In Russia, a new trend has taken social media by storm: the weight-loss pill “Molecule.” Viral videos on TikTok, featuring catchy captions like “Take Molecule and forget food exists,” have fueled its popularity, particularly among young people. These clips often show the pills in distinctive blue boxes, sparking a surge in demand as teenagers document their “weight-loss journeys.” However, beneath the surface of this trend lies a significant health risk.
Maria, a 22-year-old from St. Petersburg, shared her harrowing experience after purchasing Molecule from an online retailer. Following the recommended dosage of two pills daily, she soon developed a severely dry mouth, a complete loss of appetite, and debilitating anxiety, even resorting to constantly biting her lips and cheeks. “These pills were having a profound effect on my psyche,” she stated, unprepared for such intense side effects. Her story is not unique; other users have reported dilated pupils, tremors, and insomnia, with at least three schoolchildren reportedly requiring hospitalization.
The composition of “Molecule” is also a major concern. While often marketed with “natural ingredients” like dandelion root and fennel seed extract, journalistic investigations have revealed the presence of sibutramine, a substance banned in many countries, including the UK, EU, and US. Sibutramine, initially an antidepressant, was later recognized for its potential to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, while offering only marginal weight loss benefits. Although legal for obesity treatment in Russia, it requires a prescription and is intended for adults only. The sale of unregistered sibutramine is a criminal offense, yet it continues to proliferate online, often sold in higher doses than regulated medication and without proper medical oversight. At approximately £6-£7 ($8-$9) for a 20-day supply, “Molecule” is significantly cheaper than authorized weight-loss treatments. Endocrinologists warn of the extreme danger of self-administering such “dietary supplements” due to unknown active ingredient concentrations.
Authorities are struggling to curb the illegal trade, with sellers cleverly circumventing regulations by relabeling the pills as “sports nutrition” or listing them alongside innocuous products on online marketplaces. Despite efforts to remove “Molecule” from sale, it reappears under new names, like “Atom,” in similar packaging. The manufacturing origins of these pills are also unclear, with some vendors claiming German production while evidence points to Chinese factories.
The normalization of these pills within online eating-disorder communities further exacerbates the problem, with users employing coded language to evade moderation. Health professionals emphasize the particular danger “Molecule” poses to young individuals, especially those with a history of or predisposition to eating disorders, as easily accessible appetite suppressants can trigger relapses. Even influencers who have previously used similar products are now warning their followers of the dire consequences, urging caution and self-awareness.