Jelly Roll Opens Up About Losing Over 200 Pounds: “I Don’t Hate My Life As Much”

A Life-Changing Transformation

Over the past few years, Jelly Roll has been on an extraordinary journey — not just in his music, but in his health. The country superstar revealed that he’s lost more than 200 pounds, a transformation that has completely reshaped both his body and his outlook on life.

In a candid conversation on The Hot Hits with Nic and Loren, the singer opened up about how losing the weight has affected every part of his existence.

“I sleep better, I walk better,” he said. “I talk better, I have more energy.”

But beyond the physical benefits, Jelly Roll noted that the change has softened his personality too:

“I’m nicer. I was a mean fat person. I was a cocky, arrogant, fat a**hole. It’s crazy. Somebody said, ‘You’re gonna get a six-pack and turn into a monster.’ I was like, ‘I’m actually becoming a way better human.’ I don’t hate my life as much.”

A Healthier Mind, A Healthier Sound

Jelly Roll, now 120 kilograms (264 pounds) lighter than his heaviest point, says his renewed energy and mindset have carried into his music as well. His upcoming album will mark a major creative shift.

“This new album, I’m definitely writing from like a dude who’s in year 10 of marriage and has a daughter going to college,” he explained. “I’m writing from a way more grown-up perspective — from the perspective of a man that’s 120 kilos lighter than he was.”

The singer described the new record as “dramatically different” from his past work, with themes of gratitude, growth, and maturity replacing the darker struggles that once defined his lyrics.

A History of Reinvention

This isn’t the first time Jelly Roll has fought to reclaim his health.

In 2015, he weighed over 550 pounds before losing around 200 pounds the following year.

In 2022, he began another major effort, shedding 110 pounds by 2024.

In an October 2024 Instagram video, he promised fans: “Next year when y’all see me, you won’t recognize me.”

He wasn’t wrong — by 2025, fans were stunned by his transformation.

Still, the artist says he’s not chasing a specific number on the scale.

“I don’t know if I have a goal yet,” he admitted to Chris Van Vliet. “I just want to be small enough to do the physical stuff I want to do in life and not feel tortured for it.”

Facing His Lowest Point

When asked what finally pushed him to change, Jelly Roll didn’t sugarcoat it.

“I started feeling like death — literally,” he confessed. “I had to sleep in a certain position because if I rolled one way, I’d choke on my spit. It was really getting bad. Being big affects most parts of your life, but there was not one part of mine that wasn’t affected. It was horrible, and I was just so sick of it.”

Healing From the Inside Out

The “Save Me” singer also opened up about his complex relationship with food — a battle that paralleled his past struggles with addiction.

“My physical right now is a direct reflection of what’s happening between my ears,” he said. “I had to start treating food as I treated every other drug addiction in my life. I had to take the time to process the emotions I used to eat and make peace with them.”

That level of honesty has made Jelly Roll one of the most relatable figures in country music today. His openness about addiction, mental health, and transformation continues to inspire millions — proving that no matter how dark things get, change is always possible.

Looking Ahead

With a new album on the horizon, a healthier body, and a clearer mind, Jelly Roll is entering a new chapter of his career and life — one built on purpose, perspective, and self-compassion.

As he put it best:

“I’m not just losing weight. I’m finding myself.”

💬 For updates on Jelly Roll’s new music and tour dates, visit his official website.