Jelly Roll was unable to ascend a set of stairs without becoming exhausted not long ago. He stood at the top of Camelback Mountain in February 2025, beaming, sweating, and 140 pounds lighter. The top-charting country music artist, who is well-known for his harsh past and soul-baring lyrics, has subtly executed one of the most striking physical makeovers in contemporary country music.
Jason DeFord, better known as Jelly Roll, has always shown his affection for others. However, he’s also wearing smaller shirts these days. Once weighing 550 pounds, the man is now a smaller, more agile version of himself. Furthermore, his path was free of glitzy endorsements, surgery, and crash diets. Just the tough stuff: intense motivation, mental toughness, and everyday dedication.
From 550 Pounds to the Top of a Mountain
For many years, Jelly Roll relied on food for solace and support. He has acknowledged in podcasts and documentaries that emotional eating is closely linked to addiction and trauma. He revealed, “I was eating because I was depressed or anxious.” “Food became my way of escaping.” He weighed 550 pounds after that escape, facing major health concerns and a mounting sense of urgency.
Something changed by 2022. He made the decision to become serious for his family and future, not for the attention. He set off on foot. Ian Larios, a nutrition coach, was employed by him. He eliminated processed foods and centered his meals on whole foods and lean meats. He assured fans, “It wasn’t some Hollywood cleanse.” “Just making wiser decisions and getting more exercise.”
He had shed 100 pounds by the end of 2024. He didn’t stop there, though. He set more ambitious goals, began strength training, and continued to walk. He achieved a feat in February 2025 that would have seemed unreal just two years before: he hiked Arizona’s Camelback Mountain. In a heartfelt video at the top, he declared, “That hike was for me.” “To show I could accomplish challenging tasks once more.”
The Factors That Made the Difference
Jelly Roll’s success wasn’t the result of a trade secret. It resulted from facing the difficult things, beginning with his attitude. He publicly battled his food addiction, discussing it occasionally on stage and other times with his wife, Bunnie XO, who has supported him throughout it all.
He remarked, “She has been my rock.” “She kept me going when I wanted to give up.” Since fans have been able to see behind-the-scenes of Bunnie’s journey through his social media postings, the couple’s interaction has emerged as a beloved plot point.
Larios, his coach, created a plan that prioritized sustainable eating over severe restriction. In order to maintain consistency on tour, Jelly Roll eschewed fast food for meal preparation, opted for water instead of soda, and relied on straightforward procedures.
And working out wasn’t glamorous. It began with quick strolls across his neighborhood and roadside motel gyms. Those walks gradually evolved into resistance training, jogs, and treks. He felt better the more he exercised. He stated, “It was about momentum.” “I didn’t want to stop once I noticed change.”
Now that he has lost 140 pounds and changed his lifestyle entirely, Jelly Roll claims he is far from done. At a recent event, he promised supporters, “I want to be on the cover of Men’s Health by next year.” “I’m serious—I’m going for it.”
Additionally, he is investigating 5K events and fitness challenges. To remind himself that he’s still developing, not for influence. “I have never felt better in my adult life,” he remarked. “And I’d like more.”
Jelly Roll is losing weight to recover a life he once believed was slipping away, not to fit a stereotype. And he’s only just getting started, based on his mountain-top moment.