Best Place To Inject Ozempic For Weight Loss: What To Know 2024

Obesity causes both physical and emotional problems for many people. It is expected that by 2030,^[1] 49% of Americans will be obese if change does not happen. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index of 30 or greater.

Many health-related issues and diseases occur in those who are obese. It is estimated that 1.71 trillion^[2] healthcare dollars have been spent on obesity-related chronic illnesses in the U.S. It is imperative for an individual’s physical, mental, and financial health that we find solutions.

Recently, the use of glucagon-peptide agonist^[3] medications like Ozempic has increasingly been used to treat obesity. The active ingredient in Ozempic is called semaglutide. It is also used for those who are overweight (BMI of 27 or greater) with at least one weight-related complication. Continue reading to learn about the best place to inject Ozempic for weight loss.

Best Place To Inject Ozempic For Weight Loss

Ozempic is provided in a pre-filled auto-injecting pen and used once per week. For those wondering where to give the injection of Ozempic for weight loss, inject it into the subcutaneous fat (just under the skin) in one of the following locations:^[4]

• Abdomen.
• Thigh.
• Upper arm. 

Rotate the injection site with each dose. Keeping a log of where you inject may be helpful so that you remember to rotate injection sites weekly. You may inject in the same body part each week but use a different location. You should inject^[4] Ozempic on the same day each week. If necessary, you may change the day of the week as long as 48 hours have elapsed between doses.

The injection does not have to coincide with meal times. If you miss a dose and less than five days have passed, you may take the injection. If more than five days have passed, wait until your scheduled day and take the next dose.

Skin irritation at the injection site is rare (0.2%). The most common side effects^[4] of Ozempic are:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Abdominal pain.
• Constipation.

For those taking insulin, it is acceptable to give Ozempic and insulin^[5] in the same body part, just not at the same site. The use of once-weekly semaglutide may affect your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. You may find you need to adjust your insulin dose.

How To Use Ozempic For Weight Loss?

Ozempic should only be used after alternate weight loss methods have been tried and failed. Technically, Ozempic is only FDA-approved^[5] for those with diabetes. Wegovy, a semaglutide drug of a different dosage than Ozempic, was approved for weight loss^[6] in 2021.

How To Take Ozempic For Weight Loss

Your doctor will start your Ozempic dose at the lowest dose, increasing it after four weeks. They may increase your dose again in four more weeks, depending on how your body reacts. Always inspect the solution in the pre-filled syringe to be sure it is clear, not cloudy or discolored, and does not contain particles. Check the expiration date.

Ozempic^[4] should be stored in the refrigerator. Once a pen is used, keep it at room temperature or refrigerate. Dispose of the pen after 56 days, even if some medication remains.

Follow these steps^[7] for semaglutide injection:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Pull the cap off the Ozempic pen.
3. Attach a disposable needle straight onto the pen, turning it until it is tight.
4. Pull off the outer needle cap and save it.
5. Pull off the inner needle cap and throw it away.
6. If using a new Ozempic pen, check^[4] the flow:

• Turn the dose selector until the flow check symbol appears in the dose counter.
• Hold the pen with the needle pointing up. Press and hold the dose button until zero lines up with the pointer in the dose counter.
• A drop of Ozempic will appear at the needle tip, which assures the flow.
• If no drop appears, repeat these steps up to six times.
• If a drop still does not appear, change the needle and try again. If this doesn’t work, call the helpline listed on the package insert.

7. Dial the dose selector until you see your prescribed dose in the pen window.
8. Clean your chosen site with an alcohol swab and wait for it to dry.
9. Insert the needle just under your skin, as shown by your healthcare provider.
10. Press the injection button until the window shows zero.
11. Slowly count to six before removing the needle.
12. Twist to remove the needle from the pen and dispose of the used needle in a sharps container.
13. Replace the pen cap.

Does Ozempic Work?

The success rate of semaglutide is favorable. In one small study,^[2] every patient had lost weight at the three-month evaluation, with an average weight loss of 5.9%. At the six-month follow-up, 102 of 175 patients had additional weight loss, an average of 10.9%.

In a larger study,^[8] participants who took semaglutide medication lost an average of 14.9% in 68 weeks compared to an average weight loss of only 2.4% in the placebo group, who only altered their diet and exercise plans.

Additional Things To Do While Taking Ozempic

Using Ozempic for weight loss is one way to lose weight successfully. All weight loss plans should, however, include strategic changes to what you eat and how much you exercise. Failing to make lifestyle changes will leave the users of semaglutide in a cycle of regaining lost weight if medications are discontinued.

Dietary changes are essential to effective body weight loss. Eating enough lean protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber carbohydrates should be the basis of a healthy, calorie-deficit diet.

Using an app to track your intake of calories and macros helps you understand what you eat in a day. Many of us underestimate the actual amount we eat every day. You may consider adding supplements to your routine.

Many other factors affect weight, including

• Exercise.
• Beverages with calories.
• Sleep.
• Stress.
• Alcohol intake.
• Menopause.

Physical Activity

Being physically active supports health^[9] in a multitude of ways:

• Reduces rates of obesity.
• Reduces risk of diseases: heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis.
• Good for brain health: reduces Alzheimer’s, dementia, depression and anxiety.
• Increases muscle strength and endurance.
• Decreases risk of falls.

The current recommendation^[9] for adults is 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Ideally, this combines strength training, cardio, and flexibility activities. The importance of movement is clear. 

Does It Matter Where You Inject Ozempic For Weight Loss?

The Ozempic injection may be given in any of the three previously mentioned body parts. Inject just under the skin into subcutaneous fat, not muscle or veins. Your healthcare professional will teach you how to do this. 

Conclusion

Using Ozempic for weight loss is effective. Ozempic for weight loss should be combined with lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, exercise, stress reduction, and good sleep practices. 

Ozempic has not been clearly defined as safe during pregnancy. Speak to your doctor if you become pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant.

With the popularity of semaglutide rising, it is unsurprising that many are trying to profit from those seeking Ozempic. Always obtain Ozempic from a licensed physician or healthcare provider and a legitimate pharmacy. If your provider suggests a compound pharmacy where they mix the medication for you, proceed with caution.

Obesity is a metabolic disorder that causes significant risk for many expensive, debilitating diseases. While following a balanced diet at the appropriate calorie level and implementing regular exercise should always be at the forefront of good health, talking to your healthcare provider about medications like Ozempic and how to use medications like Ozempic for weight loss may be an option if other methods prove ineffective.