Can Wegovy be injected into any body part?

No — use abdomen, thigh, or upper arm only, into the fatty layer under the skin. Avoid veins, muscles, moles, scars, stretch marks, or irritated areas, and stay a couple of centimetres away from the navel in the abdomen. Rotate sites each week to reduce soreness or thickening under the skin.

Why only certain areas are suitable

Wegovy (semaglutide) is given as a subcutaneous injection, meaning it needs to go into the fatty tissue just under the skin. This is different from medicines given into a vein or muscle. The abdomen, thighs, and upper arms are recommended because these areas have enough fatty tissue to absorb the medicine gradually over the week. NICE TA875 and the MHRA-approved product information both emphasise that these are the only licensed sites for Wegovy. Injecting into the wrong layer, such as muscle, can change how the medicine is absorbed, shorten its duration of action, and increase discomfort.

Risks of injecting in the wrong place

Using non-approved sites or injecting too deeply can cause bruising, pain, or uneven absorption of the drug. NHS patient guidance warns that intramuscular delivery could release semaglutide faster than intended, undermining the “slow and steady” weekly profile. Injecting into a vein carries the risk of bleeding and is not the intended route for this treatment. Skin that is scarred, stretched, or irritated can reduce absorption and increase the risk of reactions such as redness, lumps, or itching. These cautions mirror long-standing diabetes injection guidance, where GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide or insulin have shown similar site-related risks.

The importance of rotation

Rotating injection sites helps protect the skin over time. Repeated injections into the same spot can lead to lipohypertrophy — a thickened, lumpy area of fat under the skin. This condition is well recognised in diabetes care and can reduce absorption, leading to unpredictable results. NHS nurses usually recommend rotating between the abdomen, thighs, and arms, and moving at least 2–3 cm away from the previous injection point each week. NICE also highlights that simple rotation helps maintain consistent absorption across the treatment course, which is especially important for long-term medicines like semaglutide.

Practical tips for safe injecting

The NHS advises starting with areas that feel comfortable and are easy to reach, such as the front of the thigh or the lower abdomen. Pens should be pressed flat against the skin, and the needle kept in place for the full time recommended in the leaflet — usually around ten seconds — to ensure the full dose is delivered. Avoid injecting through clothing or into areas that feel bruised, tender, or hardened. Many patients find it useful to prepare by washing hands, checking the site in good light, and allowing any alcohol swab to dry before injecting. These small steps reduce soreness and improve confidence.

Evidence from trials and guidance

The STEP clinical programme, which tested semaglutide in thousands of adults, standardised injection sites to the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm. This consistency is one reason the results were reliable across participants. STEP-1, STEP-5, and SELECT all achieved significant outcomes — weight loss and reduced cardiovascular events — on the basis of weekly subcutaneous use at approved sites. NICE’s appraisal of Wegovy (TA875) drew directly on this evidence, and the MHRA’s product licence specifies only these three sites. Using other locations or injection methods has not been tested in trials and is therefore not supported in UK practice.

Supporting patients through training

NHS weight management teams and community pharmacies usually provide training before patients begin injections. Nurses often demonstrate the technique and supervise the first attempt, ensuring the pen is used correctly. Patients are shown how to grip or pinch the skin gently, angle the pen, and hold it steady for the required time. Written leaflets and official videos reinforce this learning at home. This education reduces anxiety, builds confidence, and ensures people understand why site rotation and safe technique matter. The MHRA also encourages healthcare professionals to report recurring problems with injection technique through the Yellow Card scheme, supporting ongoing safety monitoring.

Considering lifestyle and comfort

Choice of site sometimes depends on lifestyle. The thigh may be easier if you are self-injecting at work, while the abdomen can feel more comfortable at home. The upper arm is an option but may require someone else’s help for correct positioning. Some patients prefer alternating between thighs and abdomen to balance convenience and comfort. NHS clinicians stress that the “best” site is the one that fits safely into your routine, provided it is one of the three approved locations and rotated regularly.

Lessons we can draw

Wegovy cannot be injected into just any body part. Safe and effective use depends on sticking to the licensed areas — abdomen, thigh, or upper arm — and avoiding veins, muscles, or damaged skin. Rotating sites protects the skin and ensures consistent absorption, supporting the results demonstrated in the STEP trials and recognised by NICE. With training, support, and attention to detail, injections quickly become routine. The key lesson is that good technique and site choice are not minor details but essential parts of ensuring Wegovy works as intended in NHS care.