An illustrated guide to the body areas
Use the official Wegovy instructions or Zepbound instructions for precise placement, including spacing from the belly button and assistance requirements. Do not inject into a muscle or vein. Avoid skin that is damaged or unsuitable under your device instructions.
Before you inject: identify the device first
- Check the prescription, product name, formulation, dose, and expiry. Confirm how it has been stored.
- Locate the Instructions for Use matching the device you actually received, not a video for a similar-looking pen.
- Ask for a demonstration if this is your first injection or your product/device has changed.
- Prepare clean hands, the recommended supplies, and an appropriate sharps container.
- Choose and prepare a permitted skin area following the device instructions.
This is a preparation checklist, not a universal injection sequence. Needle attachment, priming, dose selection, activation, and completion signals vary. Never apply pen instructions to a vial or copy a syringe measurement from another person.
Rotate the spot, not your prescription
Keep a simple injection record so you do not repeatedly use the exact same spot. Rotation does not mean changing the dose, and there is no proven “best site” for greater weight loss.
| Record | Example entry | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Date and time | Actual administration time | Avoid confusion about whether a dose was taken |
| Body area and spot | Left thigh; approximate location noted | Choose a different approved spot next time |
| Device or skin issue | Leakage, pain, redness, uncertain completion | Get device-specific advice rather than redosing |
If something goes wrong
If medicine leaks, the device fails, or you are unsure the dose was delivered, contact your pharmacist or prescriber. Do not give an extra injection to “make up” an uncertain amount. Seek medical advice for worsening redness, warmth, swelling, significant pain, or fever. Call 911 for trouble breathing or other signs of a severe allergic reaction.
The FDA has reported dosing errors with compounded semaglutide, including confusion about concentrations and units. If a vial prescription is unclear, get its concentration and exact syringe measurement confirmed before use; this article provides no conversion formula.
See medication timing and the travel checklist for related planning. For treatment questions, explore semaglutide care or tirzepatide care.
Frequently asked questions
Which injection site works best for weight loss?
Do not choose a site based on promises of greater weight loss. Use the approved areas and the instructions for your exact prescription.
Can I use the same body area each week?
Your product may allow the same body area while requiring a different exact spot. Follow its rotation instructions.
Can I inject into my arm by myself?
Assistance requirements depend on the product and device. Ask your pharmacist to demonstrate a permitted approach; do not assume every arm site is suitable for self-injection.
What if medicine leaks onto my skin?
Do not automatically repeat the dose. Contact your pharmacist or prescriber and describe what happened, including the device completion indicators.
References and editorial information
- Wegovy prescribing information and device instructions
- Zepbound prescribing information and device instructions
- FDA: compounded semaglutide dosing errors
This educational article does not replace diagnosis, product instructions, or advice from your healthcare professional. Individual treatment decisions require your clinician.
Read our editorial policy and medical review process.
