LOSE WEIGHT WITH MEDICAL SUPPORT — BUILT FOR MEN
- Your personalised programme is built around medical care, not willpower.
- No generic diets. No guesswork.
- Just science-backed results and expert support.
Find out if you’re eligible
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. Choosing the best place for your Wegovy shot is essential for ensuring consistent medication absorption, minimising injection site reactions, and maintaining treatment efficacy. The MHRA and manufacturer guidance approve three injection sites: the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm. Understanding the advantages of each site, proper injection technique, and the importance of systematic site rotation will help you administer Wegovy safely and effectively. This guide provides evidence-based recommendations aligned with UK clinical guidance to support your treatment journey.
Quick Answer: The best place for a Wegovy shot is the abdomen (excluding 5 cm around the navel), thigh (front and outer areas), or upper arm (outer back area), with systematic site rotation essential for optimal absorption.
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection licensed in the UK for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities. It's important to note that treatment begins with a dose-escalation schedule, starting at 0.25 mg and gradually increasing to the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg over several weeks, as specified in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and manufacturer guidance specify three approved injection sites: the abdomen (excluding a 5 cm radius around the navel), the thigh (front and outer areas), and the upper arm (outer back area).
The abdomen is often considered the most convenient site for self-administration, as it provides easy access and a relatively large surface area for rotation. The subcutaneous tissue in this region typically allows for consistent absorption of semaglutide. Many patients find the abdomen comfortable and straightforward to reach without assistance.
The thigh represents another excellent option, particularly the front and outer portions of the upper leg. This site offers good subcutaneous tissue depth and is easily accessible for most individuals. Some patients prefer the thigh when wearing clothing that makes abdominal access less convenient.
The upper arm, specifically the outer back portion, is the third approved site. However, this location often requires assistance from another person or considerable flexibility to reach properly. Consequently, it may be less practical for routine self-administration compared to the abdomen or thigh.
According to the Wegovy SmPC, there is no evidence suggesting superior efficacy or tolerability with any particular injection site. The choice ultimately depends on personal preference, comfort, and the ability to rotate sites systematically to minimise injection site reactions.
Selecting the optimal injection site for your Wegovy administration involves considering several practical and clinical factors. Personal comfort and accessibility should be your primary considerations. The site you choose must be one you can reach easily and confidently each week, as consistent, correct administration is essential for treatment efficacy.
Assess the subcutaneous tissue availability at each potential site. Wegovy must be injected into subcutaneous fat, not into muscle or skin. Pinch the area gently—you should be able to grasp a fold of tissue. Individuals with lower body fat may find certain sites more suitable than others. The abdomen typically offers the most subcutaneous tissue for most people, though this varies individually.
Consider any existing skin conditions, scars, or areas of lipohypertrophy (fatty lumps from repeated injections). Avoid injecting into areas with active skin infections, inflammation, rashes, or significant scarring, as these may affect absorption or cause discomfort. If you have previously used injectable medications, examine former injection sites for any tissue changes.
Clothing and lifestyle factors also influence site selection. If you frequently wear tight waistbands or belts, abdominal injections might cause temporary discomfort. Similarly, athletes or individuals who engage in activities causing thigh friction may prefer alternative sites on training days.
For those with limited dexterity or visual impairment, the abdomen generally provides the easiest access and visibility. However, if you require assistance with injections, the upper arm becomes a viable option when a family member or carer can help. Discuss your individual circumstances with your prescriber or practice nurse, who can provide personalised guidance based on your body habitus, medical history, and practical needs.
Always refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your Wegovy pen for detailed, manufacturer-approved injection instructions.
LOSE WEIGHT WITH MEDICAL SUPPORT — BUILT FOR MEN
Find out if you’re eligible
Proper injection technique is crucial for ensuring Wegovy's effectiveness and minimising adverse effects. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If the Wegovy pen has been refrigerated, follow the guidance in the Patient Information Leaflet regarding temperature before administration.
