Anthropometric, biochemical, energy expenditure, and metabolic parameters.

For each parameter the above value refers to basal untreated value (T0), while the bottom value refers to the value after treatment (T1). aT1vs. T0 comparison by Student’s t test (paired data); bEC group vs placebo group comparison by Student’s t test (unpaired data). BMI, body mass index; RMR, resting metabolic rate; ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone; HOMA, homeostatic model assessment; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; ALT, alanine transaminase; HDL, high-density lipoprotein; TSH, thyroid-stimulating hormone; fT3, free T3 (the active part of triiodothyronine); fT4, free T4 (the active part of thyroxine); FFA, free fatty acids. Microgram (µg); microunits (µU).