Jelly Roll Opens Up About Weight Loss Setback, Reveals Scale Anxiety and Marathon Goals

Jelly Roll is getting real about the ups and downs of his ongoing weight loss transformation.

The country music star, whose real name is Jason DeFord, opened up in a YouTube video posted April 18 about the emotional toll of recent weight fluctuations. At 41, the Grammy winner revealed he's been experiencing anxiety around stepping on the scale, describing himself as "scared" and admitting he's "lost" his "way" on the journey.

The setback began when DeFord decided to take a more relaxed approach to his diet around the holidays. "I've been working hard for the last three years losing this weight, I'm going to enjoy the holidays," he explained in the video, recounting meals with family during Thanksgiving, his birthday, and Christmas. That decision was further complicated when he broke his collarbone just before Christmas, forcing him to pause his regular running, walking, and exercise routine.

DeFord's weight loss journey kicked off in 2023 when he weighed over 500 pounds. By January, when he appeared on the cover of Men's Health, he had shed an impressive 275 pounds. But the holiday season and subsequent injury derailed his momentum.

"I have, to some degree, lost my way," he admitted. "I am scared to [weigh in]. I feel really fat, I feel really bloated, I feel like the scales are going to let me down."

When he finally faced the scale on April 10, the reading showed 276.2 pounds—a 12-pound increase from his previous weight. Despite the discouragement, DeFord is determined to refocus on his fitness goals. He's set his sights on running the New York City Marathon in November, an ambitious target he's never previously considered.

Looking ahead, DeFord revealed he hasn't yet reached his target maintenance weight and aims to lose another 40 to 50 pounds. He also expressed a desire to achieve a shirtless magazine feature, framing it as a powerful personal milestone.

"I just believe there's a story that a guy can go from 560 lbs. to a shirt off picture, it's absurd," he shared, emphasizing the significance of the transformation he's pursuing.