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,' promoting the unlicensed drug as a panacea for weight issues. Clips of fridges packed with blue boxes marked 'Molecule Plus' encouraged teens to share their 'weight-loss journeys' online.
However, the trend carries significant dangers. Maria, a 22-year-old from St. Petersburg, shared her distress after trying the pills: she experienced severe side effects such as appetite loss, dry mouth, anxiety, and even self-harm ideation. Her case is not isolated; other users have reported symptoms like dilated pupils and insomnia, with some requiring hospitalization due to drastic side effects from the pills.
Molecule typically claims to include 'natural ingredients' but further investigations uncovered that it contains sibutramine. Initially used as an antidepressant, sibutramine has been linked to increased risks of heart attacks and strokes, leading to its ban in various countries. While it remains prescribed for obesity in Russia, it is often sold online illegally, outpacing regulation efforts.
Experts are raising red flags regarding the unsafe self-administration of these pills, urging users to remain vigilant against the serious health risks involved. The government has attempted to combat the sale of Molecule, but the product reappears under different names, demonstrating the difficulty in controlling its distribution. Despite the risks, Molecule continues to attract a growing audience on platforms like TikTok, raising alarms about youth susceptibility to dangerous weight-loss trends.
However, the trend carries significant dangers. Maria, a 22-year-old from St. Petersburg, shared her distress after trying the pills: she experienced severe side effects such as appetite loss, dry mouth, anxiety, and even self-harm ideation. Her case is not isolated; other users have reported symptoms like dilated pupils and insomnia, with some requiring hospitalization due to drastic side effects from the pills.
Molecule typically claims to include 'natural ingredients' but further investigations uncovered that it contains sibutramine. Initially used as an antidepressant, sibutramine has been linked to increased risks of heart attacks and strokes, leading to its ban in various countries. While it remains prescribed for obesity in Russia, it is often sold online illegally, outpacing regulation efforts.
Experts are raising red flags regarding the unsafe self-administration of these pills, urging users to remain vigilant against the serious health risks involved. The government has attempted to combat the sale of Molecule, but the product reappears under different names, demonstrating the difficulty in controlling its distribution. Despite the risks, Molecule continues to attract a growing audience on platforms like TikTok, raising alarms about youth susceptibility to dangerous weight-loss trends.
