• Some male users on Reddit have reported an increase in penis size, which they refer to as “Ozempic penis,” with increases up to 1.5 inches being claimed.

  • However, experts clarify that this is not an actual side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists.

  • Rather, the apparent increase in size may be due to loss of fat in the pubic area and possibly enhanced blood circulation from better metabolic health.

On platforms like Reddit’s r/Ozempic, users have shared experiences of what they’ve termed “Ozempic penis.”

Men using semaglutide (such as Ozempic and Wegovy) and other GLP-1 drugs including tirzepatide and liraglutide have reported that their penises seem larger.

“After taking measurements recently, I realized I’ve gained roughly an inch,” shared Redditor coffeebeardtv.

This unusual side effect has been echoed by numerous other users, adding credibility to the initial claims.

In one popular discussion, additional contributors confirmed experiencing similar changes.

“Absolutely, my wife noticed too, I went from 278 pounds to just under 200,” commented Beathil.

“That happened to me as well,” OwnCarpet717 confirmed.

WeatherInfinite30 also concurred, stating, “Yes. I gained 1.5 inches in length. It’s true.”

But is there any truth to these reports, or are they merely exaggerations fueled by online chatter?

The original poster speculated it might be due to losing fat. “But when I last measured four years ago, I was actually leaner,” he noted.

Still, some users were skeptical about the actual growth.

“It just appears bigger (which isn’t a bad thing) and probably functions better,” commented No-Western924.

So, what do medical professionals have to say about this? Here’s the expert take.

Is ‘Ozempic penis’ an actual side effect of GLP-1 medications?

Dr. Pamela Tambini, an expert in Internal and Addiction Medicine and the Medical Director at Engage Wellness, stated that “Ozempic penis” is not a medically recognized term or condition, but rather a user-generated term describing a personal observation.

“There is no scientific backing that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic directly cause penis enlargement,” she informed Healthline.

Dr. Tambini further noted that these medications primarily help in managing blood sugar levels and reducing weight by suppressing appetite and altering gut hormone activity.

“There is no scientific basis linking GLP-1 receptor agonists with genital tissue growth,” she added.

Could ‘hidden penis’ be the real explanation?

Dr. Tambini explained that some men might be correct in suspecting that fat loss around the pubic area could expose more of the penis’s base, previously hidden by the fat pad, giving an illusion of length increase.

“This exposure can make the penis appear longer, although its actual size remains the same,” she explained.

Dr. Stanton Honig, a leading authority in Reproductive and Sexual Medicine at Yale School of Medicine, supported this explanation with a 2008 study from the International Journal of Impotence Research which discussed how the pubic fat pad could make the penis appear shorter, a condition termed as “hidden penis.”

The study also mentioned that surgical interventions to reduce this fat pad are sometimes employed to make the penis more visible.

Moreover, Dr. Tambini mentioned that improvements in cardiovascular health from GLP-1 drugs could enhance blood flow and erection quality, contributing to this perception. Additionally, the psychological boost from weight loss might alter how individuals perceive their bodies.

How can you accurately measure changes in penis size?

Dr. Tambini advises that to accurately assess any change in size, consistent measurement techniques are essential.

“Measurements should be taken from the pubic bone to the penis tip while erect, both before and after starting the medication,” she explained.

Without uniform measurement practices, it’s difficult to determine if changes are due to actual growth, improved erectile function, or just shifts in self-perception.

The methodology suggested by Dr. Honig involves measurements in three states: flaccid, flaccid stretched, and erect, with girth measurements taken at the mid-shaft.

This comprehensive approach helps compare data across individuals and addresses variations like the “grower vs. shower” effect. However, for personal tracking, maintaining consistency in one state may suffice.

Should you be worried about changes in penis size?

While many may view an increase in penis size as a bonus of weight loss, any noticeable change should be discussed with a healthcare provider, suggests Dr. Tambini.

“Changes like enhanced erectile function or increased vitality may indicate improved health,” she noted.

“However, issues such as erection problems, sensitivity changes, or alterations in sexual performance should be professionally evaluated,” she continued.

Dr. Tambini emphasized that such symptoms could signal underlying health issues like hormonal imbalances, side effects of medications, or circulatory problems.

“If the change is unexpected, unexplained, or concerning, it’s best to consult a doctor,” she advised.

Dr. Honig also pointed out that patients using Ozempic might have conditions like diabetes or obesity, which are linked to erectile dysfunction.

“There are effective treatments available for erectile dysfunction, including medications, shock wave therapy, penile injections, and even surgical options,” he mentioned.

He recommended consulting the Sexual Medicine Society of North America’s Healthcare Provider Directory for specialists in sexual medicine.