Jelly Roll says he’s now able to see color again after making major dietary changes as part of his ongoing weight-loss journey. The singer — born Jason DeFord — shared the surprising health development while continuing to chronicle his transformation from 550 pounds to his current weight. According to Today, Jelly has shed 183 pounds since early 2024.
“During an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience posted on Dec. 10, the country singer opened up about his weight-loss journey, revealing that his eyesight had been affected by "the sugar" and "rampant inflammation."
"I was colorblind," he recalled. "I seen shades of colors. I didn't see color for like 20 years … It had to have been the sugar."
Elsewhere in the sit-down, Jelly Roll admitted that his sexual prowess had also been affected by his weight at the time, and that it motivated him to change his diet. ‘I couldn’t even get aroused. I was so big,’ he said, referring to the fact that he weighed more than 500 pounds before.
The 39-year-old has committed to an all-around lifestyle reset focused heavily on nutrition and cutting back on alcohol. He kicked off the process in January 2024 by training for his first-ever 5K — the 2 Bears 5K in Los Angeles — admitting he “couldn’t walk a mile” when he began. By May, he completed the full 3.1-mile race and appeared visibly slimmer at the Academy of Country Music Awards, calling the moment “really emotional.”
Throughout his journey, Jelly Roll has worked to rebuild his relationship with food and address what he refers to as a longstanding food addiction, opting for healthier versions of the dishes he loves. His routine also included consistent workouts during his Beautifully Broken tour from August to November 2024, maintaining a daily training schedule even while traveling. He told Entertainment Tonight that these changes have opened the door to new ambitions, like appearing on magazine covers and trying sports he previously couldn’t participate in.
The Nashville native is among a growing group of celebrities opening up about their health makeovers, echoing themes highlighted in recent People features on lifestyle transformations. Jelly Roll has repeatedly stressed the power of setting small, attainable goals — and hitting them one by one — a mindset he says has reshaped both his physical abilities and his overall well-being.