Fast weight loss without effort is exactly the effect promised by TikTok videos where bloggers demonstrate “magical” transformations after taking Molecule capsules. This supplement is rapidly gaining popularity among young people in Russia and Eastern Europe. However, as a recent investigation by the BBC revealed, a much more dangerous reality is hidden behind these advertising claims, according to The Conversation portal. Although the Molecule packaging lists harmless ingredients—dandelion root, fennel seeds, and black tea—laboratory tests found sibutramine in the capsules. This medication was previously prescribed for weight loss under the trade name Reductil but was later banned in the US, UK, and EU countries due to serious side effects. Sibutramine acts on the brain’s satiety centers by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels, thereby reducing appetite. It can increase energy expenditure and help maintain weight after loss. Clinical data showed that with a comprehensive approach—diet, exercise, and medical supervision—people could lose up to 5–10% of their body weight. However, in 2010, the European Medicines Agency and regulators in the US and UK banned the drug. A major study, Scout, found that sibutramine increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in people with heart conditions. In addition to cardiovascular complications, the drug causes dry mouth, insomnia, headaches, and can significantly raise blood pressure and heart rate by activating the sympathetic nervous system. Another threat is the combination of sibutramine with other medications. If taken with antidepressants (such as SSRIs or MAOIs), serotonin syndrome—a potentially fatal condition—can develop. A similar risk exists when taking certain migraine medications and opioid painkillers simultaneously. Symptoms include confusion, agitation, sweating, fever, rapid heartbeat, muscle twitching, and coordination problems. Furthermore, antibiotics and antifungal drugs that affect liver enzyme function can increase the concentration of sibutramine in the blood. In Russia, sibutramine is available by prescription for the treatment of obesity in adults. However, it is increasingly found in illegal dietary supplements sold as “natural” weight loss remedies, including Molecule capsules. Such products are distributed online and bypass quality control, meaning consumers cannot be certain of their contents. Experts emphasized that the history of sibutramine serves as a stark warning about how dangerous unregulated diet pills can be. Even a drug once approved for broad use can cause serious harm, especially if sold illegally or used without medical supervision.
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