1. What’s the best place to inject?

You’ve probably seen the diagram in the leaflet (if you opened it… no judgment if you didn’t). But let’s break it down in plain English:

You’ve got three main injection sites to choose from:

• Stomach (abdomen): Around your belly button, but not too close

• Thigh: Front of your upper leg

• Upper arm: Back or side of the upper arm (usually needs a second pair of hands)

Most popular choice? The stomach.

It’s easy to reach, easy to see, and usually totally painless. Plus, there’s more soft tissue to work with, which is exactly what these pens are designed for.

But let’s go deeper than the leaflet tells you.

Real-world tips from GLP-1 users:

• Belly button placement matters. Aim for at least 2 inches to the left or right of your belly button, and go above the belly button line, not below.

• Alternate sides each week. Left one week, right the next, keeps things balanced and can reduce irritation.

• Some users swear this method gives them faster effects. It’s not backed by science (yet), but it’s definitely the hot tip in comments sections and influencer advice videos.

Tummy

Arm

Thigh

Can the injection site affect side effects?

There’s a growing belief among long-term users that where you inject might influence how you feel afterwards.

Some say the thigh gives them fewer side effects. Others claim the stomach works better for appetite control. And a few avoid the arm completely.

Honestly? There’s no universal answer. The official line, according to medical professionals, is that the location of your injection site shouldn’t affect how the medication works, as long as it’s done correctly. But with thousands of users reporting similar stories across TikTok, Reddit and comment sections everywhere, there’s clearly something going on. It might not be scientifically proven (yet), but the anecdotal evidence is stacking up, and it’s worth paying attention to your own body as you try different spots.

Try each site in your first month, track how you feel, how your body responds, and what feels easiest to manage. It’s your body, and you’ll figure out what works best. Just give each spot a fair go before settling into a routine.

2. Does the injection hurt?

Honestly? For most people, not really.

The needle is tiny and ultra-thin. You’re not jabbing it into muscle, just under the skin (a subcutaneous injection, this is a term you will hear quite often). It feels more like a little pinch, if even that! Most people work themselves up so much before jabbing, and end up thinking, "Was that it?".

Some people feel a sting or slight pressure. Others barely notice it. It’s over in seconds.

If you’re nervous: take a slow breath in as you press the pen. Then exhale and count to 10 before lifting it away (it helps make sure the full dose goes in).

3. When is the best day and time to do your injection?

Let’s be real, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. It depends on your schedule, your side effects, and how your week usually plays out.

But here’s what most experienced users will tell you: Plan your jab around your lifestyle, not the other way around.

🔄 Think about your typical week.

• If your weekends are always jam packed busy, maybe don’t jab on a Thursday or Friday, you don’t want to feel off when you’ve got a million things to do.

• If Mondays are chaos at work, a Sunday jab might not be your best bet.

• Got a relaxed midweek? That might be your sweet spot.

🧠 A few things to know:

• Side effects (if you get them) tend to hit hardest in the first 24–48 hours

• Appetite suppression usually ramps up after day one and holds strong until around day five

• By day six or seven, many users notice their hunger starting to creep back in. That doesn’t mean the meds have stopped working; it’s just part of the weekly cycle.

So here’s the trick:

Think about what your week looks like toward the end of your dose. Are you usually surrounded by snacks? Social plans? Friday night takeaways?

When you’re picking your jab day, think about where those last two days will land. If your weekends are full of temptations, you might want to avoid letting the tail end of your dose fall on a Saturday or Sunday.

⏰ What time of day is best?

Again, it’s personal.

• Evening jabs are popular; if nausea hits, you can sleep through it

• Morning jabs work for people who want the full day to see how they feel

There’s no wrong answer, as long as it fits your rhythm.

💡 Can you change your jab day?

Yes, it’s not set in stone!

If the day you chose isn’t working for your body or your calendar, you can shift it forward or back.

Medical guidance says you can take your next dose after at least 5 days, if needed. That means you can bring it forward occasionally, just don’t make a habit of it every week. For example, you might move from a Friday jab to a Wednesday one over time, totally fine, just space it properly.