Not long ago, country star Jelly Roll struggled to climb a simple flight of stairs without losing his breath. Fast forward to February 2025, and the same man stood triumphantly at the top of Arizona’s challenging Camelback Mountain—140 pounds lighter and beaming with pride. His incredible transformation isn’t just about weight loss; it’s a story of resilience, love, and reclaiming his health for the people who matter most.
Born Jason DeFord, Jelly Roll has always been open about his struggles—his troubled past, his battles with addiction, and his tendency to turn to food for comfort. At his heaviest, he weighed 550 pounds, facing serious health risks and the realization that something needed to change. But this wasn’t about crash diets or quick fixes. Instead, he chose the harder path: consistency, discipline, and a complete lifestyle overhaul.
With the help of nutrition coach Ian Larios, Jelly Roll swapped processed foods for whole, nutritious meals and started moving more—beginning with simple walks and eventually progressing to strength training and hiking. By late 2024, he had already shed 100 pounds. But his biggest milestone came when he conquered Camelback Mountain, a feat he once thought impossible. “That hike was for me,” he said in an emotional video from the summit. “To prove I could do hard things again.”
Behind his success is the unwavering support of his wife, Bunnie XO, who cheered him on through every setback. “She’s been my rock,” he shared. His journey hasn’t been glamorous—just real, grueling work. Now, with 140 pounds gone and a newfound love for fitness, Jelly Roll isn’t stopping. He’s eyeing 5K races, fitness challenges, and even a future Men’s Health cover. More than anything, he’s proving that change is possible—one step at a time.
