Molecule, a pill promising rapid weight loss, went viral on Russian TikTok earlier this year. Young people's feeds started 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 showed fridges lined with blue boxes featuring holograms and Molecule Plus labels. The orders began piling in, as teenagers shared their weight-loss journeys on social media.
But there was a catch. Maria, 22, had purchased the pill from a popular online retailer. She took two pills per day and, after two weeks, says her mouth dried up and she completely lost her appetite. I had absolutely no desire to eat, let alone drink. I was nervous. I was constantly biting my lips and chewing my cheeks, she says. Maria developed severe anxiety and began having negative thoughts. These pills were having a profound effect on my psyche, she claims.
Reports from others on social media reveal a host of side effects, including dilated pupils, tremors, and insomnia. Tragically, at least three schoolchildren have been hospitalized. In April, a schoolgirl in Chita, Siberia, needed hospital care after overdosing on Molecule, and another girl suffered a near-fatal situation as her mother described her intensive care experience.
Substance analysis by journalists found that Molecule pills often contain sibutramine, a banned substance in countries like the UK, EU, and US due to its association with increased risks of heart attacks and strokes. Despite this, it’s still used to treat obesity in Russia but only with a prescription.
Although purchasing and reselling these pills can lead to serious legal repercussions, it hasn't stopped the illegal trade. The packaging for Molecule often lists natural ingredients like dandelion root and fennel seed extract, misleading potential buyers. The pill's popularity continues to grow, largely fueled by social media and online eating-disorder communities.
Healthcare professionals warn that the self-administration of this drug is extremely unsafe, especially for young individuals who may already be struggling with eating disorders. Maria now works to discourage others from making the same mistake she did and urges caution to her peers regarding these unlicensed weight-loss pills.
