Ultrasound Assessment of the Carotid Intimal Medial Thickness in Obese Subjects; Weight Loss

Participants receive a hypo-caloric formula diet containing 800 to 1,000 kcal/day. The formula diet consists of ready-to-use meal bars and powders to mix with water to make shakes, soups, or porridge. The weight loss programme consists of an 8-week period with full meal replacement by a standard liquid energy intake protocol. To facilitate compliance with the programme, participants will be scheduled for weekly facility-based group sessions with 6-8 participants led by a dietician. The recommendations for daily nutrient intake will be met.