Patient description: The patient is a 33-year-old woman complained of fatigue, weight gain and abnormal spotting between menses. No hirsutism or nipple discharge was detected. Her BMI was 34. Her lab results were remarkable for high TSH level (13 mU/L) and low free T4 level (0.2 ng/dl). Her anti-TPO levels were extremely high (120 IU/ml). She was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Her aunt, brother and mother have the same disease. After starting 250 mcg Levothyroxine per day, her symptoms improved significantly and her periods are normal. She is still overweight with BMI of 31. Her most recent thyroid profile revealed all results except for anti-TPO within the normal range: TSH: 2.35 mU/L Free T4: 2.7 ng/dl Anti-TPO: 75 IU/ml

Clinical trial eligibility criteria: eligible ages (years): 25.0-60.0,  Overweight Obesity Is <6'3" (190.5 cm) tall and weighs <300 lb (~136.3 kg) Is obese with a body mass index (BMI) >=30 kg/m^2 to <=45 kg/m^2 and with a history consistent with progressive weight gain and development of obesity not secondary to drastic or traumatic initiating events (e.g., excessive weight gain due to cessation of smoking) Is a nonsmoker (never smoked or has not smoked for at least 2 years) Does not have a clinical diagnosis of diabetes Has not had a major change in daily physical activity within 2 months prior to study start (e.g., initiation of an exercise program) Usually consumes three major meals (morning, midday, and evening) each day and rarely (less than once a week) wakes up to eat during the night  Is currently enrolled in a weight loss program or plans to enroll in a weight loss or exercise program within the next 3 months Is currently treated or expected to require or undergo treatment or has been treated within 2 months before screening with medications that are excluded Over the counter antiobesity agents including herbal supplements or prescription antiobesity agents approved for the long-term (including orlistat [Xenical] and sibutramine [Meridia]) and the short-term (including phentermine [Adipex-P, Celltech, Pro-Fast SA, Pro-Fast SR, Fastin, Oby trim, Zantryl, Teramine, Phentride, Phentercot, Obephen, Oby-cap], mazindol [Sanorex and Mazanor], methamphetamine [Desoxyn], diethylpropion [Tenuate and Tenuate Dospan], phendimetrazine [Bontril, Prelu-2, Melfiat 105, Unicelles, X-Trozine, Plegine, Adipost, Obezine, Phendiet-105, PT 105] and benzphetamine [Didrex]) treatment of obesity Systemic steroids by oral, intravenous, or intramuscular route or potent topical steroids that are known to result in high systemic absorption Alpha or Beta-Blockers, centrally acting sympathicolytic or sympathicomimetic agents, reserpin, guanethidine, etc Psychotropic medications (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase [MAO] inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs], neuroleptics, lithium, and benzodiazepines) Hypnotic-sedative medications or medications that may affect sleeping behavior including medications containing caffeine Drugs that directly affect gastrointestinal motility, including but not limited to: metoclopramide (Reglan®) and cisapride (Propulsid®); and macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin and newer derivatives Has received any investigational drug within 3 months before study start