Disclosed are 1,3-diphenylpropane derivatives as represented by the general formula (I), wherein X1 represents a halogen atom, a halogenated alkyl group, a haloalkoxy group or a haloalkylthio group； X2 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a non-halogenated alkyl group； X3 and X5 represent an unsubstituted alkyl group； X4 represents an alkoxy or alkylthio group which is substituted by a carboxylic acid, ester, amino or unsubstituted alkyl amino group； A represents a carbonyl group, or a -CHR7- group, where R7 is a hydroxy group, or an optionally substituted alkoxy group； D represents a methylene (-CH2-) group； or a stereoisomer, diastereoisomer, enantiomer, pure or mixed, racemic mixture, tautomer, salt, hydrate, solvate, solid form, or mixture thereof. Of particular importance are the compounds 2-[2,6-dimethyl-4-[3-[ 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-3-oxo-propyl]phenoxy]-2-methylpropanoic acid and 2-[2,6-dimethyl-4-[3-[4-bromophenyl]-3-oxo-propyl]phenoxy]-2-methylpropanoic acid. Further disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable support, at least one of compound as defined above, and optionally one or several other therapeutic and/or cosmetic active constituents, for the treatment of a complication associated with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, diabetes, dyslipidemias, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, hypertension, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative pathologies, or cancers.
