GLP-1 Injection Sites: Best Practices and Rotation Schedule
Where and how to inject Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Ozempic for best results and minimal discomfort.
Approved Injection Sites
GLP-1 medications (Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic) are approved for subcutaneous injection in three main areas:
1. Abdomen (Stomach)
Most Popular
Inject at least 2 inches away from belly button. Best absorption. Most subcutaneous fat. Easiest to reach.
2. Thighs
Second Choice
Outer thigh, halfway between hip and knee. Good for people with less stomach fat. Can be slightly more painful.
3. Upper Arm
Least Common
Back of upper arm (hard to self-inject). Usually requires help. Similar absorption to thigh.
Stomach (Abdomen) Injection Guide
The abdomen is the preferred injection site for most GLP-1 users due to better absorption and ease of access.
Stomach Quadrants for Rotation
Divide your stomach into 4 quadrants and rotate weekly:
Week 1: Upper Right (above belly button, right side)
Week 2: Upper Left (above belly button, left side)
Week 3: Lower Right (below belly button, right side)
Week 4: Lower Left (below belly button, left side)
Then start over. This ensures you don't hit the same spot within 4 weeks.
Important Stomach Rules
- Stay 2 inches away from belly button: More nerve endings there = more pain
- Avoid areas with scars or stretch marks: Can affect absorption
- Pinch an inch: Make sure you have enough fat to inject into
- Alternate sides each week: Don't favor one side over the other
- Avoid waistband area: Clothing friction can irritate injection sites
Thigh Injection Guide
Thigh injections work well if you have less abdominal fat or want to give your stomach a break.
How to Inject in Thigh
- Sit in a comfortable chair
- Find the outer/front portion of your thigh (not inner thigh)
- Inject in the middle third (between hip and knee)
- Alternate left and right thigh each week
- Can further divide each thigh into upper/middle/lower sections for more rotation
💡 Pro Tip
If thigh injections hurt more, try injecting while standing instead of sitting. This relaxes the muscle and provides better access to subcutaneous fat.
Perfect Injection Technique
The technique matters as much as the location. Follow these steps for the least painful, most effective injection:
Step-by-Step Process
1. Prepare Your Pen
- Let pen sit at room temperature for 30 minutes (cold medication stings)
- Attach new needle
- Dial to correct dose
2. Clean the Area
- Wash hands thoroughly
- Clean injection site with alcohol swab
- Let it air dry completely (wet alcohol stings)
3. Optional: Ice Before
- Apply ice pack for 30-60 seconds to numb area
- Remove ice, let skin return to room temp
- This dramatically reduces pain for sensitive individuals
4. Pinch and Inject
- Pinch about an inch of skin (creates pocket of fat)
- Insert needle at 90-degree angle with quick, firm motion
- Press button down fully and hold
5. Hold and Remove
- Count to 10 slowly (critical - ensures full dose delivery)
- Remove needle straight out
- Don't rub the injection site
- Apply gentle pressure if bleeding
Common Injection Mistakes
❌ Not Waiting Long Enough
Count to 10 before removing the needle. Removing too early means you don't get your full dose, which can affect results.
❌ Injecting Cold Medication
Cold medication from the fridge causes more pain and can increase bruising. Always let it warm to room temperature first.
❌ Not Rotating Sites
Hitting the same spot repeatedly can cause lipohypertrophy (lumpy fat tissue), scarring, and reduced absorption.
❌ Injecting Into Muscle
These are subcutaneous injections (into fat, not muscle). If you don't pinch skin first, you might hit muscle, which is more painful and affects absorption.
❌ Rubbing the Injection Site
Don't massage or rub the area after injecting. This can cause the medication to spread too quickly or irritate the site.
Managing Bruising & Pain
Some bruising and minor discomfort is normal, but you can minimize it:
Reduce Bruising
- Avoid injecting near visible veins
- Press gently (don't rub) for 5-10 seconds after injection
- Avoid blood thinners like aspirin around injection day if possible
- Make sure needle is fully inserted before pressing button
- Use a fresh needle every time (dull needles cause more trauma)
Reduce Pain
- Ice the area for 30-60 seconds before injection
- Let medication warm to room temperature
- Insert needle quickly and confidently (slow = more pain)
- Relax muscles (tension makes it hurt more)
- Try different sites - everyone has a "sweet spot" with less pain
Tracking Your Injection Sites
Keeping a record of where you inject helps ensure proper rotation and can help identify if certain sites cause more pain or bruising.
Never Forget Your Rotation
GLP Compass automatically tracks your injection sites, reminds you to rotate, and shows you which sites cause less pain. Get personalized insights into your injection patterns.
Download FreeThe Bottom Line
Proper injection technique and site rotation are essential for:
- Consistent medication absorption and effectiveness
- Minimizing pain, bruising, and irritation
- Preventing tissue damage from repeated injections
- Better overall experience on GLP-1 medications
Take a few minutes each week to choose a new injection site, follow proper technique, and track your rotation. Your body will thank you!
About GLP Compass
GLP Compass tracks your injection sites, rotation schedule, and pain levels automatically. Get reminders to rotate sites and insights into which locations work best for you.