A good job, 2.5 children, a white picket fence, and finding a diet that actually works—these are all familiar parts of the American dream. No matter who you are, or how good of shape you’re actually in, everyone has spent time wondering how they can slim down for summer. Now, losing weight for the sake of it isn’t advisable, but oftentimes weight loss comes with health benefits, especially if you are currently facing medical obesity. So, what health advantages actually come from losing weight? Here are three reasons you should aim to lose weight this summer: 1) Heart Carrying around excess weight can actually be bad for your heart health. Not only does it place strain on the heart, it also adds to your cholesterol and messes with your blood pressure, leading to a less-than-desirable situation. 2) Joints Your joints are the part of the body that help you to move around, walk, lift items—really anything that requires you to bend part of your body. The more weight you have, the heavier the pressure is on your joints, which can cause them to wear down over time. 3) Brain Believe it or not, being overweight can actually lead to brain-performance-related issues later in life. Obese people are actually 260% more likely to develop dementia, so head to the gym, and work out your body—it may just keep your brain sharp as well.