Prime Highlights:
- A BBC investigation revealed that the popular weight-loss pill “Molecule,” trending on TikTok in Russia, contains sibutramine, a banned substance linked to heart attacks and strokes.
- Despite being marketed as a “natural” supplement, Molecule is unregulated, easily available online, and has already led to hospitalisations among young users.
Key Facts:
- Sibutramine, once used as an antidepressant and appetite suppressant, is banned in many countries but is still sold illegally in Russia without medical supervision.
- The pill costs around £6–7 (₹700) for a 20-day supply, making it affordable for teenagers and fueling its spread on social media through viral videos and influencer promotion.
Background
A BBC investigation found that a cheap blue pill called Molecule, which has gone viral among young people in Russia on TikTok as a quick way to lose weight, contains sibutramine, a banned drug that can cause serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes.
Despite being marketed as a “natural” supplement, Molecule is illegal in many countries and has already led to hospitalisations among teenagers. Videos showing stacks of blue boxes labelled “Molecule Plus” and captions such as “Take Molecule and forget food exists” have fueled its popularity online.
Several users have reported alarming side effects. Maria, a 22-year-old consumer, told the BBC she experienced anxiety, dehydration, and loss of appetite within two weeks. Others described insomnia, trembling, and dilated pupils. Some school children have required hospital treatment.
Investigations by Russian newspaper Izvestiya confirmed that the pill contains sibutramine, an antidepressant banned in several countries for increasing heart attack and stroke risks. Though legal in Russia only under strict medical prescriptions, Molecule is being sold freely online, often in higher doses and without any medical guidance.
Priced at just £6–7 (around ₹700) for a 20-day supply, the pill’s affordability and social media hype have made it particularly attractive to teenagers. Unlike approved drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy, which go through clinical testing, Molecule is unregulated and unsafe.
Health experts warn that this trend seriously risks young people who are trying to meet unrealistic body standards. They urge authorities to control online sales more strictly and raise awareness about the dangers of these illegal weight-loss products..
