Jelly Roll, the country and rap singer known for his raw lyrics and unique sound, is on an inspiring weight loss journey that has captivated his fans. The artist, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has been open about his struggles with weight and food addiction, but his journey to a healthier lifestyle is nothing short of remarkable. In just a few months, Jelly Roll has lost almost 200 pounds, and he’s not stopping anytime soon. From lifestyle changes to new goals, Jelly Roll continues to set the bar for what’s possible in health transformation.
Starting the Journey
Jelly Roll’s weight loss journey began with setting small, achievable goals. As a musician who spends much of his time on the road, balancing a healthy lifestyle has never been easy. However, the artist made a conscious decision to take control of his health by implementing simple, effective changes. One of the key factors in his weight loss was incorporating regular exercise into his daily routine, particularly walking.
He began his weight loss journey by setting a goal that many people find intimidating: running a 5K race. This seemingly simple goal was a significant milestone for Jelly Roll, who had struggled with obesity for years. When he completed the 2 Bears 5K in Los Angeles in May 2024, it marked a personal victory. He shared that, just a few months before, he could barely walk a mile without feeling winded.
“So the fact that we got three point whatever it was done today, I feel really, really good about it,” Jelly Roll said after completing the race. His completion of the 5K was an emotional moment for the singer and one that motivated him to continue his journey. At that point, Jelly Roll had already lost around 50-70 pounds and felt determined to reach even more ambitious goals.
A Healthy Diet and Consistency
Jelly Roll’s weight loss success isn’t just due to exercise; it’s also the result of a major shift in his diet. The singer admitted that food addiction had been one of his greatest struggles, and overcoming this addiction was crucial to his progress. “The battle was with the food addiction, changing the way I’ve looked at food for the last 39 years,” Jelly Roll shared in a November 2024 interview.
Part of his weight loss strategy included making healthier food choices. Jelly Roll has been eating a lot of protein and vegetables, and he’s cut back significantly on alcohol. As he told Jimmy Kimmel in April 2025, his weight loss strategy isn’t glamorous, but it’s effective: “I’m eating a lot of protein, vegetables and walking. That’s what I’m doing.” While he hasn’t followed any extreme diets, Jelly Roll has been consistent with his food choices, relying on healthy meals prepared by his nutritionist.
One of the most notable changes in his diet involved making sensible food swaps while on tour. Jelly Roll’s nutritionist, Ian Larios, has worked closely with him to ensure he’s eating nutritious meals while staying on top of his workouts. For example, Larios swapped some of Jelly Roll’s favorite meals for healthier alternatives, such as a high-protein banana bowl or a version of Nashville hot chicken made with air-fried chicken and boiled fries seasoned with bone broth.
Breaking the Cycle
The biggest hurdle Jelly Roll had to overcome in his weight loss journey was his addiction to food. He admitted that, for much of his life, he had never had a healthy relationship with food. “Once you get into that discipline and commitment, it’s like an avalanche,” he explained, describing how he found motivation after beginning his healthier lifestyle.
Jelly Roll’s weight loss progress has been especially impressive because he’s not only lost a significant amount of weight but also changed his entire mindset around food. He now recognizes that weight loss is as much about mental and emotional changes as it is about physical transformation.
Setting and Achieving New Goals
As of April 2025, Jelly Roll has lost nearly 200 pounds, a massive achievement for the singer who once weighed over 500 pounds. In an interview with Pat McAfee, Jelly Roll shared that he started his journey at 540 pounds and had reached 357 pounds, marking a major milestone. But as always, Jelly Roll is setting his sights on new goals.
One of his most ambitious goals is to lose another 100 pounds. “I’m going to lose another 100 pounds and go skydiving with my wife in Sweden, baby,” Jelly Roll said, sharing his excitement for the future. He also expressed a desire to continue his fitness journey by running a half-marathon and participating in the 2 Bears 5K again in 2025.
In addition to these physical goals, Jelly Roll has set a new career-related goal: landing the cover of Men’s Health. He openly shared this goal during an appearance on his wife Bunnie XO’s podcast. Jelly Roll emphasized that he wanted to make his weight loss journey public so others could follow his progress and find inspiration in his story.
“I did this publicly for a reason,” he said. “I want to be honest about my struggles with it with people.” Jelly Roll’s willingness to share his journey publicly has resonated with fans, many of whom have found motivation in his authenticity.
Jelly Roll’s Inspirational Transformation
Jelly Roll’s weight loss journey is a powerful reminder that transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that requires discipline, commitment, and the willingness to face personal struggles. For Jelly Roll, overcoming food addiction and embracing a healthier lifestyle on tour has been a monumental change, and his dedication to his health is evident in the progress he’s made so far.
His story is one of resilience and motivation, showing that anyone can change their life if they’re willing to put in the effort. From running 5Ks to setting new goals like skydiving, Jelly Roll is proving that no dream is too big—and no obstacle is too difficult to overcome. As he continues his weight loss journey, he remains an inspiration to fans and a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance.
