The objective of this study is to investigate if weight loss, in particular due to adipose tissue loss, in obese patients will reverse the obesity-related reduction of iron absorption, and if this is due to a decrease in hepcidin concentrations. Additionally, the investigators will investigate changes in iron incorporation into erythrocytes due to a reduction of iron sequestration by the adipose tissue and reticuloendothelial system. The investigators expect that by decreasing adiposity, circulating hepcidin levels will decrease, iron absorption and incorporation into erythrocytes will increase and as a result iron status will be improved.