At 550 pounds, Jelly Roll once believed that living a vibrant, active life was beyond reach. Now, after shedding nearly 200 pounds through consistent lifestyle changes, he’s proving to himself—and millions of fans—that transformation is possible at any age. The country-rap star, whose real name is Jason DeFord, is not just losing weight. He’s rewriting what it means to thrive after decades of battling food addiction, obesity, and personal insecurity.
As of April 2025, Jelly Roll has slimmed down to 357 pounds, marking a nearly 200-pound drop from his highest weight. But he isn’t done yet. With new goals like running a half-marathon, appearing on the cover of Men’s Health, and skydiving with his wife in Sweden, his journey is still in full motion. Here’s how he made it happen—and why his honest, no-frills approach is resonating with so many.
He Started by Walking When He Couldn’t Run
When Jelly Roll began training for a 5K in early 2024, he couldn’t walk a mile without getting winded. But by spring, he completed the 2 Bears 5K in Los Angeles—a milestone that marked the beginning of a steady and determined transformation.
He trained consistently, walking two to three miles daily, four to six times a week. In an interview with People, he shared his full routine: 20–30 minutes in a sauna, cold plunges, and a cleaner diet. The result? He felt lighter, both physically and emotionally.
By November 2024, Jelly Roll had dropped over 120 pounds. By April 2025, that number had climbed to 183. “I started at 540 pounds and I was 357 pounds this morning,” he told Pat McAfee during a live show.
Diet Changes That Actually Worked for Him
Forget fad diets or extreme restrictions. Jelly Roll’s weight loss strategy focuses on simple swaps and balanced meals. Working with nutritionist Ian Larios, he learned how to enjoy food without sabotaging his goals.
For example, instead of traditional Nashville hot chicken, Larios created a leaner version using air frying and seasoning with potato and rice flour. Even french fries were modified—boiled in bone broth for extra protein.
Before shows, Jelly Roll might enjoy a banana bowl with Manuka honey and dark chocolate shavings. Afterward, meals are high-protein and portion-controlled. These thoughtful changes kept him fueled while performing without leading to unhealthy snacking or emotional eating.
The Hardest Part Was Mental, Not Physical
While the workouts were tough and the food changes took discipline, Jelly Roll says the biggest challenge was healing his relationship with food.
“I’ve never had a healthy relationship with food,” he admitted in late 2024. “The battle was with the food addiction.” After nearly four decades of viewing food as comfort or reward, shifting that perspective took intentional effort. But once the momentum started, everything changed.
He used to rely on junk food and alcohol during tours. Now, he’s swapping late-night partying for “old man basketball and lattes.” His team supports his new goals, and he’s built an environment where health comes first.
He’s Open About the Struggles—and the Wins
Throughout his journey, Jelly Roll has chosen to share every step with his fans. From daily vlogs to podcast appearances, he’s made his weight loss public by design.
“I wanted to lose it in front of everybody,” he said on wife Bunnie XO’s Dumb Blonde podcast. “I think people that become as big as I became, when they lose the weight, they’re kind of ashamed… I want to talk about it.”
He’s also made it clear that his success came despite his weight—not because of it. “I became successful in spite of [being 550 pounds]. That’s insane.”
This vulnerability is one reason Jelly Roll’s story connects with so many people. He isn’t hiding the tough parts or glamorizing the process. He’s walking, sweating, and choosing healthier meals every day—and he’s doing it with humility and grit.
What’s Next: From Magazine Covers to Skydiving
Now that he’s nearly 200 pounds down, Jelly Roll is setting new goals that once felt impossible. The biggest? Getting under 250 pounds.
“Once you’re under 250, you can do all the fun stuff,” he said in a 2025 Jimmy Kimmel Live interview. That “fun stuff” includes skydiving, bungee jumping, riding roller coasters, and even wrestling an alligator.
He’s also training for a half-marathon and dreams of landing on the cover of Men’s Health. “I want people to follow this journey,” he said. “This is what growth and gratitude look like in real time.”
A Story of Grit, Change, and Emotional Growth
Jelly Roll’s transformation isn’t just about shedding pounds. It’s about regaining the ability to live freely. From hiking Camelback Mountain in Arizona to showing up slimmer at the 2024 ACM Awards, every new milestone proves his life is expanding beyond what he once thought possible.
In 2018, he publicly shared that obesity made him feel “miserable,” but that he wanted to live—not just exist. That intention has fueled a disciplined and inspiring evolution.
Now, at 357 pounds and counting down, Jelly Roll’s real message is about second chances. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to begin—and keep going.