Where Is The Best Wegovy Injection Site?

Wegovy is a popular weight loss medication that has helped many individuals reach their weight loss goals. As a once-weekly injection, it’s convenient and easy to use. But for those who may be unfamiliar with subcutaneous injections, they may have questions about the best injection site for Wegovy.

Choosing the right injection site can make all the difference, minimizing discomfort and making the medication more effective. Understanding the best injection site for Wegovy, users can feel confident and get the most benefit from each dose.

Why does your Wegovy injection site matter?

Unlike intravenous medications that go directly into the bloodstream, your Wegovy weight loss injection is administered subcutaneously. That means it is designed to enter the subcutaneous layer—a layer of fat just beneath the skin.

This layer sits between the skin and muscle tissue and allows the medication to be gradually absorbed into the body over time, promoting consistent and effective results.

Injecting Wegovy into this layer not only ensures the medication is properly absorbed but also helps minimize irritation or discomfort.

Best injection sites for Wegovy

When choosing a Wegovy injection site, you need to select an area with enough fat beneath the skin. While this might sound simple, especially for individuals with a higher BMI, there are specific areas with ideal conditions. The most recommended sites for subcutaneous injections include:

Thighs
Abdomen/stomach
Upper Arms

Regardless of which Wegovy injection site you choose, you should never inject directly into the vein or muscle.

Wegovy injection site: thigh

The front or outer thighs are a popular option, as they provide a layer of fat that’s easy to reach and generally comfortable for injections.

When choosing a Wegovy thigh injection, the injection site should be closer to your hip than your knee.

Wegovy injection site: stomach

The abdomen is one of the most common and accessible areas for Wegovy injection sites. You’ll want to inject into the lower, fattier area below your ribs and above your hip bones. Injecting around two inches away from the belly button ensures you’re in the subcutaneous layer and reduces the chance of hitting muscle.

Wegovy injection site: arm

The back of the upper arm can be a good spot, but this can be difficult to access without assistance. Since the injection needs to be held at a 90 degree angle to the skin, it’s recommended that you have someone else administer it when using this Wegovy injection site.

The injection site should be at least 3 inches below your shoulder and 3 inches above your elbow.

Wegovy injection site FAQ

What is the best place for your Wegovy injection?

The best place for your Wegovy injection ultimately comes down to personal preference. As long as you’re choosing one of the recommended areas—the abdomen, upper thigh, or upper arm—you’re fine.

The abdomen tends to be the most common choice for many, given its accessibility and ease of use. However, the upper thigh and upper arm are equally effective options. Whichever area you choose, make sure you are rotating injection sites to reduce the risk of a Wegovy injection site reaction.

What to do if Wegovy leaked out of the injection site?

This is called leakage, or backflow, and it can happen on occasion. First, ensure that you’re properly administering your Wegovy injection. Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Wegovy, gives the following instructions:

Pull the pen cap straight off your pen
Push the pen firmly against your skin and keep applying pressure until the yellow bar has stopped moving
- If the yellow bar does not start moving, press the pen more firmly against your skin
You will hear 2 clicks during the injection
- Click 1: The injection has started
- Click 2: The injection is ongoing

If there is still leakage, Eli Lilly recommends:

Changing to a more firm injection site, such as upper leg, or upper arm. You can also consider standing when injecting the abdomen.
Apply pressure until the yellow bar stops moving, wait a few seconds, and then slowly remove the pen from the skin.

What to do if you have a Wegovy injection site reaction?

Make sure that you are rotating injection sites each week. You can rotate in the same injection area, but you should not use the same site each time.

If you experience a reaction at your Wegovy injection site, such as redness, itching, swelling, or mild discomfort, there are a few steps you can take to help alleviate these symptoms:

Apply a Cold Compress: Placing a cool, damp cloth or an ice pack (wrapped in a towel) on the area can help reduce swelling and soothe irritation. Hold it on the affected spot for about 10-15 minutes as needed.
Avoid Scratching: Although itching is common, try not to scratch the area, as this can worsen irritation or lead to skin damage.
Monitor the Reaction: Mild redness or swelling often clears up on its own within a day or two. However, if the reaction persists, worsens, or becomes painful, it may indicate an allergic response or infection.

If symptoms don’t improve or if you experience severe pain, blisters, or signs of an allergic reaction (such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat), contact your healthcare provider right away.

Ready to get started with your Wegovy weight loss injection?

Picking the right Wegovy injection site really does matter. It’s also important to use your pens or syringes correctly to get the most out of your treatment. If you’re ready to start your Wegovy journey, Heally can help.

We can connect you with a doctor who will guide you in selecting the best treatment plan tailored to your needs. With the right support, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your weight loss goals!

Get started today.