Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Selecting the best place to give Wegovy shot is essential for optimal drug absorption, patient comfort, and minimising injection site reactions. The medication can be administered into three approved sites: the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Proper injection technique and systematic site rotation are fundamental to safe, effective long-term therapy. This guide provides evidence-based recommendations aligned with MHRA-approved product information to help patients and healthcare professionals optimise Wegovy administration.

Where to Inject Wegovy: Recommended Injection Sites

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. The medication is administered via a pre-filled pen device, and selecting the appropriate injection site is essential for optimal absorption and patient comfort.

The three approved injection sites for Wegovy are:

• Abdomen (stomach area) – inject at least 5 cm away from the navel and avoid the area directly around it.

• Thigh – the front or outer area of the thigh provides an accessible alternative, particularly for patients who prefer self-administration in a seated position.

• Upper arm – the outer back area of the upper arm can be used, though this site may require assistance from another person for proper technique.

All three sites allow for subcutaneous injection into the fatty tissue layer beneath the skin. According to the MHRA-approved product information, Wegovy can be injected into any of these areas without regard to meals, with no clinically relevant difference in absorption between sites when used correctly. Patients should avoid injecting into areas with visible bruising, scarring, or skin abnormalities. It is important never to inject into muscle, as Wegovy is specifically formulated for subcutaneous administration. Individual preference and comfort should guide site selection alongside clinical advice from your prescribing healthcare professional.

How to Choose the Best Injection Site for Wegovy

Selecting the most suitable injection site involves considering several practical and clinical factors to ensure safe, effective administration and minimise discomfort. All three approved sites are equally effective when used correctly, but individual circumstances may make one location preferable over others.

Factors to consider when choosing your injection site:

• Accessibility and comfort – the abdomen is typically easiest for self-administration, as it provides good visibility and a comfortable angle. Patients with limited mobility or arthritis may find the thigh more accessible than reaching around to the upper arm.

• Body composition – adequate subcutaneous fat is necessary for proper injection. Patients with lower body fat may find certain areas more suitable. The abdomen generally has sufficient fatty tissue in most adults, whilst very lean individuals might prefer the thigh.

• Skin condition – avoid areas with active skin conditions, inflammation, infection, or recent scarring. Inspect the intended site before each injection and select an alternative if any abnormalities are present.

• Previous injection sites – proper rotation (discussed in detail below) requires using different areas within each site and alternating between sites weekly to prevent tissue changes at injection sites.

• Personal preference and lifestyle – some patients prefer sites that are less visible or more discreet for injections administered outside the home.

Your prescribing clinician or diabetes specialist nurse can provide personalised guidance during your initial training. If you experience persistent discomfort, bruising, or reactions at one site, discuss alternative locations with your healthcare team. There is no evidence that one site is universally "best" – the optimal choice is the one that you can access safely and comfortably whilst maintaining proper rotation practices.

Step-by-Step Guide to Administering Your Wegovy Injection

Proper injection technique is crucial for ensuring the full dose is delivered and minimising injection site reactions. Wegovy is supplied in a pre-filled, single-dose pen that is designed for ease of use, but following the correct procedure is essential.

Preparation (before injection):

• Remove the Wegovy pen from the refrigerator 30–60 minutes before use to allow it to reach room temperature, which reduces injection discomfort.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

• Check the medication label to confirm the correct dose and expiry date. The solution should be clear and colourless. Do not use if the liquid appears cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles.

• Gather supplies: the Wegovy pen, an alcohol wipe, and a sharps disposal container.

Administration technique:

• Clean the chosen injection site with an alcohol wipe and allow it to dry completely (approximately 10 seconds).

• Remove the pen cap.

• Press the pen firmly against your skin at the injection site.

• Press the injection button and hold the pen in place until the yellow indicator has stopped moving and you hear or feel a click.

• Continue holding the pen against your skin for the full time specified in the Instructions for Use (typically 5-10 seconds) to ensure the full dose is delivered.

