Jelly Roll, the country music star known for his authentic personality and powerful music, has been on a transformative journey—not just professionally but personally as well. The singer, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has been making waves with his dramatic weight loss journey, shedding over 100 pounds since 2022. With his new focus on fitness and health, Jelly Roll is not only changing his lifestyle but also sharing his story with his fans, inspiring them to prioritize their own well-being.
In an exclusive interview with his wife, Bunnie Xo, on the Dumb Blonde Podcast, Jelly Roll opened up about his fitness goals for the future and how far he’s come since he started his journey. “I want to be on the cover of Men’s Health by March of 2026. That’s my new goal,” Jelly Roll shared, marking a new chapter in his health and fitness aspirations.
The Turning Point: Deciding to Change
Jelly Roll’s weight loss journey didn’t happen overnight. The singer has been open about his struggles with obesity, which started early in life. “I’ve been fat my whole life,” he said during a 2022 interview. His relationship with food and weight was complicated, stemming from his childhood and the emotional challenges he faced. “My mom called me Jelly Roll when I was a kid, and I spent my life growing into the name,” he said.
At his heaviest, Jelly Roll weighed 550 pounds. This weight became a barrier for him in both his personal and professional life, and he realized something had to change. “I knew I had to make a change. I wanted to be healthier, but also just feel better about myself,” he shared. His turning point came in 2022 when he decided to focus on his health seriously. “My goal was to conquer the demon that was my weight,” Jelly Roll explained.
How He Lost 110 Pounds: The Role of Fitness and Diet
One of the main pillars of Jelly Roll’s weight loss has been exercise. The singer admitted that his previous tour culture revolved around unhealthy habits like alcohol and drugs. But, during his Beautifully Broken tour, Jelly Roll shifted gears and made fitness a priority. “The culture around our tour now is about healthy eating, exercising, and emotional check-ins with the crew every day,” he said.
A significant part of Jelly Roll’s weight loss was achieved by training for a 5K race with comedians Bert Kreischer and Tom Segura. He lost 70 pounds while training for the 2 Bears 5K, logging up to three miles a day, four to six times a week. “I feel really good. And I plan on losing another 100 pounds. If I feel this good now, imagine how I’ll feel after hitting that goal,” he shared, full of optimism.
A Comprehensive Approach: Sauna, Cold Plunges, and High-Protein Meals
Jelly Roll’s commitment to health goes beyond just walking and running. He incorporates additional wellness practices like sauna sessions and cold plunges into his routine. “I do 20 to 30 minutes in the sauna every day, and six minutes in the cold plunge. It’s part of my recovery and helps me feel more energized,” he explained. These practices have been integral to his recovery and fitness progress.
In terms of diet, Jelly Roll has made significant changes as well. During his Beautifully Broken tour, he brought along Chef Ian Larios, a nutritionist who helped him stay on track with high-protein meals. “We had healthier versions of some of my favorite foods, like Nashville-style hot chicken and French fries boiled in bone broth,” Jelly Roll shared. This shift in his eating habits, alongside his fitness regimen, played a critical role in his weight loss.
Overcoming Food Addiction: A Lifelong Struggle
One of the hardest challenges for Jelly Roll has been overcoming his food addiction, which has been a constant struggle throughout his life. Growing up in a home where food was a source of comfort, Jelly Roll turned to overeating to cope with emotional struggles. “Nobody in my house had a healthy relationship with food,” he explained. “Fighting that demon of food addiction was the hardest part.”
However, Jelly Roll’s determination to take control of his life and health eventually helped him break the cycle. “Once I committed to the discipline of health, it was like an avalanche. The snowball started rolling, and I couldn’t stop it,” he said. His commitment to being healthy has been life-changing, not only physically but mentally as well.
From Basketball to Tour: Staying Active on the Road
Even while touring, Jelly Roll continues to stay active. He shared that he plays basketball with his crew every day. “We even played basketball with the University of Kentucky team and went to a juvenile detention center in Houston to play a game with the inmates,” he said, recounting one of the fun, spontaneous moments during his tour. This balance of work and play has kept him engaged and motivated.
“It’s great to be able to get some exercise in while on the road, and it’s been a fun way to stay active,” he shared, showing how he’s made fitness a priority, even on tour.
Future Goals: Aiming for a Bigger Transformation
Looking ahead, Jelly Roll has set new goals for himself as part of his health and fitness journey. After losing 110 pounds and transforming his lifestyle, he’s aiming for even bigger milestones. “I want to be on the cover of Men’s Health by March 2026. That’s my new fitness goal. I want one of the biggest transformations ever,” Jelly Roll said.
His wife, Bunnie Xo, fully supports his new dream. “Hearing him say it out loud makes me so giddy,” she shared on their podcast, reflecting her excitement for his next big step.
Jelly Roll’s Health Journey: The Importance of Support and Consistency
Jelly Roll’s story is about more than just losing weight—it’s about mental health, discipline, and support. From overcoming food addiction to shifting his tour culture to prioritize fitness, he has proven that long-term health requires a holistic approach that combines exercise, nutrition, and mental well-being.
“It’s not about looking a certain way; it’s about feeling good, being healthy, and enjoying life,” Jelly Roll concludes. His transformation has not only improved his health but has also empowered him to live life more fully, with new goals and a positive mindset.
A New Chapter of Health and Transformation
Jelly Roll’s 100-pound weight loss is a powerful reminder that real transformation takes time and commitment. His journey is a reflection of the power of personal growth, the importance of mental health, and the value of support from loved ones. With his sights set on bigger goals and continued success, Jelly Roll is living proof that anyone can overcome challenges and change their life through hard work, perseverance, and a focus on health.