A bizarre new side effect of the weight-loss drug Ozempic has sparked a tidal wave of internet buzz — and this time, it’s not about shedding pounds. According to a new peer-reviewed study out of Northwestern University, a statistically significant number of male Ozempic users are reporting increased penis size — and the phenomenon now has a nickname: “Ozempic penis.”
The term began trending on X (formerly Twitter) after urologists cited multiple patient cases involving “elongation and vascular changes” that were initially dismissed as anecdotal. But now, the study — published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine — confirms what many men were already whispering about in Reddit threads and Discord chats: the changes may be very real.
“We found an average increase of 1.2 centimeters in flaccid length over 6 months of Ozempic use,” said lead researcher Dr. Harry Kohn. “The mechanisms are still unclear, but likely tied to metabolic shifts and increased blood flow.”— MedNews Pulse (@MedNewsPulse) June 4, 2025
The results come on the heels of exploding demand for semaglutide-based drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes but now widely prescribed off-label for weight loss. Celebrities, influencers, and even tech execs have embraced it — often without fully understanding its long-term effects.
Ozempic gave me abs… and now this? My wife said she noticed before I did 💀💀💀 #OzempicPenis— Sean McDaniel (@seanmcdanielfit) June 4, 2025
Doctors were initially skeptical, chalking the phenomenon up to weight loss–related visual changes. “We assumed men just appeared longer after losing belly fat,” said Dr. Annette Moore, a urologist at Cedars-Sinai, speaking to BuzzFeed News. “But the new data shows that’s only half the story.”
According to the Northwestern study, the increase may be linked to improved circulation, decreased inflammation, and even reduced visceral fat around the groin — all of which contribute to penile health. Researchers also speculate that changes in hormonal balance and insulin resistance may play a role.
On Reddit, threads like r/OzempicPenis are blowing up, with users posting before-and-after photos, detailed logs, and — in some cases — partner testimonials.
One user wrote, “I went from 4.9” to just over 6” in 8 months. My doctor says there’s no way Ozempic is responsible. But I know what’s real.”
Okay but what is happening with Ozempic and this whole ‘growth’ situation… I need peer-reviewed gossip ASAP 😭— Dr. Chika Okafor (@ChikaOkaforMD) June 4, 2025
The pharmaceutical company behind Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, declined to comment on the phenomenon but told The Wall Street Journal that it is “aware of ongoing research into non-intended physiological effects.”
Meanwhile, TikTok creators are flooding the app with “Ozempic Penis Challenge” videos — many of which push the line between curiosity and satire. One creator’s clip showing his measurements pre- and post-injection has drawn over 5.7 million views in 48 hours.
Just measured for the fifth time this week. I’m not saying it’s magic, but… 😳 #OzempicChallenge— @FitMedicTV (@FitMedicTV) June 4, 2025
Despite the memes, not everyone is laughing. Some medical experts worry that this trend may drive a new wave of off-label prescriptions among healthy men hoping for performance enhancement. “It’s not Viagra,” warned endocrinologist Dr. Samuel Klein in an interview with NBC News. “Using Ozempic just to increase size is both unethical and potentially dangerous.”
There are also concerns about what happens when people stop taking the drug. Several users have reported a “reversal” of the gains, raising fears about long-term dependency.
PSA: You stop Ozempic, you lose the gains. That goes for size AND confidence. Choose wisely, boys. #SemaglutideTruths— MaleHealthGuru (@MaleHealthGuru) June 4, 2025
Still, some men say they’re willing to risk the side effects. “I’ll take the nausea if it means I finally feel confident naked,” one TikTok user said in a now-viral clip.
This isn’t the first time Ozempic has produced unintended side effects that triggered viral attention. In 2024, users began reporting a sharp drop in alcohol cravings and even disordered eating behaviors, prompting new studies into semaglutide’s effects on the brain’s reward system. As Nature Medicine noted, the drug appears to “rewire desire” in unexpected ways.
With more studies underway and thousands of anecdotal cases flooding the internet, one thing is certain — the conversation around Ozempic is no longer just about weight.
We went from ‘miracle weight drug’ to ‘confidence booster below the belt’ in a year. Wild times. #OzempicPenis— MedTok Digest (@MedTokDigest) June 4, 2025
As researchers dig deeper, many are urging caution — but also acknowledging that sexual health and metabolic health may be more interconnected than once believed. Until more data is released, “Ozempic penis” remains part myth, part medicine, and fully unforgettable.
