Story perspectives

Illegal Weight Loss Pill 'Molecule' Promotes Teen Health Risks

11/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Molecule, an unlicensed weight loss pill promoted to teenagers on TikTok in Russia, contains sibutramine, a banned substance.
Maria, a 22-year-old from Russia, experienced severe side effects after taking Molecule.
Despite illegality in many countries, including the United States and United Kingdom, Molecule remains available online, often disguised as dietary supplements.
Authorities struggle to regulate its sale as sellers evade restrictions by rebranding the product.

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Story summary

Molecule, an unlicensed weight loss pill promoted to teenagers on TikTok in Russia, contains sibutramine, a banned substance.
Maria, a 22-year-old from Russia, experienced severe side effects after taking Molecule.
Despite illegality in many countries, including the United States and United Kingdom, Molecule remains available online, often disguised as dietary supplements.
Authorities struggle to regulate its sale as sellers evade restrictions by rebranding the product.