**Jelly Roll to Tackle the New York City Marathon as He Reflects on Health Journey**
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Country music artist Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has recently announced his intention to participate in the New York City Marathon scheduled for November. In a candid YouTube video, the 41-year-old shared insights into his fitness journey, expressing both excitement and apprehension about his health progress.
During the video, posted over the weekend, Jelly Roll spoke about the challenges he faced in maintaining his weight after a festive holiday season. He revealed that he had gained 12 pounds after deciding to “enjoy the holidays,” specifically citing indulgent meals during Thanksgiving, his birthday, and Christmas celebrations. This period of indulgence was further complicated by a collarbone injury he sustained just before Christmas, which forced him to halt his exercise regimen.
Jelly Roll admitted to avoiding the scale in recent months, expressing his fear of confronting his weight. “I have, to some degree, lost my way,” he remarked, highlighting the emotional impact of his fluctuating weight. The singer’s journey began in earnest over two years ago when he weighed more than 500 pounds. After committing to a fitness plan, he successfully shed an incredible 275 pounds, a transformation that earned him a feature on the cover of Men’s Health in January 2026.
In his recent video, Jelly Roll reflected on the moment he achieved his weight loss goal just before the holiday season. “We hit the goal and it was right before the holidays, so I was like, ‘You know what man, I’ve been working hard for the last three years losing this weight, I’m going to enjoy the holidays,'” he shared. However, this sense of accomplishment soon turned into a struggle as his festive indulgences led him off track.
The emotional toll of his weight loss journey was palpable in the video, particularly as he approached weighing in. “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,” he revealed to his followers. Despite his fears, he eventually stepped on the scale and weighed in at 276.2 pounds, admitting to the weight gain he had feared.
Jelly Roll’s determination to resume his health goals is evident, as he expressed a desire to continue his weight loss journey and reclaim his fitness, with the marathon serving as a significant milestone. “I’ve never run a marathon or thought about running a marathon,” he said, highlighting the gravity of his upcoming challenge.
Yet, despite his recent setbacks, Jelly Roll has not lost sight of his objectives. He disclosed that he hopes to shed an additional 40 to 50 pounds and dreams of featuring in a magazine photoshoot without a shirt. “I know it’s getting real silly now, but I just believe there’s a story that a guy can go from 560 lbs. to a shirt-off picture, it’s absurd,” he stated, emphasising the importance of his journey not just for himself, but as an inspiring narrative for others facing similar struggles.
As the marathon date approaches, Jelly Roll’s commitment to his health and fitness will undoubtedly serve as motivation for many. His openness about the ups and downs of his journey resonates with fans and encourages a conversation around body image, health, and resilience.
With the New York City Marathon inching closer, all eyes will be on Jelly Roll as he prepares to take on this monumental challenge while continuing to navigate the complexities of his health journey. The combination of his triumphs and struggles presents a powerful narrative that highlights the importance of perseverance and the courage to confront one’s fears.