Jelly Roll isn’t just making hits-he’s making headlines for something far more personal: his incredible 200-pound weight loss journey. The country-rap star, born Jason DeFord, has opened up about his decades-long struggle with food addiction, obesity, and unhealthy habits. But in a matter of months, he’s completely turned his life around, proving that even the toughest battles can be won with consistency, self-awareness, and heart.
Finding the Starting Line
When Jelly Roll decided to take control of his health, he didn’t set out to become a fitness influencer or follow a fad diet. His mission was simpler—just start moving. Touring life made it tough to find balance, but he committed to one realistic goal: complete a 5K. For someone who once weighed over 500 pounds, that goal was no small feat.
In May 2024, he crossed the finish line at the 2 Bears 5K in Los Angeles—a moment that symbolized far more than just a race. “So the fact that we got three point whatever it was done today, I feel really, really good about it,” he said after the event, his pride palpable. At that point, he’d already dropped close to 70 pounds. That 5K became the first domino in a chain of lasting change.
Redefining His Relationship with Food
The real challenge for Jelly Roll wasn’t lacing up his sneakers—it was facing his lifelong food addiction. “The battle was with the food addiction, changing the way I’ve looked at food for the last 39 years,” he admitted in a November 2024 interview. His transformation didn’t come from starvation or strict diets but from redefining what nourishment meant to him.
Working closely with his nutritionist, Ian Larios, Jelly Roll began making small but powerful food swaps. His favorite Nashville hot chicken? Now air-fried with seasoned boiled fries. Late-night snacks on tour? Replaced by high-protein banana bowls and clean, balanced meals. And instead of drinking on the road, he cut back heavily on alcohol, focusing on hydration and recovery.
As he told Jimmy Kimmel in April 2025, “I’m eating a lot of protein, vegetables, and walking. That’s what I’m doing.” Simple. Sustainable. Real.
Breaking the Cycle
Jelly Roll’s honesty about food addiction has struck a chord with millions. He didn’t sugarcoat it—pun intended. His story shows that the hardest part of transformation isn’t physical, it’s mental. “Once you get into that discipline and commitment, it’s like an avalanche,” he said, describing how one healthy decision snowballs into another.
This mindset shift is what makes his journey different. He’s not chasing perfection; he’s chasing peace.
Crushing Goals and Setting New Ones
By April 2025, Jelly Roll revealed he’d shed nearly 200 pounds, dropping from 540 to 357 pounds. But he’s not done. His next targets? Lose another 100 pounds, go skydiving with his wife Bunnie XO in Sweden, and land on the cover of Men’s Health. Ambitious? Definitely. Impossible? Not for him.
He’s also planning to run another 5K and eventually a half-marathon, turning what once seemed unthinkable into tangible goals. “I did this publicly for a reason,” he told listeners on Bunnie’s podcast. “I want to be honest about my struggles with it with people.” That openness has made him a role model for fans who see their own challenges reflected in his story.
More Than a Weight Loss Story
At its core, Jelly Roll’s journey isn’t about scales or calories—it’s about redemption. It’s a story of a man who faced himself, owned his weaknesses, and rebuilt his life step by step. Touring, recording, parenting—he’s balancing it all while transforming his health from the inside out.
What makes Jelly Roll’s transformation so inspiring is how human it is. There’s no ego, no gimmick, just pure determination. From the stage to the gym, he’s proving that lasting change comes from within.
FAQs
How much weight has Jelly Roll lost?
He’s lost nearly 200 pounds since starting his health journey, dropping from around 540 to 357 pounds.
What inspired him to start losing weight?
A desire to improve his health, conquer food addiction, and live a longer, more active life with his wife and fans.
What kind of diet does he follow?
He focuses on lean protein, vegetables, and balanced meals crafted by his nutritionist—no extreme dieting.
How does Jelly Roll stay fit on tour?
He incorporates daily walks, simple workouts, and nutritious meals prepared to fit his busy travel schedule.
What are his future fitness goals?
Jelly Roll aims to lose another 100 pounds, go skydiving in Sweden, and appear on the cover of Men’s Health.
