Jelly Roll’s Incredible Weight Loss Journey: How He Shed Nearly 200 Pounds and What’s Next
Country music star Jelly Roll has captured the hearts of fans not only with his chart-topping hits but also with his inspiring weight loss journey. The singer, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has lost nearly 200 pounds, dropping from 540 pounds to 357 pounds as of April 2025. His transformation is a testament to dedication, lifestyle changes, and a desire to live a healthier, fuller life. Here’s everything you need to know about Jelly Roll’s weight loss, his strategies, and his exciting future goals.
Jelly Roll began his journey in 2022, starting at 550 pounds. He has been open about his lifelong struggle with weight, sharing that his nickname “Jelly Roll” came from his childhood as a “chubby kid.” Over the years, he faced challenges with food addiction, but in 2024, he made significant strides. By November 2024, he had lost 120 pounds, and by April 2025, he announced a nearly 200-pound loss. His journey isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about reclaiming his life.
One of the key aspects of Jelly Roll’s success has been his focus on sustainable changes. He worked with nutritionist Ian Larios to revamp his diet, prioritizing high-protein meals and healthier versions of his favorite foods. For example, he enjoys a Waffle House-inspired breakfast bowl with air-fried hash browns, chicken sausage, and bone broth for added protein. He also swapped out oily Nashville hot chicken for an air-fried version with rice flour. Jelly Roll typically eats two meals and a snack daily, like a protein-packed peanut butter cookie dough with banana slices.
Exercise has also played a major role. Jelly Roll started with walking and running, completing his first 5K race in May 2024 at the 2 Bears 5K in Los Angeles. He trained by walking 2 to 3 miles a day, four to six days a week, and incorporated sauna sessions and cold plunges into his routine. On tour, he shifted the culture from alcohol and drugs to playing basketball and staying active, which helped him stay consistent.
Addressing his food addiction was a crucial step. Jelly Roll has been candid about his struggles, noting that changing his relationship with food was the toughest part. He chose to lose weight naturally, avoiding medications like Ozempic due to fears of side effects like acid reflux, which could harm his vocal cords as a singer. Instead, he focused on discipline and emotional honesty, sharing his journey publicly to inspire others.
Looking ahead, Jelly Roll has big plans. He aims to lose another 100 pounds to reach 250 pounds, a weight that would allow him to skydive with his wife, Bunnie XO, in Sweden. He also dreams of wrestling an alligator, riding a bull, and gracing the cover of Men’s Health by March 2026. His ultimate goal? To live a life free from the limitations of his past and to have a healthy relationship with food.
Jelly Roll’s journey shows that transformation is possible with consistency and the right mindset. His story resonates with many, proving that it’s never too late to take control of your health and chase your dreams. Stay tuned as this country star continues to inspire both on and off the stage!
