Maksim Fadeyev’s 97 kg weight loss sparks debate over risky ‘gallbladder flush’ trend

Russian composer and producer Maksim Fadeyev has shared his dramatic weight-loss journey as part of the online trend ‘2026 – the new 2016’. Over the past few years, he has shed 97 kilograms. His method included a daily morning drink of hot water, lemon juice, and olive oil—a mix some call the ‘gallbladder flush’.

Fadeyev attributed his transformation to a strict routine. Each morning, he consumed a cocktail of very hot water, lemon juice, and olive oil. This drink, he claimed, helped kickstart his metabolism and supported his weight-loss efforts.

However, medical experts have raised serious concerns about the practice. Anton Polyakov, a Russian endocrinologist and dietitian, warns that the mixture can be dangerous for people with gallstones. The cocktail may cause stones to shift, leading to acute cholecystitis, bile duct blockages, or even pancreatitis. Polyakov stressed that the drink does not dissolve gallstones but risks moving them unpredictably. While the mixture is sometimes promoted for digestion and detoxification, Polyakov emphasised it is not a safe or universal health insurance solution. Health conditions must always be considered before trying such remedies.

Fadeyev’s story has gained attention as part of a wider trend celebrating personal change. Yet his weight-loss method carries risks for those with certain medical issues. Experts advise caution and recommend consulting a doctor before adopting untested health practices.