Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is a molecule produced in the body, usually found in the intestines. It is responsible for the feeling of satiety following meals.
OEA is sometimes included in fat burning supplement stacks. There is currently no human evidence that suggests oral supplementation of OEA is able to burn fat.
OEA acts on a receptor called Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha (PPARα). When this receptor is activated in the intestines of rats, the animals consume less food. Research on rats shows that both injections and oral intake of OEA causes a reliable reduction in the amount of food eaten.
Limited human evidence suggests that OEA may be able to aid fat loss by acting on PPARα. When this receptor is activated in fat tissue, energy expenditure increases. Further evidence is needed before oral supplementation of OEA can be recommended for weight loss.