Molecule, a weight-loss pill that promises rapid results, has gained significant traction among young Russians, particularly on the social media platform TikTok. Earlier this year, captivating content featuring this pill flooded the feeds of young users, with catchy slogans such as "Take Molecule and forget food exists" and "Do you want to sit in the back of the class in oversized clothes?" Videos showcased fridges brimming with blue boxes labeled "Molecule Plus," sparking a surge in orders as teenagers eagerly shared their weight-loss journeys online.
However, the allure of quick weight loss comes with severe risks. Maria, a 22-year-old from St. Petersburg, recounted her experience after purchasing Molecule from a popular online retailer. After taking two pills daily for two weeks, she suffered from extreme side effects, including a dry mouth and a complete loss of appetite. "I had absolutely no desire to eat, let alone drink. I was nervous and constantly biting my lips," she described. Maria's mental health deteriorated, resulting in severe anxiety and negative thoughts, which she did not anticipate when she started taking the pills.
Other users on TikTok have reported additional alarming side effects, such as dilated pupils, tremors, and insomnia. Tragically, at least three schoolchildren have required hospitalization due to the adverse effects of Molecule. In one case, a schoolgirl in Chita, Siberia, was hospitalized after an overdose while trying to lose weight quickly before summer. Another mother shared that her daughter had to be admitted to intensive care after consuming multiple pills at once. In St. Petersburg, a 13-year-old boy experienced hallucinations and panic attacks after taking the pill, having sought it out due to bullying about his weight.
The Molecule pills often boast natural ingredients like dandelion root and fennel seed extract on their packaging. However, investigative journalism by the Russian newspaper Izvestiya revealed that these pills actually contain sibutramine, a substance linked to increased risks of heart attacks and strokes. Originally used as an antidepressant in the 1980s, sibutramine was later banned in the US in 2010 and is illegal in the UK, EU, and other countries. Although it remains available in Russia for adults via prescription, the illegal online market is thriving, with individuals selling it without the necessary oversight.
The unregulated nature of these pills makes them accessible at a fraction of the cost of legitimate weight-loss treatments, priced at around £6-7 ($8-9) for a 20-day supply compared to recognized treatments like Ozempic, which can range from £40-160 ($50-210) per month. Endocrinologist Ksenia Solovieva from St. Petersburg warns that self-administering this drug is extremely unsafe due to unknown dosages of the active ingredient.
Despite ongoing legal action against those selling Molecule pills, the problem persists. In April, the government-backed Safe Internet League alerted authorities about the rising trend among young users, leading to the removal of Molecule from major online marketplaces. However, sellers quickly adapted, relaunching the product under new names like Atom, often in similar packaging. A recent law permits authorities to block websites selling unregistered dietary supplements, yet sellers circumvent these regulations by marketing the drugs as sports nutrition.
Online marketplaces have become a hub for Molecule sales, with posts disguised as listings for muesli, biscuits, or even lightbulbs. When questioned, a prominent online retailer acknowledged the challenges in identifying and removing listings that do not explicitly mention sibutramine. The origin of these pills remains unclear, with some sellers claiming they are sourced from factories in China or even Germany, despite discrepancies in production certifications.
Online communities related to eating disorders have increasingly become platforms for promoting Molecule, with users employing coded language to bypass moderation. Dr. Solovieva emphasizes that Molecule is especially dangerous for young individuals who may already be struggling with eating disorders, stating, "For those in or near relapse, an easily available appetite suppressant can be seriously dangerous." Influencer Anna Enina, who has a substantial following, has publicly cautioned her audience against using unlicensed weight-loss pills, sharing her own struggles with eating disorders and the dire consequences of such actions.
Maria, the 22-year-old who experienced negative side effects, now regrets her decision to take the pills and actively discourages others in weight-loss forums. She even contacted the parents of a young user to warn them about the potential dangers. Despite her efforts, the popularity of Molecule continues to grow online, with each new TikTok video serving as a stark reminder of the pills that made her feel so unwell.
