Divalproex sodium is a co-ordination compound consisting of sodium valproate and valproic acid. The exact mechanism of action of Depakote is unknown, but it is believed to increase brain concentrations of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). Similarly, the mechanism by which Depakote increases body weight is not understood. The balance between energy intake and expenditure influences body weight; therefore, Depakote likely alters energy intake, energy expenditure, or both. Alterations in energy intake or expenditure can result from, or be associated with, changes in biological mechanisms, including hormone and peptide levels. To our knowledge, only one study has tested the effects of a compound containing valproic acid on energy intake and expenditure, but this study was small (n = 8), uncontrolled, and used methods to measure energy intake (food records and recall) that were unlikely to detect changes in such a small sample [5]. The study proposed herein is the first study to test the effects of Depakote on eating behavior, measured in the laboratory, and energy expenditure and posture allocation, measured with the Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity (IDEEA™; MiniSun LLC, Fresno, CA).