Ten pounds. Just 10 pounds. Most women know that “just 10 pounds” means a dropped dress size, but what other health benefits can you reap from shedding those 10? Below is our Top 10 for dropping 10… some may surprise you!

1. Stay Smarter – Women scored one point lower on a memory test for every unit higher in body mass index that they had! Drop the weight and be the brilliant self you already know you are.
2. Lower Cholesterol – Did you know that by dropping just 10 pounds you can lower your cholesterol by more than 10%?
3. Don’t be a drag – For every pound of fat you lose, you run up to four seconds faster per mile. Just another way that fat, literally, is a drag!
4. Dodge Attack – It’s no surprise that increased weight also increases the chance of a heart attack but what even I found surprising is losing just 10 pounds can decrease that risk by more than 50%!
5. Stay Sharper – Having that “spare tire effect” around the midsection causes your body to release inflammation-causing chemicals in the body, which not only cause memory loss but increases your chances of developing dementia!
6. Avoid the big D – Most of us know that extra poundage can lead to Diabetes and Pre-Diabetic symptoms. Dropping just 5 to 10 percent of your weight can reduce your risks by nearly 60%!
7. Bring back that Lovin’ Feeling – Your sex drive is affected by high blood pressure and diabetes,  which you’re more likely to have if you’re overweight. Added to this, erectile dysfunction can be a problem for as many as 80% of overweight men!
8. Less Strain, Less Pain – Every pound of body weight you carry adds about 4 pounds of pressure to your ankles, knees and hips. Just an extra 10 pounds on that post-supper stroll means 40 pounds of extra pressure and wear and tear.
9. Lower your risk of the big C – Obesity increases cancer risk. It’s that simple. And while shedding the pounds reduces your risk for ALL cancers, it significantly reduces the risk of breast and uterine cancer!
10. You’ll Feel Better-DUH!