Wegovy injection sites: How to inject correctly and minimize discomfort

Starting Wegovy® often comes with a very practical set of questions—mostly around the injection itself. Where exactly do I inject this? Am I doing it right? Does the location really matter? If you’re feeling unsure, that’s completely normal. While Wegovy® is designed for at-home use with a simple, single-use pen, getting familiar with injection sites and technique can go a long way toward making the process feel easier and more comfortable.

While there’s no single “perfect” injection spot you have to find, Wegovy® is approved to be injected into the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. And, all three sites work equally well when used correctly. What matters more than the exact location is finding a spot with adequate tissue, rotating injection sites, and holding the pen in place long enough for the full dose to be delivered.

Below, we’ll walk through what you need to know so weekly injections can feel routine, manageable, and less stressful. We’ll go through how to find a good spot to inject, how the pen works, what sensations are normal, and how to troubleshoot common concerns. We’ll also answer some common questions about taking Wegovy®, so you know what to expect and feel prepared for each step of the process.

What is Wegovy^® and how is it typically used?

Most people know that Wegovy^® is made with the same active ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide) but is approved for weight loss. Semaglutide works by mimicking GLP-1, a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite, slow digestion, and regulate blood sugar.

Wegovy^® is taken once weekly as a subcutaneous injection that you give yourself, meaning it goes just under the skin. Correct injection technique plays a bigger role than many people realize. It supports:

• Comfort during and after the shot
• Consistent, full dosing each week
• Confidence in sticking with the routine

Small adjustments in how and where the injection is given can make the experience noticeably smoother over time.

How to give yourself a Wegovy^® injection

Many people worry about giving themselves an injection at first, but with a little practice, it often becomes second nature. Most people find the Wegovy pen much easier to use than they expected. The needle is very thin and stays hidden, so you never have to see it, and most people say the sensation is over quickly.

Here’s what to keep in mind :

• It’s a subcutaneous injection. Wegovy® is injected into the fatty layer just under the skin—not into a muscle or vein. This method is typically less painful and easier for beginners.
  
• The pen does the work for you. Each pen is single-use and pre-filled with one weekly dose. Once you press it firmly against your skin, the medication is delivered automatically—no measuring or adjusting required.
  
• The steps are simple. Giving yourself an injection involves choosing an approved site, placing the pen flat against the skin, activating the injection, and holding it in place until the full dose is delivered. The entire process takes just a few seconds.
  
• Confidence builds quickly. Understanding these basics helps reduce uncertainty. With correct technique and a consistent weekly routine, most people find Wegovy® injections easier and more manageable than they initially expected.

Wegovy^® injection instructions: Step by step

Following the Wegovy^® injection instructions helps make sure you get a consistent dose each time and reduces the chance of irritation or incomplete absorption.

1. Wash your hands. Use soap and water before handling the pen.
2. Check your pen. Make sure it hasn’t been used, isn’t damaged, hasn’t expired, and that the solution appears clear and colorless through the pen window (air bubbles are normal).
3. Choose an injection site. Select the abdomen (at least 2 inches from the belly button), front of the thigh, or upper arm. You can use the same body area each week, but not the exact same spot.
4. Clean the skin. Use an alcohol swab. Allow the area to air dry fully before injecting. Don’t touch the site after cleaning.
5. Remove the pen cap. Pull it straight off. The needle is hidden inside.
6. Inject and hold. Push the pen firmly against your skin. A brief pinch or mild pressure during injection is normal. You’ll hear a first click when the injection starts, and the yellow bar begins moving. Keep holding firmly—you’ll hear a second click while the injection is still in progress. Continue pressing until the yellow bar stops moving completely. This takes about 5 to 10 seconds.
7. If blood appears at the site, press lightly with a gauze pad or cotton ball. Mild redness or tenderness usually resolves quickly. Avoid rubbing the area afterward.
8. Dispose of the pen. Remove the pen and place it directly into a sharps container or a sturdy household container with a tight-fitting lid. Don’t reuse or throw in regular trash.

Wegovy^® injection video: Where to find trusted demonstrations

If you’re searching for a Wegovy^® injection video, begin with sources that follow the official prescribing information. The most reliable demonstrations are produced by the manufacturer and based on the FDA-approved Instructions for Use. These videos reflect the exact technique studied in clinical trials and recommended for safe administration.

