GLP-1 Injection Sites & Rotation
Where to inject Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and other GLP-1 medications — and how to rotate sites so absorption stays predictable.
Educational information only. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber and your medication's official label.
The three approved sites
GLP-1 medications are subcutaneous — they go into the fatty layer just under the skin. All manufacturers approve the same three regions:
Abdomen (belly)
Stay at least 2 inches (5 cm) away from your navel. Most self-injectors find this easiest to reach and least sensitive.
Front of the thigh
Use the middle third of the thigh, front and slightly to the outside. Sit down and pinch the fat gently before injecting.
Back of the upper arm
Use the fatty area on the back of the arm. This is the hardest spot to reach on your own — a helper makes it easy.
Interactive site map
Tap a location to see guidance for that site.
Left Abdomen
Fatty area of the belly, at least 2 inches (5 cm) from the navel. Easiest region for self-injection.
Why rotation matters
Injecting the same spot week after week can cause lipohypertrophy — small fatty lumps under the skin — or, less commonly, lipoatrophy (fatty pits). Both change how quickly the medication is absorbed, which can make weekly doses feel unpredictable.
The fix is simple: pick a different site each week and keep new injections at least one inch (about 2.5 cm) away from the last spot in the same region.
A safe 6-week rotation
Use this cycle for once-weekly GLP-1s like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro.
- 1
Left Abdomen
Stay at least 2 inches (5 cm) from your navel.
- 2
Right Abdomen
Mirror week 1 on the opposite side of your belly.
- 3
Left Thigh
Front of the thigh, halfway between hip and knee.
- 4
Right Thigh
Same landmark on the opposite leg.
- 5
Left Upper Arm
Back of the arm — easier with a helper.
- 6
Right Upper Arm
Then start the cycle over at Left Abdomen.
Do
- Wash your hands and clean the site with an alcohol swab.
- Pinch the fat gently and inject at 90°.
- Keep a rotation log so you don't repeat a spot.
- Bring pens to room temperature for a few minutes before injecting.
Don't
- Don't inject into a lump, scar, bruise, stretch mark, or tattoo.
- Don't inject within 2 inches (5 cm) of your navel.
- Don't inject into a muscle — GLP-1s are subcutaneous only.
- Don't reuse the same exact spot two weeks in a row.
Quick answers
Where do you inject Ozempic?
Ozempic (semaglutide) goes into the abdomen (at least 2 inches from the navel), the front of the thigh, or the back of the upper arm. Rotate weekly.
Where are the Zepbound injection sites?
Zepbound (tirzepatide) uses the same three subcutaneous regions — abdomen, front of thigh, back of upper arm — and the same rotation approach as Ozempic and Wegovy.
Does the site affect how well the medication works?
All three approved sites are considered equivalent by the manufacturers, but rotating keeps absorption steady over time. Repeatedly using one spot can cause lipohypertrophy, which slows and blunts absorption.
Can I inject in the same site if I feel comfortable there?
Stay in the same region if you like (for example, the abdomen), but move at least one inch away from your last injection and let each spot rest for several weeks before returning.
DoseWise is educational and does not replace medical advice. Always follow your prescriber's instructions and the label that came with your medication.