Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
“I’ve put in a lot of effort and lost the weight the right way,” the singer told Men’s Health in his cover story.
Jelly Roll Hits Major Weight-Loss Milestone, Lands on Men’s Health Cover After Dropping 275 Pounds
Jelly Roll is kicking off 2026 by celebrating a huge milestone in his weight-loss journey.
Back in December 2024, the 41-year-old country singer shared his goal of appearing on the cover of Men’s Health, aiming for “one of the biggest transformations” by 2026. Now, he’s made that dream a reality, gracing the magazine’s Winter 2026 issue, released January 2, after shedding 275 pounds. He also stars in a new Men’s Health documentary short, A Year for a Life.
“I’m loving my body,” he told the outlet. “This is a whole new thing for me, y’all. I’ve been imprisoned in a fat suit for 30-something years.”
Reflecting on his journey, Jelly Roll recalled, “I am on the cover of Men’s Health magazine. When I was 500-something pounds and walking a 40-minute mile, I was screaming that I was going to make this happen. Even for me, that was ambitious.”
At his heaviest, he weighed 540 pounds and said his food addiction and obesity brought immense shame. “It was never-ending sadness and anger. I was a prisoner to my own body. Simple tasks like washing myself or getting in a car were problems. Every decision revolved around my weight,” he explained. He added that his previous habits were self-destructive: “I was literally eating myself to death. Shame would push me back into the pantry—just like it sends an alcoholic to the bar.”
After multiple unsuccessful attempts, the Grammy-nominated artist finally lost weight with the help of a chef, sports nutritionist, and a commitment to regular movement. In the documentary, Jelly Roll demonstrates his workouts, including boxing, basketball, stair runs, push-up challenges, and daily physiotherapy to improve mobility.
“There’s a magical moment in exercise,” he said. “It’s painful at first, and then suddenly it opens up, and you feel incredible. I can touch my toes now. I even saw my kneecaps the other day. That’s a whole new concept for me.”
Now weighing 265 pounds, Jason DeFord—Jelly Roll’s real name—says he has gone from avoiding mirrors in disgust to admiring his muscles. He plans to remove excess skin next year but emphasized that his focus is no longer on the number on the scale. “My journey isn’t over, but I’m celebrating how far I’ve come,” he said.