When evaluating a video, look for:

• Clear, front-facing demonstration of pen placement
• Step-by-step narration that matches official instructions
• Emphasis on holding the pen in place until the yellow bar stops moving
• Proper sharps disposal guidance

Be cautious with videos shared on social media platforms. Short-form clips on TikTok or similar sites may skip key safety steps, show incorrect angles, or promote unsupported techniques. Even small deviations can affect dose delivery.

A Wegovy^® injection video can offer visual reassurance and reinforce proper technique. But, it only should support—not replace—guidance from your healthcare provider, who can address individual dosing and safety concerns.

Wegovy^® injection sites: Does it matter where you inject?

Wegovy^® is a subcutaneous injection, meaning it goes into the layer of fat just beneath your skin—not into a muscle or vein. This type of injection works best in areas with enough soft tissue to absorb the medication properly.

There are three approved sites for Wegovy^®:

• Abdomen (stomach) – at least 2 inches from the belly button
• Front of the thigh – the upper portion between the knee and the hip
• Upper arm – the outer back portion between the shoulder and the elbow

All three sites are equally effective. The medication absorbs the same way regardless of where you inject.

Why rotate? You can use the same general area each week, but avoid injecting in the exact same spot every time. Rotating helps prevent skin irritation, bruising, or a buildup of fatty tissue (lipohypertrophy) that can affect absorption over time.

Your healthcare provider can help you choose the site that works best based on your comfort, mobility, and preferences. Below, we’ll break down what to expect from each option.

Wegovy^® injection site: Stomach (abdomen)

The abdomen is one of the most popular injection sites—and for good reason. It’s easy to see, easy to reach, and typically has enough fatty tissue to support a comfortable subcutaneous injection. The larger surface area also gives you plenty of room to rotate spots from week to week, which can help reduce irritation over time.

Where to inject: Choose a spot at least 2 inches away from your belly button. Avoid skin that’s tender, bruised, red, hard, or has scars or stretch marks.

Pros:

• Easy to access and see what you’re doing
• Large area with multiple rotation options
• Commonly recommended as a starting point

Cons:

• May feel more sensitive for people with less abdominal fat
• Some find it uncomfortable initially

What about pain? There’s a myth that stomach injections hurt more, but this isn’t universally true. Pain varies person to person. Most people feel a brief pinch or nothing at all. If the abdomen feels uncomfortable, try a slightly different spot or switch to another site.

Wegovy^® injection site: Thigh

The front of the thigh is a solid alternative to the abdomen and works well as part of a rotation routine. It typically has enough subcutaneous (fatty) tissue for proper absorption, and many people find it less sensitive than the stomach. 

Where to inject: The upper front portion of your thigh, roughly midway between your knee and hip. Avoid bruised, tender, red, hard, or scarred skin.

Pros:

• Good option for weekly rotation (alternate left and right)
• Easy to access when standing

Cons:

• Can be awkward to position while seated
• Harder to see the pen window clearly in some positions

Is it equally effective? Yes. You can inject semaglutide into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. When used as directed, each of these approved subcutaneous sites works effectively for delivering the medication.

If the abdomen isn’t comfortable for you, the thigh is a reliable alternative.

Wegovy^® injection site: Upper arm

The upper arm is an approved injection site, though it comes with one practical limitation: most people can’t easily reach or see this area on their own.

Where to inject: The fatty tissue on the outer back portion of your arm, between your shoulder and elbow. Avoid areas with bruising, redness, scarring, or irritation.

Pros:

• Good for rotating when you want to rest other sites
• May feel less sensitive than the abdomen for some people

Cons:

• Difficult to self-inject while seeing the pen window
• Usually requires help from another person

When does it make sense? The upper arm works well if you have a partner, family member, or caregiver who can assist. If you typically inject on your own, the abdomen or thigh will be more practical for weekly use.

Your healthcare provider can help you decide if and when the upper arm fits into your rotation.

Best injection site for Wegovy^®: Is there one?

There’s no evidence that injecting Wegovy^® into your stomach, thigh, or upper arm makes it more effective. All three approved sites work equally well.

