A weight loss pill called Molecule is going viral on TikTok, with influencers promoting rapid weight loss transformations. The drug is popular in Russia and eastern Europe, but contains a compound banned in the UK, EU and US due to dangerous side effects.
Molecule is marketed as a natural supplement containing dandelion root, fennel seeds and black tea, but tests have found it contains sibutramine. This substance was previously sold as the prescription drug Reductil, but was withdrawn in 2010 after a large trial showed it increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Sibutramine works by altering brain chemicals to suppress appetite, but can cause serious side effects including raised blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, insomnia, and constipation. It can also interact dangerously with antidepressants and other medications, potentially leading to life-threatening serotonin syndrome.
Despite being banned in the UK, EU and US, sibutramine remains available with a prescription in Russia. The drug continues to appear in unlicensed supplements like Molecule, sold online as “natural” products that bypass regulatory scrutiny.
