Introduction
Jelly Roll has shed almost 200 lbs since 2022, transforming from a 550-lb country star into a healthier, lighter performer. The singer’s public journey-highlighted by Instagram videos, podcast interviews, and tour updates-shows a steady commitment to exercise, nutrition, and mental wellness.
**At a Glance
- Weight loss: Nearly 200 lbs since 2022
- Key milestones: 110-lb drop by 2024, 70-lb loss during a 5-K training
- Future goal: Cover of Men’s Health by March 2026
- Why it matters: Jelly’s story illustrates how lifestyle changes can reshape health and career.
Early Beginnings
Jelly Roll began his weight-loss journey in 2022. He told Music Mayhem that his 2023 goals were to focus on health and “conquer the demon” of his weight. The nickname “Jelly Roll” came from his mother, who called him that when he was a “chubby kid.” He admitted, “I’ve been fat my whole life,” and that the name stuck for twenty years.
Weight Loss Milestones
By 2024, Jelly reported losing 110 lbs after prioritizing exercise and healthier foods. He estimated that 60-70 lbs of that weight was shed during the four-month Beautifully Broken tour. He reflected, “It’s cool because there was once a time in life that the culture I built on tour was the opposite… Now our tour culture is around good eating and around exercising and doing emotional check-ins with our crew every day.”
During a 2024 interview, he shared that he lost “70-something pounds” training for the 2 Bears 5-K with Bert Kreischer and Tom Segura. He logged “two to three miles a day, four to six days a week” in preparation for the May 2024 race at the Rose Bowl.
He also noted that his first 5-K training in January was a challenge: “I couldn’t walk a mile.” After finishing, he celebrated with a kiss in a cold plunge bath with his wife, Bunnie Xo.
Lifestyle Changes
Diet and Nutrition
In a November 2024 appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Jelly revealed he brought nutritionist Chef Ian Larios on the Beautifully Broken tour. Larios cooked high-protein meals, including a healthier version of Nashville-style hot chicken and French fries boiled in bone broth. A March 2025 Instagram video showed Larios preparing a day’s worth of food: a healthier take on Waffle House hashbrowns, peanut butter cookie dough bites, and dairy-free high-protein poutine.
Jelly has avoided weight-loss drugs like Ozempic out of fear of acid reflux, a side effect that could irritate his vocal cords. He said, “Every doctor I’ve talked to is for it. They said it helps. I just was afraid of it… As a singer, few things scare me more than acid reflux.”
Exercise and Recovery
He incorporated sauna sessions and cold plunges into his routine: “I’m doing 20 to 30 minutes in the sauna, six minutes in a cold plunge every day.” He also played basketball daily with his crew, sometimes with fans or local teams, such as the University of Kentucky Basketball Team and inmates at a Houston juvenile detention center.
Public Appearances and Goals
In October 2024, Jelly posted on Instagram, “Next year when y’all see me, you won’t recognize me.” The statement foreshadowed his October 2025 appearance at Sydney Airport, where his significant weight loss was evident as he headed to his first-ever Australian headlining tour.
During a December 2024 episode of the Dumb Blonde Podcast, he shared a new fitness ambition: “I want to be on the cover of Men’s Health by March of 2026.” Bunnie expressed excitement, calling the goal “so giddy.”
He also shaved his beard for the first time in ten years in November 2025 to showcase his new, lean look. Bunnie posted, “My husband… is going to shave off his beard completely, because now that he’s so skinny… we want to see that jawline.” Jelly joked, “We’re trying to see if a face lift might be in order.”
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Started weight-loss journey, set 2023 health goals |
| 2024 | Lost 110 lbs, announced 60-70-lb loss during Beautifully Broken tour |
| May 2024 | Completed 2 Bears 5-K at Rose Bowl |
| October 2024 | Instagram video: “Next year you won’t recognize me” |
| October 2025 | Visible weight loss at Sydney Airport for Australian tour |
| November 2025 | First beard shave in ten years |
| December 2024 | Announced goal to appear on Men’s Health cover by March 2026 |
Key Takeaways
- Jelly Roll’s journey illustrates that a structured approach-combining diet, exercise, and mental health-can lead to dramatic weight loss.
- He has publicly documented each step, providing transparency and inspiration for fans.
- His future goal of a Men’s Health cover signals ongoing commitment to personal transformation.
Closing
Jelly Roll’s transformation from a 550-lb performer to a lighter, healthier artist underscores the power of disciplined lifestyle changes. His openness about struggles, strategies, and future aspirations offers a relatable blueprint for anyone seeking lasting health improvements.
