Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a metabolic stabilizing compound by: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR43, and b) determining whether GPR43 functionality is modulated, where a modulation in GPR43 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a metabolic stabilizing compound. In addition, the invention relates to a method for identifying a metabolic stabilizing compound, comprising: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR43, and b) determining whether GPR43 functionality is increased, wherein an increase in GPR43 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a metabolic stabilizing compound. Further, the invention relates to a method for identifying a metabolic stabilizing compound, comprising: a) contacting a candidate compound with GPR43, and b) determining whether GPR43 functionality is decreased, wherein a decrease in GPR43 functionality is indicative of the candidate compound being a metabolic stabilizing compound.