A dangerous trend has emerged among young Russians, fueled by the unlicensed weight loss drug ‘Molecule,’ which has gone viral on TikTok. Promising rapid weight loss, the pill has been aggressively marketed with captions like ‘Take Molecule and forget food exists’ and ‘Do you want to sit in the back of the class in oversized clothes?’ The drug, packaged in blue boxes with holographic labels, has gained popularity through social media ‘weight-loss journeys’ shared by teenagers. However, the consequences have been severe. Maria, a 22-year-old from St. Petersburg, experienced extreme side effects, including dry mouth, loss of appetite, severe anxiety, and negative thoughts. ‘These pills were having a profound effect on my psyche,’ she said. Other users reported dilated pupils, tremors, insomnia, and hospitalizations. At least three schoolchildren have been hospitalized, including a 13-year-old boy who suffered hallucinations and panic attacks after being teased about his weight. Investigations revealed that Molecule contains sibutramine, a substance banned in many countries due to its links to heart attacks and strokes. Despite being illegal without a prescription in Russia, the drug is widely sold online, often mislabeled as ‘dietary supplements’ or ‘sports nutrition.’ Endocrinologist Ksenia Solovieva warned of the risks of overdose, emphasizing the lack of regulation. Despite government efforts to curb its sale, Molecule continues to appear under new names and packaging. Online communities promoting eating disorders have also become hubs for Molecule promotion. Influencer Anna Enina, who has struggled with eating disorders, urged her followers to avoid the drug, stating, ‘The consequences will be dire.’ Maria, now a vocal critic, discourages others from using Molecule, but the drug remains popular, leaving a trail of health crises in its wake.
Young Russians are being seduced by a cheap, dangerous weight-loss pill called Molecule