Inspect the medication through the pen window—it should be clear and colourless. Do not use if the solution appears cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles. Clean the chosen injection site with an alcohol wipe and allow it to dry completely; injecting through wet alcohol can cause stinging.
To inject, pinch a fold of skin gently between your thumb and forefinger, creating a raised area. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle (perpendicular to the skin) with a quick, dart-like motion. Press the dose button fully and hold for at least 10 seconds as specified in the UK PIL to ensure complete dose delivery. The dose counter should show "0" before removing the needle. Release the skin fold and withdraw the needle straight out.
Site rotation is essential to prevent lipohypertrophy and maintain consistent absorption. Never inject into the same spot two weeks consecutively. Divide each approved area into multiple zones—for example, the abdomen can be divided into four quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left, always avoiding the periumbilical area). Keep a simple rotation log or use a body diagram to track injection locations.
A practical rotation schedule might involve systematically moving between different areas and sites. This is illustrative only—always follow your healthcare professional's specific advice regarding rotation patterns. Maintain adequate spacing between injection sites. If you notice any lumps, hardness, or persistent redness at a site, avoid that area until it resolves completely and inform your healthcare provider.
Several common errors can compromise Wegovy's effectiveness or increase the risk of adverse effects. Injecting into the same site repeatedly is perhaps the most frequent mistake. This causes lipohypertrophy—localised fat accumulation that appears as lumps or thickened areas—which can impair medication absorption and lead to unpredictable blood levels. Always rotate sites systematically and maintain a rotation record.
Incorrect injection depth represents another significant error. Injecting too superficially (into the skin rather than subcutaneous tissue) causes pain, bruising, and poor absorption. Conversely, injecting too deeply may deliver medication into muscle, potentially altering absorption rates. Ensure you pinch an adequate skin fold and insert the needle at 90 degrees to achieve proper subcutaneous placement.
Many patients make the mistake of not holding the dose button long enough. According to the Wegovy PIL, you should hold for at least 10 seconds after the dose counter reaches "0" to ensure complete delivery. Removing the needle prematurely results in incomplete dosing, potentially reducing efficacy.
Injecting through clothing or into unsuitable areas (such as within 5 cm of the navel, over bony prominences, or into scarred tissue) compromises absorption and increases complication risks. Always expose the injection site fully and select appropriate tissue.
If you experience persistent injection site reactions—such as redness lasting beyond 48 hours, increasing pain, warmth, swelling, or any discharge—contact your GP promptly, as these may indicate infection or allergic reaction. Similarly, if you notice unexplained bruising, lumps that don't resolve, or concerns about your injection technique, seek guidance from your prescriber or practice nurse.
NICE guidance (NG211: Pharmacological management of obesity) emphasises the importance of proper patient education and ongoing support for injectable weight management therapies to optimise outcomes and safety.
If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.
No, you must rotate injection sites systematically to prevent lipohypertrophy (fatty lumps) and maintain consistent medication absorption. Never inject into the same spot two weeks consecutively, and maintain a rotation log to track injection locations across approved sites.
No evidence suggests superior efficacy with any particular injection site. The abdomen is often most convenient for self-administration due to easy access and adequate subcutaneous tissue, but the thigh is equally effective and may be preferred based on personal comfort, clothing, or lifestyle factors.
Lumps or hardness at injection sites may indicate lipohypertrophy from inadequate site rotation. Avoid injecting into affected areas until they resolve completely, improve your rotation schedule, and inform your healthcare provider, as these tissue changes can impair medication absorption.
All medical content on this blog is created based on reputable, evidence-based sources and reviewed regularly for accuracy and relevance. While we strive to keep content up to date with the latest research and clinical guidelines, it is intended for general informational purposes only.
DisclaimerThis content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with any medical questions or concerns. Use of the information is at your own risk, and we are not responsible for any consequences resulting from its use.
