Preparation
- The injector pens or vials should be kept in the refrigerator (36 to 46 degrees F). Some medications can stay at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, for 21 to 28 days. Check your specific medication for storage instructions.
- Take the pen or vial out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes. This helps take the chill out of the injection, which can make the process more comfortable.
- While you’re waiting, double-check that the medicine looks clear and the expiration date hasn’t passed.
- Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.
- Pick an injection spot, such as your belly (at least two inches away from the navel) or the front of your thigh.
- Wipe the skin with an alcohol swab and let it air-dry completely.
Injection With a Prefilled Pen
- Pull off the cap and place the flat end of the pen firmly against your cleaned skin at a 90-degree angle.
- Press down. You’ll hear a click or see a progress bar start moving. This means the medicine is being delivered.
- After the click or once the bar stops moving, hold the pen in place and count to 10. This ensures all the medication enters your body, and there’s none left over in the pen.
- Place the used pen into a designated sharps container or puncture-proof container, such as a laundry detergent bottle.
Injection With a Needle and Syringe
- Remove the rubber cap from the vial of medication and clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.
- Remove the cap from the syringe.
- If the needle is not already attached to the syringe, place the needle on the tip of the syringe and twist to the right until it’s firmly in place. Then, remove the needle cap.
- Hold the syringe with the needle pointing up, and pull down on the plunger until it draws in the same amount of air as the dose of medication you’re taking.
- Place the vial on a flat surface. Insert the needle through the rubber stopper on the vial, and push down on the plunger to inject the air into the vial.
- Leaving the needle in the vial, turn the vial upside down. Ensure the tip of the needle is inserted in the liquid.
- Slowly pull down on the plunger and fill the syringe to the dose prescribed by your doctor.
- Remove the needle from the vial and insert it into the injection site.
- Slowly push down on the plunger to inject the medication. Leave the needle in your skin for at least five seconds to ensure you receive the full dose.
- Place the used syringe into a designated sharps container or puncture-proof container, such as a laundry detergent bottle.
Reduced Food Noise
Most people notice a marked drop in “food noise” (constant thoughts about food or the next meal). For some, it’s almost as if a switch has turned off, quieting the thoughts. Some people don’t experience thirst, either, says Velayati, which is why it’s important to be intentional about water intake.
A Fullness Flip
Your body’s “I’m full” signal will arrive much earlier and feel much stronger than before. You aren’t just choosing to eat less. Satiety signals are traveling to your brain much more quickly now.
A Shifting Palate
You might notice that salty and sweet flavors seem much more intense than they used to, which can make once-loved treats lose their appeal. As heavy or sugary foods start to taste “off,” you may find yourself naturally reaching for lighter, fresher options instead.
More Nonscale Victories
The scale is only one way to measure your progress. Improvements such as steadier blood sugar, more energy, fewer cravings, and better mobility all show the medication is working. Pay attention to how your clothes fit or how much easier it is to move through your day. These small wins show your health is improving. Your doctor will track these results, along with your weight, for a full picture of your health.
—Jodi Rodriguez, 46, on a GLP-1 for 15 months
—Heidi Torres, 53, on a GLP-1 for 12 months
—Karlie Barge, 36, on a GLP-1 for 18 months
—Barge
—Torres
—Torres
Adam Gilden, MD, MSCE
Medical Reviewer
Adam Gilden, MD, MSCE, is an associate director of the Obesity Medicine Fellowship at University of Colorado School of Medicine and associate director of the Colorado University Medicine Weight Management and Wellness Clinic in Aurora. Dr. Gilden works in a multidisciplinary academic center with other physicians, nurse practitioners, registered dietitians, and a psychologist, and collaborates closely with bariatric surgeons.
Gilden is very involved in education in obesity medicine, lecturing in one of the obesity medicine board review courses and serving as the lead author on the Annals of Internal Medicine article "In the Clinic" on obesity.
He lives in Denver, where he enjoys spending time with family, and playing tennis.
Susan Jara
Author
Susan Jara is a health communications strategist and writer with more than 15 years of experience transforming complex medical information into clear, accurate, and engaging content for diverse audiences of patients and caregivers. She specializes in patient education, health literacy, and SEO-driven content strategy, with expertise across chronic disease, mental health, addiction, arthritis, autoimmune conditions, and wellness.
Susan holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media studies from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. Her career includes leadership roles at the Global Healthy Living Foundation and Health Monitor Network, where she developed multichannel health content across web, email, podcasts, video, social media, and print. Susan's work reaches millions of readers each year, and she collaborates with leading healthcare providers, researchers, advocacy groups, and industry partners to create resources that reach millions of readers each year.