So if there’s no “best” site medically, how do you choose? The right site for you is the one that:

• You can access easily – Can you see the pen window and reach the area comfortably?
• You’ll use consistently – Is it practical for your weekly routine?
• Minimizes discomfort – Does one area feel better than another for you personally?

For most people who self-inject, the abdomen or thigh checks all three boxes. The upper arm works too, but usually requires assistance.

Don’t forget rotation. Whichever site you prefer, avoid injecting in the exact same spot every week. Rotating within and between sites helps prevent irritation, bruising, and lipohypertrophy—a buildup of fatty tissue that can interfere with absorption over time.

Some people settle on one area they like (say, the abdomen) and rotate within it—left side one week, right side the next, slightly higher or lower each time. Others alternate between the stomach and thigh. Either approach works as long as you’re not hitting the same spot repeatedly.

The best injection site is ultimately the one that fits your body, your comfort level, and your routine. If you’re unsure, your healthcare provider can help you find what works.

Troubleshooting Wegovy® injection site issues

Minor reactions at the injection site are common, especially when you’re first starting out. Most of these are harmless and resolve on their own within a few hours or days.

What’s normal:

• Mild stinging or burning – A brief sensation during or right after the injection is typical. This often fades within seconds. Letting the pen reach room temperature before injecting and ensuring the alcohol on your skin is fully dry can help reduce discomfort.
• Redness or bruising – Some redness, tenderness, or light bruising at the site can happen and usually clears up within a day or two. Rotating your injection site helps minimize this over time.
• Small bumps under the skin – Occasionally, a small lump may form at the injection site. This is typically a normal reaction and should resolve on its own. If you notice persistent lumps in areas you inject frequently, it could be lipohypertrophy—a sign you need to rotate more consistently.
• A small drop of blood or fluid – Seeing a tiny amount of blood after removing the pen is normal. Press lightly with a gauze pad or cotton ball. But if medication leaks onto your skin, you may not have received the full dose—make sure to hold the pen firmly until the yellow bar stops moving next time.

When to contact your provider:

While mild reactions are expected, some symptoms warrant a call to your healthcare provider:

• Redness, swelling, or pain that spreads or worsens over several days
• Signs of infection, like warmth, pus, or fever
• Severe itching or rash beyond the injection site

When a reaction is an emergency:

• If you have any signs of allergic reaction, like difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or rapid heartbeat, call 911 and get immediate medical attention.

When in doubt, reach out. Your provider can help determine whether what you’re experiencing is routine or needs attention.

What to do if Wegovy^® leaked out of the injection site

Noticing a drop of liquid on your skin after an injection can be alarming, but it doesn’t always mean something went wrong. Here’s what you need to know.

• Why it happens: The most common cause is removing the pen too soon. Wegovy^® takes about 5 to 10 seconds to fully deliver, and you need to keep the pen pressed firmly against your skin until the yellow bar stops moving completely. If you pull away before that, some medication may leak out.
• Is your dose affected? A tiny drop on the skin’s surface usually doesn’t mean you missed a significant amount. The pen is designed to deliver the full dose as long as you hold it in place through both clicks and until the yellow bar finishes moving. If you see a larger amount of liquid or the medication visibly squirted out, there’s a chance the dose was incomplete.

What NOT to do:

• Don’t re-inject. You could end up with too much medication, which increases the risk of side effects.
• Don’t double your next dose. Take your next scheduled dose as normal.

What to do instead:

• Note what happened so you can adjust your technique next time—press more firmly and wait longer before removing the pen.
• If you’re unsure whether you received enough medication or if this happens repeatedly, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can advise whether any adjustments are needed.

If your pen isn’t working properly:

Don’t use a damaged, expired, or malfunctioning pen. Discard it safely and use a new one instead. Contact Novo Nordisk’s support line at 1-833-4-Wegovy^® (1-833-493-4689) if:

• The pen appears damaged, broken, or previously used
• The liquid looks cloudy or discolored instead of clear
• The pen has passed its expiration date
• You’re experiencing other issues with the device

Frequently asked questions about Wegovy^® injections

Even with clear instructions, questions can come up, especially around comfort, timing, or technique. Below are answers to common concerns about Wegovy^® injections, designed to clarify what’s normal and when to seek guidance.

Does the Wegovy^® injection hurt?

