From lost libido to trapped gas, users share the most surprising – and personal – side effects of Ozempic

Ozempic, the diabetes drug turned weight-loss sensation, is again making headlines – not for dramatic slimming results, but for intimate and unexpected side effects that some users say are changing their sex lives, digestion, and even their bodies’ appearance.

The injectable medication, containing the active ingredient semaglutide, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for managing blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It is not officially licensed as a weight-loss treatment, but its appetite-suppressing effects have driven widespread off-label use.

For some, those benefits come at a personal cost. A growing number of users have described a phenomenon dubbed “Ozempic masturbation” – a marked drop in sexual desire, particularly in interest in masturbation and pornography.

One Reddit user, who described themselves as previously “addicted” to daily porn use, claimed that since starting semaglutide their interest had “plummeted” to just minutes a week. Others echoed the experience, saying food, shopping, and sexual urges had all slipped down their brain’s priority list.

Clinical research into Ozempic’s effects on libido is still limited, though some studies suggest GLP-1 drugs may influence sexual desire. Experts point to rapid weight loss as a potential stressor on the body, which can contribute to erectile dysfunction or reduced libido.

Dr Eric Smith, a bariatric surgeon, says these sexual side effects are often temporary: “For most patients, symptoms improve within weeks as the body adjusts. Proper dose regulation can help.” Lifestyle changes – including better sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet – can also support a healthier sex drive.

The drug’s intimate impact doesn’t stop there. Some users are reporting “Ozempic gas” – painful trapped wind that’s difficult to release. GLP-1 medicines slow digestion, which keeps users fuller for longer but can also lead to bloating and discomfort.

Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical adviser at The Independent Pharmacy, explains: “Trapped wind is relatively common with these drugs. Food and gas can remain in the digestive tract for longer, causing bloating and the sensation of trapped wind.” Remedies range from over-the-counter simeticone tablets to simple home fixes like light walking, stomach massage, or adjusting diet to avoid gas-forming foods.

Other much-discussed side effects are more cosmetic – but equally surprising. Online forums have been flooded with talk of “Ozempic penis”, with some men claiming their genitals appear larger since losing weight on the drug. Experts say the effect is likely visual rather than physical: weight loss around the pubic area can expose more of the shaft.

Then there’s the so-called “Ozempic babies” phenomenon. The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recently warned women using certain GLP-1 injections, particularly Mounjaro, that they may need backup contraception. The alert came after more than 40 reports of unplanned pregnancies among women on these medications, many of whom were taking the pill.

Manufacturers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly advise women to avoid these drugs during pregnancy or while trying to conceive, and in the case of semaglutide, to stop at least two months before attempting pregnancy.

Novo Nordisk told reporters: “Patient safety is of the utmost importance. We recommend patients take these medicines only for approved indications, under the supervision of a healthcare professional, and report any side effects to their doctor and through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.”

From libido loss to digestive discomfort, Ozempic’s side effects are as varied – and personal – as its reported benefits. While for many the changes are temporary, users are urged to monitor their bodies closely, adjust doses with medical advice, and be aware that the drug’s effects extend far beyond weight loss.