When Jelly Roll hit the mainstream music scene, he weighed over 500 pounds. Just a few years later, the country star is down nearly 200 pounds. He’s been open about how changing his diet and exercise helped him lose the weight. But he’s been keeping a secret. His biggest fear was the catalyst for starting his weight loss journey. Keep reading to find out why the “Son of a Sinner” singer has been so committed to shedding the pounds.
Jelly Roll Enjoys Several Firsts After Massive 200-lb Weight Loss
Jason DeFord, or Jelly Roll as he’s known to millions of fans, has always been heavy. His mother gave him the nickname because he was chubby as a child. His weight was not only a huge health risk, but also kept him from doing enjoyable everyday things.
Now that he’s dropped nearly 200 pounds and counting, Jelly Roll is able to finally live his best life. He flew to Europe earlier this summer to perform with Post Malone on tour. Jelly Roll was unable to tour overseas for years because of his felony record. This is a big trip for the old boy from Antioch, Tennessee.
With his wife, Bunnie Xo, by his side, the singer has accomplished several firsts while in Europe. He wore designer clothes for the first time during his visit with the Pope in Italy. He couldn’t fit in the expensive clothing before his massive weight loss.
Jelly Roll zoomed around several European cities on a scooter, something he hadn’t done since he was a teenager. While in Europe, the beloved couple played tourists, visiting several landmarks.
But he never lost sight of his weight loss journey, even when away from home. He’s lost over 200 pounds so far and he’s not done yet. Once he’s reached his goal weight, Jelly Roll plans to undergo surgery.
Jelly Roll’s Biggest Fear Forced His Weight Loss Journey
Jelly Roll has had some help on his weight loss journey. He has a health consultant, Gary Brecka, who has been helping him along the way. The consultant recently shared on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast how he got involved in the country singer’s huge life change.
Jelly Roll sent a simple question through DM: “Do you work with fat people?” Gary Brecka revealed that their first meeting was on the singer’s private plane for bloodwork.
The health consultant shared that at the time, the singer could barely fit in a seat on the plane because of his weight. Jelly Roll confessed that he had difficulty doing simple everyday tasks.
The “Need a Favor” singer also shared that every night when he went to bed, he was afraid he wouldn’t wake up. That fear led him to send the DM that began his weight loss journey.
He’s An In-Demand Actor
While Jelly Roll is a popular singer, he has a backup career option if he wants it: actor. He has made cameos on the shows Tulsa King and Fire Country.
He might return to Fire Country in the new season. According to Parade magazine, a producer with the show said they are trying to find a way to bring the singer’s character, Noah, back.
The outlet also reported that Justin Hartley’s CBS show Tracker tried to get the singer on the show, but he did Fire Country instead.
Whether it’s singing or acting, fans can expect to see a lot more from Jelly Roll.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
