Novel thyroid receptor ligands are provided having the general formula I ##STR00001## wherein X, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, R.sub.10, R.sub.11, R.sub.12 and R.sub.13 are as defined herein. In addition, a method is provided for preventing, inhibiting or treating diseases or disorders associated with metabolic dysfunction or which are dependent upon the expression of a T.sub.3 regulated gene, wherein a compound as described above is administered in a therapeutically effective amount.