Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, is unrecognizable to many as he embarks on his first-ever Australian headlining tour.
The 40-year-old country star, known for his hits like 'I Need a Favor' and 'I Am Not Okay,' has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few years.
Once tipping the scales at 550 pounds, Jelly Roll has shed an astonishing 200 pounds since 2022, marking a significant milestone in his ongoing weight-loss journey.
Jelly Roll’s Weight Loss Transformation
As Jelly Roll arrived at Sydney Airport on October 21, 2025, ahead of his tour, his slimmer figure was immediately noticeable, per PEOPLE.
The heavily tattooed musician, donning a baggy black Reebok jumper and track pants, appeared to be embracing a new, healthier lifestyle.
While he attempted to go incognito in a Tennessee Titans hat, it was hard to ignore the 90 kg (nearly 200 pounds) he’s lost, transforming from the man many fans remember.
The Nashville-based star is set to perform at some of Australia’s biggest venues, including Brisbane Entertainment Centre and Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena. Additionally, he will headline the inaugural Strummingbird Festival, a three-city country music event set to showcase his talents alongside other top artists.
Setting Health Goals: A Dream for the Cover of Men's Health
Jelly Roll’s weight loss journey isn't just about shedding pounds; it’s part of a broader goal to change his life and appearance in a way that he hopes will inspire others.
During a December 2024 appearance on his wife Bunnie Xo’s Dumb Blonde podcast, he shared his ambitious health and fitness goal: "I wanna be on the cover of Men's Health by March of 2026. That's my new goal. I wanna have one of the biggest transformations."
This goal is personal for Jelly Roll, but it also speaks to his desire to be open and transparent about his struggles with weight loss.
"I did this publicly for a reason. I wanna be honest about my struggles with it with people," he shared during the podcast, emphasizing his commitment to leading by example.
Overcoming Food Addiction: A Personal Battle with Discipline
Jelly Roll has been open about the challenges he’s faced along the way. Growing up in Antioch, Tennessee, he admits that food was never viewed as a source of nourishment in his household.
"Nobody in my house ever had [a healthy relationship with food], so that was the hard part, really fighting that demon at first and getting into that discipline and that commitment," Jelly Roll explained in an interview.
His struggles with food addiction have been a central part of his journey, and overcoming them has been crucial to his success.
Reflecting on his past, Jelly Roll explained: “All I’ve ever known was being fat, and I’m f***ing miserable. I wanna sky dive, bungee jump, ride a bull, parasail, ride roller coasters, I want to LIVE a normal life and have a normal relationship with food.”