diff --git a/og.module b/og.module
index 6f28205..526b3b2 100755
--- a/og.module
+++ b/og.module
@@ -3541,18 +3541,18 @@ function og_get_groups_by_user($account = NULL, $group_type = NULL) {
     $account = $user;
   }
 
+  $gids = array();
+
   if (!og_get_group_audience_fields()) {
     // User entity doesn't have group audience fields.
-    return;
+    return $gids;
   }
 
-  $gids = array();
-
   // Get all active OG membership that belong to the user.
   $wrapper = entity_metadata_wrapper('user', $account->uid);
   $og_memberships = $wrapper->{'og_membership__' . OG_STATE_ACTIVE}->value();
   if (!$og_memberships) {
-    return;
+    return $gids;
   }
 
   foreach ($og_memberships as $og_membership) {