When country music star Jelly Roll began his weight loss journey, it wasn’t just about fitting into a smaller pair of jeans—it was about changing his life. Known for his raw, emotional lyrics and unfiltered personality, Jelly Roll’s personal transformation is nothing short of inspiring. Over the past few years, he’s shed more than 120 pounds, and he’s not stopping anytime soon.
But this isn’t your typical “weight loss story.” This one is filled with real struggles, moments of doubt, and breakthroughs. If you’ve ever wondered how a person can lose a significant amount of weight without resorting to fad diets or drastic shortcuts, Jelly Roll’s story might just surprise you.
Let’s dive into the specifics of his journey, his mindset, and the incredible changes he’s made—physically and mentally.
How Jelly Roll Started His Weight Loss Journey
Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, had been fighting with his weight for years. In a recent interview, he opened up about the emotional toll of his battle with weight gain. “I was always the big guy, but I wasn’t always the happy guy,” he shared. “There were moments when I felt like I was literally fighting for my life.”
His journey took a major turn in late 2016 when he decided to take charge of his health. Initially, Jelly Roll dropped a massive 200 pounds through a combination of healthier eating and a more active lifestyle. But, like many people, he found himself regaining some of that weight. By 2024, he had put back on 60 pounds. This setback didn’t stop him—instead, it fueled his determination to “start over again.”
The Turning Point: Realizing the Power of Consistency
By 2023, Jelly Roll’s mindset had completely shifted. He was determined to lose the weight for good. But this time, he made sure to approach it differently. “I wasn’t going to do it like I did before,” he admitted. “This time, I’m focusing on consistency. No quick fixes.”
In fact, his weight loss journey is far from the dramatic “before and after” transformations you often see on social media. It’s about slow and steady progress, and Jelly Roll is all about celebrating the small wins.
“Every time I lose a little, I feel like I’m getting closer to the person I was meant to be,” he explained. This mindset has helped him shed an impressive 120 pounds as of 2025—and he’s not done yet.
What Jelly Roll Eats to Lose Weight
When it comes to his diet, Jelly Roll keeps it real. As a man who once lived on comfort food and high-calorie snacks, he had to learn the importance of moderation and mindful eating. Jelly Roll is open about the challenges of maintaining a healthy diet on the road, especially as a touring musician.
In one interview, Jelly Roll shared, “I’ve learned that I can still eat the foods I love, but it’s all about balance.” For example, he’s become a fan of protein-packed poutine, a Canadian dish that’s surprisingly light on calories yet satisfying. He also revealed that his daily meals consist of two balanced meals and one snack. His nutrition coach, who has been with him since the start of his transformation, helps keep him on track.
“The key is eating right without feeling deprived,” he said. His meals include lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains—nothing too fancy, just simple, nutritious food that fuels his body for the long haul.
Jelly Roll’s diet doesn’t rely on cutting out entire food groups or following extreme fads. Instead, it’s about nourishing his body with the right foods and finding joy in what he eats. “I’m still living, and I’m still eating, but I’m doing it with a purpose,” he said.
Fitness: Incorporating Exercise Into His Busy Life
Exercise is another cornerstone of Jelly Roll’s transformation. For him, the key was finding activities he enjoyed. He wasn’t about to sign up for hours of grueling gym sessions. Instead, he focused on activities that kept him engaged.
“I started hiking mountains,” he said with a grin. “It wasn’t about running a marathon or doing crazy CrossFit. It was about pushing myself to do something different. Something I thought was impossible.”
Hiking has become one of Jelly Roll’s favorite activities, and it’s not just for fitness—it’s also for his mental health. “The more I push myself physically, the clearer my mind gets,” he explained. This connection between physical and mental well-being has been a game-changer for him. “If I can conquer a mountain, I can conquer anything.”
The Mental Struggle: Overcoming Setbacks
Losing weight is rarely a straight line, and Jelly Roll’s journey is no exception. There were times when he felt like giving up, especially when the pounds seemed to come off slower than he expected. “Some days, I thought I couldn’t do it,” he shared. “But I kept reminding myself of why I started in the first place.”
One major turning point came when Jelly Roll opened up about his struggles with overeating and drinking in the past. “I started to overeat and overdrink in 2018. I was caught in a vicious cycle,” he confessed. “But I got myself out of it by hiring a health coach and taking accountability for my actions.”
His health coach, who plays a critical role in his transformation, has helped him stay focused and motivated. “It’s not just about the weight, it’s about how I feel about myself,” Jelly Roll shared. This shift in mindset—where the focus was more on overall wellness rather than the number on the scale—has been crucial to his success.
What’s Next for Jelly Roll?
So, what’s next for this weight-loss warrior? Jelly Roll is determined to keep improving his health and fitness, but he’s also realistic about the road ahead. “I’ve lost 120 pounds, but I’m not done yet,” he said. “I still have work to do, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.”
He’s continuing to work on his goals, with plans to hike even higher mountains and achieve even more significant milestones. “This is just the beginning,” he added with a smile.
Jelly Roll Weight Loss FAQ
1. How much weight has Jelly Roll lost? Jelly Roll has lost over 120 pounds as of 2025, and he continues to work toward further weight loss goals.
2. What did Jelly Roll eat to lose weight? Jelly Roll follows a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains, along with occasional comfort foods like protein-packed poutine. His focus is on moderation and consistency.
3. Did Jelly Roll have weight loss surgery? No, Jelly Roll did not undergo weight loss surgery. His transformation is the result of hard work, healthy eating, and exercise.
4. What type of exercise did Jelly Roll do? Jelly Roll enjoys hiking and other activities that help him stay active. He focuses on fitness that promotes both physical and mental well-being.
5. What advice does Jelly Roll have for others on a weight loss journey? Jelly Roll advises others to focus on consistency and take small steps toward their goals. “Don’t try to rush the process,” he says. “Celebrate the small wins, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Conclusion
Jelly Roll’s weight loss journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, healthy habits, and a positive mindset. His transformation is far more than just a physical change—it’s a complete mental and emotional shift. For anyone struggling with their own health journey, Jelly Roll’s story proves that with dedication and the right support, incredible transformations are possible.