| Obesity is a crucial public health problem worldwide and is considered as the main cause of many chronic
diseases. The present study evaluated the effects of Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) supplementation on proximal
proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) gene expression, appetite sensations, and anthropometric measurements
in obese people. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out on 60
healthy obese people in Tabriz, Iran, in 2016. The eligible subjects were divided into an intervention group (who
received two 125 mg OEA capsules daily) and a placebo group (who received the same amount of starches) and
treated for 60 days. Anthropometric measurements and body composition were assessed in a fasting state at
baseline and at the end of the study. The visual analogue scales (VAS) were used to assess appetite sensations.
Quantitative real-time PCR analysis targeting the 16S rRNA gene of PPAR-α was done. Analysis was done on 56
participants who continued intervention until the end of the study. A significant increase in PPAR-α gene expression
was observed in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Weight, body mass index, waist circumference,
and fat percent decreased significantly at the end of the study in the intervention group (all p < 0.01). Hunger,
the desire to eat, and cravings for sweet foods decreased significantly and fullness increased significantly by the
end of study in the intervention group at the end of study (all p < 0.01). The fullness item increased significantly
by the end of study in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Use of OEA as a complementary approach
could be effective in suppressing appetite and modulating energy balance in obese people. |