Oleoylethanolamide (OEA), the naturally occurring amide of ethanolamine and oleic acid, is an endogenous lipid that modulates feeding, body weight and lipid metabolism by binding with high affinity to the ligand-activated transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha). In the present article, we describe the biochemical pathways responsible for the initiation and termination of OEA signaling, and outline the pharmacological properties of this compound in relation to its ability to activate PPAR-alpha. Finally, we discuss the possible role of OEA as a peripheral satiety hormone.