In brief
The appetite suppressant 'Molecule' has gained traction on Russian social media, with young people encouraged by influencers to use it for quick weight loss. However, alarming side effects including anxiety, hallucinations, and dehydration have emerged after use. Health experts warn that the drug contains dangerous substances banned in several countries, yet remains accessible online, calling attention to the urgent need for regulatory action.
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. Clips showcased fridges lined with blue boxes featuring the 'Molecule Plus' label, with teenagers posting their 'weight-loss journeys' online. However, these seemingly harmless pills come with dire consequences. Maria, a 22-year-old user from St. Petersburg, recounted her bad experience after taking two pills daily. She developed severe anxiety, a loss of appetite, and dry mouth, stating, I had absolutely no desire to eat or drink. I was nervous and constantly biting my lips. Other young users have reported similar experiences, including hospitalizations due to hallucinations and panic attacks. Investigations revealed that while the pills were marketed as containing natural ingredients like dandelion root, they actually contained sibutramine, a substance banned in many countries for its severe side effects and association with increased heart attack risks. Despite being illegal without a prescription in Russia, Molecule remains easily available online, often disguised under different names or product categories.Efforts to crack down on its sale have not been entirely successful, as young Russians continue to seek out unlicensed weight-loss products due to their low costs compared to safer alternatives. With many using social media to promote these dangerous pills, health experts emphasize the urgent need for awareness and precaution against the rising trend.
