This is a Phase III, prospective, multicentre, multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-arm parallel group trial (rimonabant 20-mg od vs placebo). There will be a three-stage screening process including successively a Screening visit, a Screening CIMT and a validation of the Screening CIMT by the Imaging Core Laboratory. Patients complying with all inclusion and exclusion criteria will be randomized in one of the 2 treatment groups less than two weeks after Screening visit. Study drug (rimonabant 20 mg od or matching placebo) will be administered during 30 to 32 months. At inclusion, patients will be counseled to follow a mild hypocaloric diet, to increase their exercise level, and to stop smoking (if smokers). Glucose/lipid parameters will be assessed at Baseline and every 6 months until the Month 30 visit. CIMT will be performed at Baseline and every 6 months until final assessment at Month 30 (primary endpoint).A post-treatment follow-up visit at Month 35 will allow the collection of all adverse events and cardiovascular outcomes occurring after last study drug administration