Digital moisture meter and method for determining percent weight loss

The digital moisture meter includes means for taring an empty sample pan placed on the balance platen. After the balance has been tared, a small sample is placed in the sample pan and a heat lamp energized. At this same time, the initial weight of the sample is stored in memory and after twenty seconds a first calculation is made to determine the percent weight loss, the value of which is also stored in memory. Subsequent percent weight loss values are calculated and if the latest percent weight loss is greater than the one that has been stored in memory, the stored one is then replaced with the latest value. However, if the latest percent weight loss value is less or equal to the stored value, the stored value is retained in memory for comparison with the next percent weight loss value that is calculated. When the percent weight loss value remains constant for a predetermined number of checks, the stored percent weight loss that has remained constant is then considered to be the correct value and is both visually displayed and printed. Provision is made for energizing the heat lamp at its full intensity for a preselected period of time and then reducing the intensity of the heat lamp so that the sample dries more slowly and thus does not burn or lose volatile non-water ingredients.

Treatment process for promoting weight loss employing a substituted .DELTA. 5

A method for controlling weight gain or promoting weight loss which includes the step of treating a subject with an effective weight gain controlling or weight loss promoting amount of a substituted .DELTA.5-Androstene which is biologically effective for controlling weight gain or promoting weight loss and biologically ineffective for promoting the synthesis of sex hormones. Steroids believed to provide the desired weight control/weight loss characteristics include: .DELTA.5-Androstene-3.beta.,7.alpha.-diol-17-one .DELTA.5-Androstene-3.beta.-ol-7,17-dione .DELTA.5-Androstene-3.beta.,7.alpha.,17-triol .DELTA.5-Androstene-3.beta.,17.beta.-diol-7-one and various derivatives thereof.

Combination therapy for effecting weight loss and treating obesity

The present invention features a novel therapy for effecting weight loss which involves treating a subject with a sympathomimetic agent (e.g., phentermine or a phentermine-like drug) in combination with an anticonvulsant sulfamate derivative (e.g., topiramate) such that the subject experiences weight loss.The combination methods of the present invention also are effective against symptoms associated with Syndrome X. The invention also features pharmaceutical compositions and kits for use in the practice of these novel therapies.