Many people want to know this about Wegovy injections, but the experience will depend on how you react. Most people describe Wegovy^® injections as relatively painless, while some feel no pain at all. The typical sensation is a brief pinch or mild pressure that lasts only a second or two.

• How does it compare to other injections? Wegovy^® uses a short, thin needle designed for subcutaneous (under the skin) injections. It’s generally less uncomfortable than intramuscular shots like a flu vaccine, which go deeper into muscle tissue. Many people compare it to insulin injections—quick and barely noticeable.
• Keep in mind: Pain perception varies from person to person and even from injection to injection. Factors like injection site, technique, and whether the pen is cold can all affect how it feels. If one injection stings more than usual, the next one may feel completely different.

What’s the best Wegovy^® injection site if you’re nervous about pain?

There’s no single “least painful” site—it depends on your body. Many people find the abdomen comfortable because it typically has more subcutaneous fat and fewer nerve endings near the surface. Others prefer the thigh, especially if they’re leaner around the midsection.

Tips to minimize discomfort:

• Let the pen sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before injecting
• Make sure the alcohol on your skin is fully dry
• Relax the muscle in the area you’re injecting
• Try different sites to see what feels best for you

Can I inject Wegovy^® in the same spot every time?

No. You can use the same general area (like your stomach) each week, but you should rotate the exact spot. Injecting in the same location repeatedly can cause skin irritation, bruising, or lipohypertrophy—a buildup of fatty tissue that may affect how the medication absorbs.

Shift at least an inch from your previous injection site each time.

What if I miss a dose or inject late?

It depends on how much time has passed since your missed dose:

• Less than 2 weeks late: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then restart your weekly schedule from that day.
• More than 2 weeks since your last dose: Contact your healthcare provider—they may recommend restarting at a lower dose to reduce side effects.

Don’t double up to make up for a missed dose.

Can I switch injection sites week to week?

Yes, and it’s actually encouraged. Switching between your abdomen, thigh, and upper arm (if you have assistance) helps prevent skin irritation and ensures consistent absorption.

You can rotate however works for you—some people alternate left and right sides of the same area, while others switch between abdomen and thigh weekly. Just avoid hitting the exact same spot repeatedly.

What should I do if I inject incorrectly?

It depends on what went wrong:

• Pen removed too early/medication leaked: Don’t re-inject or take an extra dose. Wait until your next scheduled dose and focus on holding the pen in place longer next time.
• Pen didn’t click or the yellow bar didn’t move: Don’t try to fix the pen or use it again. Contact Wegovy^® support at 1-833-493-4689 to report the issue and get a replacement if needed.
• Injected into the wrong area: If you accidentally injected into a muscle or an unapproved site, monitor for unusual reactions and contact your provider if you have concerns.

When in doubt, call your healthcare provider rather than attempting to correct it yourself.

Should I pinch the skin or rub after?

The official Wegovy^® instructions don’t require you to pinch the skin before injecting. Simply press the pen firmly against a flat area of skin. However, some people with less subcutaneous fat find a gentle pinch helps create a better surface—ask your provider if you’re unsure.

Don’t rub the injection site afterward. Rubbing can cause irritation and may affect how the medication absorbs. If you see a small drop of blood, press lightly with a gauze pad or cotton ball instead.

The bottom line: All Wegovy® injection sites are equally effective

Wegovy® injections don’t have to be complicated—or intimidating. Whether you choose your stomach, thigh, or upper arm, all approved sites work equally well when used correctly. What makes the biggest difference is sticking to the basics: injecting into an area with enough fatty tissue, rotating sites instead of using the same spot every time, and holding the pen in place until the dose is fully delivered. Those small details add up to more comfortable injections and reliable dosing over time.

If something doesn’t go perfectly—maybe the injection stings a bit more than usual or you notice a small drop of liquid afterward—it’s rarely a big deal. Most issues are easy to troubleshoot and improve with minor technique tweaks. And if questions or concerns come up, your healthcare provider or Care Team can help guide you. With a little familiarity and practice, taking Wegovy® often becomes another part of your routine.

If you’re a Noom Med member, your Care Team can help you troubleshoot any issues with the Wegovy® injection to make the process easier. If you’re interested in finding out if Wegovy ®or another weight loss medication is right for you, find out whether you qualify for Noom Med or explore other Noom programs.