Measurement of object layer thickness using handheld ultra-sonic devices and methods thereof

A handheld, compact ultra-sonic system, comprising:

• at least one first ultra-sonic source to transmit an ultra-sonic pulse to an object and adapted for placement on a surface,
• at least one first ultra-sonic detector receive an ultra-sonic signal from said object and adapted for placement on a surface,
• an electronic operating unit used for instructing transmission by said first ultra-sonic source and used for generating a reflective distance from a layer within said object using signals received from said first ultra-sonic detector;
• and
• a handheld housing that encases said first ultra-sonic source, said first ultra-sonic detector and said electronic operating unit that determines a distance of shortest length from said ultra-sonic signal that corresponds to a layer in said object.

A method of monitoring adipose tissue in a human and the effect of a weight loss agent, comprising:

• administering to a human a weight loss agent,
• transmitting at least a first ultra-sonic pulse from at least a first position,
• measuring at least one first reflective distance from said first ultra-sonic pulse, wherein said at least one first reflective distance is from the skin to 1) an adipose tissue/muscle tissue or 2) an adipose tissue/fascia interface,
• measuring at least one second reflective distance from said second ultra-sonic pulse, wherein said second reflective distance is from the skin to 1) an adipose tissue/muscle or 2) an adipose tissue/fascia interface, and
• determining from said first reflective distance and said second reflective distance an anatomical distance between the inner and outer border of subcutaneous adipose tissue, wherein a decrease in said anatomical distance can indicate said weight loss agent reduced said subcutaneous adipose tissue, an increase in said anatomical distance can indicate said weight loss agent increased said subcutaneous adipose tissue and no change in said anatomical distance can indicate said weight loss agent did not effect said subcutaneous adipose tissue.