In brief
Molecule, a weight-loss pill gaining popularity among Russian youth, has become a dangerous trend stemming from TikTok promotions. While marketed as having natural ingredients, it contains sibutramine, a banned substance with links to health risks such as severe anxiety and physical ailments. Despite its unlicensed status and the dangers it presents, the pill remains widely available and continues to affect young people's health.
Molecule, a pill promising rapid weight loss, went viral on Russian TikTok earlier this year. Young people's feeds began filling up with captions like Take Molecule and forget food exists and Do you want to sit in the back of the class in oversized clothes? Clips showcased fridges lined with blue boxes labeled Molecule Plus. Demand surged as teenagers shared their weight-loss journeys online, but this came with alarming side effects. Maria, a 22-year-old from St Petersburg, purchased the pill hoping for results but after taking two pills daily for just two weeks, she faced severe side effects like a dry mouth, complete loss of appetite, anxiety, and negative thoughts. Many other users echoed her experience, with reports of dilated pupils and insomnia surfacing, and at least three youths required hospitalization.In April, a schoolgirl in Chita needed urgent care after an overdose, while another was admitted to intensive care. Young boys and girls are reportedly driving the demand, often seeking quick weight loss solutions ahead of summer. Despite being banned across the UK, EU, and US since its link to increased health risks, sibutramine remains accessible in Russia as it is still prescribed to adults for obesity treatment.Authorities are struggling to control the illegal sale of these pills, which are often sold under the guise of 'natural ingredients' but contain harmful substances. Online channels promote Molecule and its variations, obfuscating the product's true nature, which endangers young users with severe health consequences. Influencers have weighed in, warning about the dire repercussions of using such pills. Maria now actively discourages others from using Molecule, having experienced its perilous effects firsthand.
