Obesity is a problem faced by millions of people in this generation. Due to obesity, people are facing a variety of health problems, some of which can be deadly. The spike in technological developments and the ease of getting things done thereby, has led to inactivity in people’s lifestyles.
In a time where people can cook good, nutritious food at home, a majority prefers to order food online without even having to move from their position. The people of the new generation would rather watch Netflix at home and much on fast food than going outside and taking a walk in nature. This has given rise to more obesity cases all around the world.
Getting rid of obesity is not an easy task. It takes determination and a lot of hard work. People are not always ready to commit to such drastic lifestyle changes. Companies create products like diet pills and various supplements to help such people who are struggling with obesity. Things like fad diets and gadgets like vibrating belts and home workout equipment are popular in the market for weight loss. But do they really work?
Amongst all the buzz around weight loss products, scientists and doctors have discovered a compound that is capable of controlling weight gain and suppressing appetite. This discovery could help people struggling to lose weight and tackling eating disorders. This compound is Oleoylethanolamide (OEA).
This molecule, OEA, is a lipid synthesized naturally in our body, in the small intestines. It is responsible for making us feel satiated. The amount of Oleoylethanolamide found in our body is higher during the day and lower during the night, during periods of starvation.
It was first studied due to its structural similarities with another molecule, a cannabinoid called anandamide. It is related to cannabis, but unlike cannabis, it does not make a person feel like snacking or binge eating. It does the opposite, which makes it quite interesting. Studies have shown that OEA can actually suppress hunger by turning off the receptor for hunger in the nervous system. It was initially studied to see whether it affects the brain, but it displayed effects on eating behavior and not the brain.
How Oleoylethanolamide works are that it activates PPAR, which is peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, in the body, which boosts the process of burning fat and reduces fat stored in the body. It also makes the person consume less food by making them feel satiated sooner. Although this sounds very promising, there is no solid evidence of its effects on human beings. The studies carried out so far have been on animals, such as rats.
While there is not enough research on its effects on human beings, it is generally regarded as safe for consumption but does not have a recommended dosage. As OEA is not an essential lipid, you do not need to take special supplements because you will not suffer from OEA deprivation.
