Country Star Jelly Roll’s Incredible 200-Lb. Weight Loss Stuns Fans
Jelly Roll, the Grammy-nominated country artist best known for hits like “Need a Favor” and “Save Me,” shocked fans when he arrived in Sydney, Australia this week looking almost unrecognizable. The 40-year-old singer, born Jason DeFord, has lost nearly 200 pounds since 2022 — marking one of the most impressive celebrity weight loss transformations in recent years.
Jelly Roll landed at Sydney Airport on October 21, 2025, with a security entourage ahead of his first-ever headlining Australian tour. His slimmed-down frame and confident stride immediately caught the attention of fans and media alike.
The Nashville native, who once weighed close to 550 lbs., has been candid about his long-term battle with food addiction and his journey to better health. His latest appearance shows just how far he’s come — both physically and mentally.
From 550 Pounds to Fit: Inside Jelly Roll’s Transformation Journey
In a December 2024 episode of his wife Bunnie Xo’s “Dumb Blonde” podcast, Jelly Roll revealed an ambitious new goal:
“I wanna be on the cover of Men’s Health by March of 2026,” he said. “That’s my new goal. I wanna have one of the biggest transformations.”
Since making that declaration, the artist has worked tirelessly to revamp his lifestyle — incorporating consistent workouts, cleaner eating habits, and a mindset shift around food.
In a 2024 interview with People, Jelly Roll admitted that food had always been his biggest struggle:
“I had to change the way I looked at food after 39 years,” he explained. “Nobody in my house ever had a healthy relationship with food. Fighting that demon at first was hard, but once I found discipline, it became an avalanche.”
Overcoming Food Addiction and Reclaiming Health
Jelly Roll has been open about his past struggles with food addiction, substance abuse, and mental health. In a 2018 Instagram post, he shared that by 2015 he weighed over 500 lbs., and the realization of how it affected his quality of life pushed him to take control.
“All I’ve ever known was being fat, and I’m f—ing miserable,” he wrote. “I wanna skydive, bungee jump, ride a bull, parasail, ride roller coasters — I want to LIVE a normal life and have a normal relationship with food.”
That honesty struck a chord with fans who relate to his story of perseverance. Over the past few years, Jelly Roll’s health journey has mirrored his rise to stardom — with his career hitting new highs as his confidence soared.
Bunnie Xo and Fans Celebrate His Progress
Jelly Roll’s wife, Bunnie Xo, has been a major source of support throughout his transformation. While she’s fiercely defended him against online body shaming, she’s also celebrated his newfound health and happiness.
In May 2025, she clapped back at fans who only praised Jelly for his slimmer figure, saying, “He’s always been hot — weight loss doesn’t change that.”
Together, the couple — who renewed their vows in Las Vegas in 2023 — continues to inspire fans with their honesty, humor, and resilience.
What’s Next for Jelly Roll
As Jelly embarks on his first-ever headlining tour in Australia, he’s proving that discipline, faith, and consistency can lead to extraordinary results. Beyond music, he’s now focused on being a role model for those struggling with self-image and addiction.
With his sights set on landing the cover of Men’s Health by 2026, Jelly Roll shows no signs of slowing down. His transformation is not just physical — it’s a testament to redemption, hard work, and self-love.
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