Evidence supporting the use of: Oleoylethanolamide
For the health condition: Appetite (excessive)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is a lipid mediator produced naturally in the small intestine, and it has gained attention for its role in the regulation of appetite and body weight. OEA acts as a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α) agonist, which is believed to promote satiety and reduce food intake. Several animal studies indicate that OEA administration decreases meal frequency and overall caloric intake, leading to weight loss in rodents. Mechanistically, OEA signals satiety by activating PPAR-α, which triggers a cascade that ultimately communicates with the brain to suppress hunger.
Human clinical trials are more limited, but there is emerging evidence supporting OEA’s appetite-suppressing effects. For instance, a randomized controlled trial published in Obesity (2022) found that OEA supplementation reduced subjective hunger and calorie intake in overweight participants. Other small pilot studies suggest similar trends, though the overall number and scale of human trials remain modest.
While the preclinical evidence is robust and the mechanism of action is well described, larger and longer-term human studies are still needed to confirm efficacy and safety for appetite control. Thus, the current evidence supports the use of OEA for appetite regulation, but it is not yet conclusive. The rating reflects encouraging but not definitive clinical evidence.
More about Oleoylethanolamide
More about Appetite (excessive)
Other health conditions supported by Oleoylethanolamide
Appetite (deficient)Appetite (excessive)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatty Liver Disease
Inflammation
Metabolic Syndrome
Weight Loss
