Jelly Roll weight loss: 200-pound drop, new goals, and what’s next
TL;DR:
- Jelly Roll says he dropped about 200 pounds from a 540-pound peak.
- He shared the latest in August and late September 2025 interviews and posts.
- Bunnie Xo asked fans to stop shallow comments about his body on Sep 28, 2025.
- People reported he fit designer clothes after steady diet and training.
- He targets more loss, skin surgery talks, and a second 5K.
Country star Jelly Roll has spent two years reshaping his health. Across interviews since 2024, he has given fans clear markers, from his first 5K to new tour habits. In 2025, he says he is down about 200 pounds from a peak near 540. Fox News reported on August 9, 2025 that he confirmed a 200-pound milestone while speaking to the Tennessee Titans. People added fresh details on September 16, 2025, noting he now fits designer looks and keeps training on the road. On September 28, 2025, Taste of Country covered his wife Bunnie Xo urging kinder reactions to his changing body.
This piece sums up what happened, how he did it, and what comes next.
What happened and when
- April 9, 2025: On The Pat McAfee Show, he told the audience he weighed 357 pounds that morning, down from 540, and wanted to lose 100 more to go skydiving with his wife in Sweden. People recapped the appearance on April 2025 and again in follow up reporting in September 2025.
- August 9, 2025: He told the Tennessee Titans he had dropped 200 pounds. Fox News covered the talk on August 9, 2025.
- September 16, 2025: People ran a style piece showing him in a Louis Vuitton fit, framing it as a visible sign of his progress.
- September 28, 2025: Taste of Country reported Bunnie Xo’s message to fans. She asked people to stop judging his body and to focus on his health and work.
These updates track with earlier markers. In May 2024, after the 2 Bears 5K, he told ABC’s Good Morning America that training had cost him “50 to 70-something” pounds. That early sprint set his routine.
How he says he did it
Jelly Roll keeps the plan simple in public comments.
- Movement most days. He walked, ran, and mixed in basketball and boxing while on tour. Fox News highlighted the steady activity as part of his routine in August 2025.
- Tour culture shift. People reported he built a healthier road setup in 2024, swapping late food for workouts and better meals.
- Food choices. He credits high protein meals and coaching. People noted he worked with a nutrition pro and avoided weight loss drugs because of side effect worries.
- Public goals. He speaks the goals out loud. The 100-pound “skydiving” target, the second 5K, and even a Men’s Health cover by March 2026 keep him accountable.
The plan is not a fad. It is repetition, sleep when possible, and a support system.
The numbers, at a glance
| Checkpoint date | Claimed weight or change | Source in public record |
| May 8–9, 2024 | Lost “50 to 70-something” pounds by 5K | ABC’s GMA coverage |
| April 9, 2025 | 357 pounds that morning, from a 540 peak | People recap of McAfee appearance |
| August 9, 2025 | 200 pounds lost from peak | Fox News report |
| September 16, 2025 | “Dramatic weight loss,” fitting designer outfits | People style story |
| September 28, 2025 | Bunnie Xo defends him from body-shaming | Taste of Country report |
Numbers come from his own statements, echoed by outlets. They show direction and momentum, not a medical chart.
What his wife said
Bunnie Xo has been part of the journey. On September 28, 2025, Taste of Country reported her callout of “shallow” comments about his weight. Her message was clear. Applaud the work, avoid cheap shots, and let him focus on health and music. Fox News also ran a piece the same weekend echoing that timeline.
What happens next
Three threads to watch.
- More weight loss, then skin surgery. Taste of Country noted in August 2025 that he expects to need skin removal surgery because extra skin affects daily life. That often follows large weight loss and needs a medical plan with downtime.
- A second 5K. Newsweek reported in February 2025 that he planned a second 5K. A fall or winter date would fit his schedule once touring slows.
- Public goals and check-ins. He keeps posting updates. Expect more weigh-ins, training clips, and tour-day workouts.
For fans asking “how can I use this”
Use a three-part model that mirrors his public notes.
- Move daily. Pick walking, light jogging, or cycling. Track minutes, not miles at first.
- Build a default plate. Protein, vegetables, water, and a set snack plan.
- Set public goals. Share with a friend or partner. Make it measurable.
Speak to a doctor before big changes, especially if you have a medical condition.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Chasing a fast drop. He took two years.
- Skipping sleep. Late nights can trigger overeating.
- Hiding goals. Share them to keep going.
Why it matters
Jelly Roll’s story shows change can start at any size. Clear goals, daily movement, and support work better than a fad. His openness also sets a tone. Fans see the hard parts, not just a photo. That reduces shame and helps others start.
Background for new readers
Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, is a country and hip-hop crossover artist. He broke wide with “Need A Favor” and a headline tour in 2023 and 2024. He finished his first 5K on May 7, 2024. Since then, he has kept public score on his health.
Sources:
- Fox News, Country star Jelly Roll confirms he’s dropped 200 pounds and eyes another 50 more, https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/country-star-jelly-roll-confirms-hes-dropped-200-pounds-eyes-another-50-more, 2025-08-09
- Taste of Country, Bunnie Xo Calls Out ‘Shallow’ Reactions to Jelly Roll’s Weight Loss, https://tasteofcountry.com/bunnie-xo-jelly-roll-weight-loss/, 2025-09-28
- People, Jelly Roll Shows Off Dramatic Weight Loss in Louis Vuitton Outfit and Asks Fans to ‘Pray for My Bank Account’, https://people.com/jelly-roll-shows-off-dramtic-weight-loss-in-louis-vuitton-look-11809955, 2025-09-16

