Jelly Roll Weight Loss: How He Lost 200 Pounds Naturally (2025 Update)
Jelly Roll, the Grammy-nominated country and rap artist, isn’t just making headlines for his music — he’s inspiring fans worldwide with his incredible weight loss transformation. Once weighing around 540 pounds, the Nashville native has shed more than 200 pounds, proving that real change comes from consistency, self-love, and discipline.
His story isn’t just about numbers on a scale; it’s about reclaiming health, confidence, and purpose after years of struggle. Let’s dive into how Jelly Roll achieved this dramatic transformation in 2025 and what keeps him motivated.
From 540 Pounds to 357: The Turning Point
Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has always been open about his challenges with food, addiction, and mental health. He reached his heaviest weight — 540 pounds — during a dark period in his life, when touring, depression, and unhealthy habits took over.
But something clicked in 2023. He realized that if he wanted to keep performing, living, and being there for his family, he needed to take control of his health. By early 2024, he began making gradual, realistic changes to his routine.
In a People interview (2025), Jelly Roll revealed that he has now dropped to 357 pounds, marking a loss of nearly 200 pounds — and he’s not stopping yet. His ultimate goal? To lose enough weight to go skydiving in Sweden with his wife, Bunnie XO.
How Jelly Roll Lost the Weight
1. Clean Eating and Portion Control
Jelly Roll began by overhauling his diet — cutting out processed foods, sugary drinks, and late-night binge eating. Instead, he focused on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
He didn’t rely on extreme diets or celebrity fads. His approach was slow and steady, based on portion control and mindful eating. He’s said in interviews that small daily choices — like choosing grilled chicken over fast food — made the biggest difference over time.
2. Regular Exercise and Movement
The star started walking daily to build stamina. Over time, he incorporated cardio and light weight training. In 2025, he shared videos of himself working out, boxing, and sweating it out in the gym.
What makes his journey relatable is that he didn’t start as a fitness expert — he just committed to moving every day, even when it was hard. His motto: “One step at a time.”
3. Mindset and Mental Health
Jelly Roll often says that his transformation began in his mind before it showed on his body. He worked on building better habits, managing stress, and surrounding himself with positive influences.
He also credits his wife, Bunnie XO, for being his biggest cheerleader. Their mutual support and love helped him stay accountable, even during setbacks.
“I’m down nearly 200 pounds from where I was. I’m feeling better, I’m performing better, and I’m living better,” he shared proudly in a 2025 interview.
Jelly Roll’s Weight Loss Routine
| Habit | Description |
|---|---|
| Morning Walks | 30–45 minutes of walking daily to start the day with energy |
| Healthy Meals | High-protein breakfast, balanced lunch, light dinner |
| Hydration | Drinks at least 3 liters of water per day |
| No Alcohol | Cut down drastically to improve focus and recovery |
| Positive Mindset | Practices gratitude and journaling for motivation |
Results That Inspire
Jelly Roll’s transformation has inspired thousands of fans to take their first step toward a healthier lifestyle. His energy on stage is stronger than ever, his confidence radiates in interviews, and his story proves that change is possible at any age or weight.
He’s now focusing on maintaining his progress, continuing therapy, and sharing honest conversations about body image and health.
Lessons from Jelly Roll’s Journey
- Start small — but start today. Even a few minutes of movement daily can lead to progress.
- Fix your mindset before your diet. A healthy mental state builds lasting motivation.
- Find accountability. Having supportive people like Bunnie XO made a huge difference for him.
- Don’t chase perfection. Progress, not perfection, is what leads to real change.
- Be patient. Jelly Roll’s transformation took time — but consistency paid off.
Jelly Roll’s Goal for 2025 and Beyond
As of 2025, Jelly Roll says his biggest goal is to keep improving his health and inspire others who struggle with obesity. He’s already dropped over 200 pounds and is now training toward reaching 300 pounds or less.
He also wants to encourage fans to approach weight loss with self-respect — not shame. His message is clear: “You can change your life — no matter where you start.”
Conclusion
Jelly Roll’s weight loss story is one of the most inspiring transformations in music today. From 540 pounds to 357 pounds, he’s proven that real change doesn’t require perfection — just persistence. Through better eating habits, regular workouts, and mental strength, he has transformed his life inside and out.
For anyone struggling to take the first step, Jelly Roll’s journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to start — and the best version of you is always worth the effort.
