect real, or just Reddit-fueled exaggeration?
The original poster acknowledged that some might think it was because of fat loss. '[However], at the time I measured myself before 4 years ago [I] was thinner,' he stated.
Even so, other Redditors weren't sure that the growth was real.
'It just looks bigger (which doesn't suck) and probably works better,' said No-Western924.
So, what's the real story according to medical experts? Here's what we know—and what you should take with a grain of salt.
Is 'Ozempic penis' a real side effect of GLP-1 drugs?
Pamela Tambini, MD, a double board certified physician in Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine, who leads the clinical team as Medical Director at Engage Wellness, said that 'Ozempic penis' is not a medical term or diagnosis, but rather a nickname being used by people to describe a personal observation.
'Currently, there is no scientific evidence that GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic cause an actual increase in penis size,' she told Healthline.
Tambini additionally explained that GLP-1 medications primarily work by helping to regulate blood sugar.
They also promote weight loss through appetite suppression and changes in gut hormone activity.
'There is no known biological mechanism that links GLP-1 receptor agonists to the growth of genital tissue,' she said.
Is 'hidden penis' the culprit?
Tambini said that some of the men were on the right track in thinking that fat loss could create the illusion of a longer penis.
'[W]hen men lose significant weight, particularly in the lower abdomen or pubic area, it can uncover more of the base of the penis that was previously buried in fat,' she explained.
'So, while the actual length does not increase, more of it becomes visible, which can create the impression of growth.'
Stanton Honig, MD, Chief of Reproductive and Sexual Medicine at Yale School of Medicine, agreed with Tambini, pointing to a 2008 review published by himself and his colleagues in the International Journal of Impotence Research as evidence.
In this review, they discussed how the fat pad above the public bone can make the penis appear shorter — a condition known as 'hidden penis.'
The review further noted that surgical removal or reduction of this fat pad is often a part of making the penis more visible, thus making it appear longer.
However, while fat loss is likely the major factor that is making men on Reddit think their penis looks larger, a couple of other factors might account for this phenomenon as well.
Tambini noted that GLP-1 medications have been shown to have cardiovascular benefits, which, in some, might improve blood circulation and erectile function.
'Moreover, there is also a psychological element,' she said. 'When someone is losing weight, feeling better, and becoming more confident, their body perception can shift, which may influence how they view themselves physically.'
How do you know if your penis size has changed?
To objectively measure any change, Tambini said you would need consistent measurements taken the same way, under similar conditions.
'For example, measuring from the pubic bone to the tip of the penis while erect, before and after starting the medication,' she said.
If you don't measure in the same way each time, you can't determine whether any observed changes are due to weight loss, improved erection quality, or simply changes in self-perception.
If you want to follow the methodology from the study cited by Honig, take your measurement along the top side of the penis.
They also took measurements in three states: flaccid (unstimulated), flaccid stretched (when gently pulled to its maximum length), and fully erect.
Girth (circumference) measurements were taken at the midpoint of the shaft in both flaccid and erect states, per the study authors.
However, it should be noted that they took measurements in all three states because they were comparing men to each other and wanted to account for the 'grower versus shower' phenomenon, where some men 'grow' when erect, while others tend to remain a similar size.
If an individual is only looking for changes in himself, it would probably be sufficient to pick one state and remain consistent.
Should you be concerned about a change in penis size?
Although seeing a larger penis is often viewed by men as a weightloss bonus, there are certain times when a change might trigger a visit to your doctor.
Tambini said that if you notice any changes, whether they seem positive or negative, it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional.
'Some changes, such as improved erectile function or increased energy, may be part of achieving better overall health,' she said.
'However, if someone is experiencing difficulties with erections, sensitivity, or sexual performance, it is worth discussing.'
According to Tambini, these symptoms may indicate health issues, such as low testosterone, medication side effects, or vascular problems.
'If the change feels surprising, unexplained, or concerning, consulting a doctor is always the right move,' she advised.
Honig additionally noted that patients on Ozempic may have diabetes along with obesity, which puts them at risk for erectile dysfunction.
'We have excellent treatments for ED, including pills, shock wave therapy, penile injections, and placement of a penile implant,' he said.
