Jelly Roll's Massive Weight Loss Begun With This One Mindset Change

The musician Jason Bradley DeFord (aka Jelly Roll) seems to be on a roll when it comes to getting healthier through weight loss. Yet he didn't start his journey to shed 200+ pounds — or regaining his lost color vision — by jumping into a diet and exercise program. On the contrary, he concentrated on changing his mind before changing his eating and lifestyle habits.

As DeFord explained, he realized that he needed to treat his relationship with food as an addiction before he could transform his body. DeFord wasn't new to battling addictions, having gone through the process with illegal drugs and alcohol. "I went to meetings for cocaine and found a sponsor and detoxed," he told Men's Health, adding that he "went through real hard life-changing emotional choices to get off cocaine and codeine." Then, he began working with a behavioral change coach, as well as a medical team, rather than simply hitting the gym without a thorough plan.

People like DeFord who are or have been clinically obese — he tipped the scales at more than 520 pounds at his highest — have difficulty because they need to eat but find controlling their portions difficult. As a result, they binge-eat, especially when faced with strong emotions.

Is it possible to be addicted to food, similar to substance misuse? As National Institute on Drug Abuse director Dr. Nora D. Volkow told TODAY, "many compounds that inhibit compulsive eating may also inhibit compulsive drug intake. The neurocircuitry overlaps." However, more research is needed to shed more light on what truly drives the compulsion to overeat.

With that said, seeking therapy for weight loss assistance can be a good option. A 2021 study in Nutrients showed that when overweight and obese younger women began to see a mental health therapist during their weight loss journeys, they experienced more beneficial outcomes than those who didn't. (Here are some signs you should see a therapist.)

After gaining perspective on and control of his eating, DeFord revamped his everyday behaviors. For instance, as part of his new routine, DeFord started prioritizing exercise. In addition to strength training, he incorporates running into his routine.

DeFord eats differently, too. He hired a personal nutritionist to create menus that include items he likes that are made with nutrient-dense ingredients. His nutritionist cooks in DeFord's home and creates meals based on what the rapper's body needs most, like magnesium. (These are foods you should eat if you need more magnesium.) Interestingly, no foods or favorite recipes are entirely off-limits; his personal chef just improves less nutritious items.

DeFord credits his massive weight loss for not only giving him a better chance at life — he mentioned on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast that he felt like he was starting to die when he was 500+ pounds — but also a stronger bond with his children. In 2026, DeFord told American Songwriter that he coaches at least one of his kids' sports teams. For the performer, addressing his weight concerns emotionally ended up supporting his emotional link with the people he loves.