The 3 most common GLP-1 injection sites

When using glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications for weight loss or diabetes, you should become familiar with injecting the medication under your skin (subcutaneously). Typically, you’ll target your stomach, thigh, or upper arm, as these areas tend to contain more fatty tissue.

When injecting the medication, alternate sites or avoid injecting the same place twice in a row. This helps prevent injection site reactions such as swelling and rashes. It can also prevent lipohypertrophy, which is the formation of a mass of fatty tissue under the skin.

Why it works: Although research is inconclusive, some studies have shown that injecting GLP-1 into your abdomen can help increase the absorption rate. One study found that people who injected the medication into their belly fat absorbed the medication faster than those who used their thigh as an injection site. However, these differences were very minor and further research is needed.

How to do it: Choose a location below your ribs and above your hip bones. The injection site should be at least 2 inches from your belly button and at least 1 inch from a previous injection site. Also be sure to wash your hands and dry them with a clean paper towel before giving the injection, and disinfect the injection site with an alcohol swab.

What to avoid: Avoid injecting the medication into broken or swollen skin. You should also avoid scars, stretch marks, tattoos, or areas with redness or irritation.

Why it works: Your thigh usually contains enough fatty tissue for you to find a good injection site. It’s also easy to see and reach, and may feel less invasive than using your abdomen. However, some injection studies have found that injections into the thigh are sometimes more painful than injections into the abdomen.

How to do it: Choose a spot on the outer part of your thigh where there is enough fatty tissue to prevent muscle. Just like the abdomen, you must first wash your hands, dry them with a clean paper towel and disinfect the skin with an alcohol swab.

What to avoid: If you have recently shaved the area, avoid using your thigh as an injection site. Also avoid areas that are red, irritated, sore (from a workout) or contain stretch marks or tattoos. Make sure your injection site is at least 1 inch from a previous injection site.

Why it works: Some people like to use the upper arm as an injection site because it doesn’t require undressing like using the thigh would. However, your upper arm may be a little harder to reach if you hold the needle at a 90-degree angle.

How to do it: Select an area at least 3 inches below your shoulder and 3 inches above your elbow, on the side or back of your arm. This is generally considered to be your triceps area. You may need to have someone help you with the injection to get the right angle. Again, make sure you or the injector’s hands are clean and the skin is disinfected.

What to avoid: As with other injection sites, avoid skin with tattoos, scars, bruising, or stretch marks. You should also avoid broken, red, or irritated areas of skin. If your arm hurts from a workout, choose another spot.