• Remove the pen from your skin and dispose of it immediately in a sharps container.

• Do not rub the injection site, as this may increase irritation or bruising.

After injection:

A small amount of bleeding or clear fluid at the site is normal. Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if needed. Record the injection site and date to maintain proper rotation.

If you miss a dose and it is 5 days or less since the missed dose was due, take it as soon as possible. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day. Contact your GP or prescriber if you are unsure whether the full dose was delivered rather than administering an additional injection.

For sharps disposal, use an approved sharps bin and ask your GP practice or local pharmacy about disposal arrangements in your area.

Rotating Injection Sites: Why It Matters

Systematic rotation of injection sites is a fundamental aspect of safe, long-term Wegovy therapy. Repeatedly injecting into the same location can lead to changes in the subcutaneous tissue that affect both drug absorption and local tissue health.

Why rotation is clinically important:

Repeated injections in the same area can cause tissue changes, including lipohypertrophy – the development of fatty lumps or thickened tissue under the skin. This occurs due to repeated trauma to the tissue from injections. These tissue changes can result in unpredictable drug absorption, potentially reducing Wegovy's effectiveness. Some patients may develop lipoatrophy (localised fat loss), creating visible indentations in the skin. While these conditions are less common with GLP-1 receptor agonists than with insulin therapy, they can be uncomfortable and cosmetically concerning, and are largely preventable through proper rotation.

Additionally, using the same site repeatedly increases the risk of injection site reactions, including pain, bruising, and inflammation. Fresh, healthy tissue tolerates injections better and promotes consistent drug absorption.

Effective rotation strategy:

• Use a different injection site each week (e.g., abdomen one week, thigh the next, upper arm the following week).

• Within each site, use a different area each time (for example, the abdomen can be divided into quadrants, avoiding the area immediately around the navel).

• Keep a simple log or use a body diagram to track which areas you've used.

• Allow sufficient time between injections in the same specific location.

Patients should inspect injection sites regularly for any signs of tissue changes. If you notice lumps, indentations, persistent redness, or hardened areas, avoid those locations and inform your healthcare professional. Your GP or practice nurse can assess the tissue and provide guidance on site selection and rotation technique during follow-up appointments.

Common Injection Site Reactions and How to Manage Them

Injection site reactions are among the most frequently reported adverse effects of Wegovy, though most are mild and self-limiting. Understanding what to expect and how to respond appropriately can improve treatment adherence and patient comfort.

Common reactions and their management:

Mild pain or stinging – experienced by many patients, particularly in the first few weeks. This typically resolves within minutes to hours. Allowing the pen to reach room temperature before injection and ensuring the alcohol has fully dried can reduce discomfort. Applying a cold compress (not ice directly on skin) for a few minutes after injection may provide relief.

Bruising – small bruises occasionally occur if a tiny blood vessel is punctured. This is generally harmless and resolves within days. To minimise bruising, avoid injecting into visible veins, do not rub the site after injection, and apply gentle pressure if bleeding occurs.

Redness and swelling – localised redness (erythema) or mild swelling at the injection site is common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people). These reactions usually appear within hours of injection and resolve within 24–48 hours without treatment. If symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen, contact your GP.

Itching – mild itching may occur but should not be severe. Avoid scratching, which can introduce infection. A cool, damp cloth may provide relief.

When to seek medical advice:

Whilst most injection site reactions are benign, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention:

• Severe pain, extensive swelling, or spreading redness (potential signs of infection or allergic reaction)

• Warmth, pus, or fever (suggesting infection)

• Persistent hard lumps or significant tissue changes

• Symptoms of allergic reaction: widespread rash, difficulty breathing, facial swelling

If you develop signs of infection, contact your GP practice the same day. For severe allergic reactions, call 999 immediately. For urgent but non-emergency concerns, contact NHS 111. Your healthcare team can assess whether injection technique modification, site rotation improvement, or alternative management strategies are needed.

Suspected side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or by searching 'MHRA Yellow Card' in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

Frequently Asked Questions