It’s the miracle drug known to curb appetite, stimulate weight loss and even help kick unhealthy addictions like smoking.

But some men have claimed that taking ‘GLP-1’ injections, more commonly known by brand names including Ozempic and Wegovy, have brought on another surprising – and welcomed – side effect.

Online, the phenomenon has been dubbed ‘Ozempic penis’.

Frank, a 36-year-old man from New Mexico whose name has been changed to protect his privacy, weighed 286 lbs when he began taking weight loss medication two years ago. His doctor had prescribed the medication to help treat his diabetes and hypothyroidism.

His starter dosage of Ozempic – a popular semaglutide injection used to treat type 2 diabetes – came with its usual reported side effects, such as reduced hunger, improved energy and the occasional acid reflux.

Six months into his weight loss journey, however, Frank began noticing a surprising physical difference in his body – one that no one had warned him about.

He was, once again, waking up with ‘morning wood’ – something he’d lost back in 2020 due to complications with his diabetes, he told the Daily Mail.

And not only was Frank once again waking up in a state of arousal, but his penis appeared to have grown by an inch.

Frank whipped out his iPhone and used it as a makeshift ruler.

‘The last time I measured myself,I used my phone which was an iPhone 7 Plus,’ he told the Daily Mail. ‘I was about 5.8 inches.’

This time, with his larger iPhone 15 Pro Max, his member appeared to have lengthened to match the device, which is around 6.3 inches.

‘People didn’t seem to believe me,’ he said. 

It is already known that shedding fat from around the pubic region can make the penis appear longer than it was before the localized weight loss.

But Frank believes his ‘growth spurt’ was somehow directly related to the Ozempic. 

two months ago, he decided to take his revelation to the Reddit forum r/Ozempic, which is filled with 125,000 fellow users sharing their experiences on GLP-1 medications.

In his post, he asked if other men had experienced a similar change. The responses were mixed.

‘Two and a half months in and I’ve definitely gained length!’ one user wrote back.

‘I believe this is true,’ commented another. ‘Even my wife has noticed the change down there in me. It definitely has that side effect.’

A third man said he gained over an inch after taking tirzepatide – another weight loss medication which is marketed unde“`html

Elon musk Credits GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss and Health Improvements

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and spacex, has publicly attributed his recent weight loss and improved health to the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of medications originally developed for treating type 2 diabetes. He has embraced the change, stating the medications are “definitely a blessing.”

Musk’s comments, reported by multiple news outlets, highlight the growing trend of using these drugs for weight management, even among individuals without diabetes.

What are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are a class of drugs that mimic the effects of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels, appetite, and food intake. These medications work by:

• Increasing insulin release: Helping the body use glucose more effectively.
• Decreasing glucagon secretion: Reducing the release of glucose from the liver.
• Slowing gastric emptying: Making you feel fuller for longer.
• Reducing appetite: Leading to decreased food intake.

Common GLP-1 medications include semaglutide (sold under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy) and liraglutide (Victoza and Saxenda). Mayo Clinic – Semaglutide

Musk’s Experience and the Growing Popularity of GLP-1s

While Musk hasn’t specified which GLP-1 medication he is using, his public endorsement adds to the increasing attention surrounding these drugs. Initially prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes,GLP-1s have gained important popularity for weight loss due to their effectiveness in suppressing appetite and promoting weight reduction. Reuters – Elon Musk says he is using weight loss drug Ozempic

The demand for these medications has surged, leading to occasional shortages. The FDA has acknowledged these supply issues and is working with manufacturers to address them. FDA – FDA Addresses Shortages of Certain Diabetes and Weight Loss Drugs

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

While GLP-1 medications can be effective, they are not without potential side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. More serious, though rare, side effects have also been reported.

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any GLP-1 medication. These drugs are typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight management plan that includes diet and exercise. They are not a swift fix and require ongoing medical supervision.

Who is a Candidate for GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 medications are generally considered for individuals who:

• Have type 2 diabetes and need help managing their blood sugar.
• Are obese or overweight (typically with a BMI of 30 or higher) and have at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease.
• Have a BMI of 27 or higher and have at least one weight-related health condition.

Key Takeaways

• Elon Musk credits GLP-1 medications for his weight loss and health improvements.
• GLP-1 receptor agonists work by regulating blood sugar, appetite, and gastric emptying.
• These medications are effective for weight loss but require a prescription and medical supervision.
• Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• demand for GLP-1s has increased, leading to occasional shortages.