Molecule TikTok Weight-Loss Pill Found to Contain Banned Substance

A viral diet pill called Molecule has triggered health warnings in Russia after several teenagers were hospitalised and tests revealed it contained a banned ingredient.

The pill went viral on TikTok, with users promoting it as a fast way to lose weight under slogans like «Take Molecule and forget food exists.»

Maria, 22, from St Petersburg, said she lost her appetite completely and developed severe anxiety after two weeks of use. Other users reported tremors, insomnia and hallucinations, and at least three schoolchildren were treated in hospital for overdoses.

Tests by Izvestiya found Molecule contained sibutramine, a substance banned in the UK, EU and US after being linked to heart attacks and strokes. Despite being prescription-only in Russia, it is widely sold online for £6–7 per pack, often disguised as «sports nutrition» or even «muesli».

Authorities removed some listings, but Molecule quickly reappeared under the name «Atom.» Its production source remains unclear, with sellers claiming links to China, Germany or Kazakhstan.

Maria, now recovered, warns others online: «These pills made me sick. They’re dangerous.» Yet the #Molecule trend continues to spread across TikTok.