Country-rock star Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, has forcefully denied speculation that the diabetes medication Ozempic fueled his dramatic 20-stone (275-pound) weight loss over the past three years. The singer, who recently graced the cover of Men’s Health to document his transformation, addressed the rumors during a guest-hosting stint on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and in a candid magazine interview.
Fox News Segment Sparks Response
The controversy originated from a segment on Fox News hosted by Jesse Watters. During a “Trump Derangement Syndrome Tuesday” report, Watters aired a clip referencing Jelly Roll’s recent jokes about former President Donald Trump’s weight. Watters stated:
“Next up to bat, Jelly Roll,” Watters said. “They should put a warning label on Ozempic. Side effects can include increased risk of TDS. If you notice signs like irritability, depression, and trouble sleeping, please see a doctor.”
Jelly Roll Counters with Humor and Facts
Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! days later, DeFord refuted the claim directly, noting his weight loss predated the widespread popularity of GLP-1 agonist medications. He responded with characteristic humor before offering a serious clarification:
“Okay, first of all Jesse, I’ll have you know Ozempic is the only drug I haven’t tried. I know it sounds unbelievable, but I lost weight the old-fashioned way: cocaine,”
he joked, before adding:
“No seriously, I got in shape before the GLP-1 craze started. And I’m kind of proud of the fact that I did it through diet and exercise.”
Despite his pride in the achievement, DeFord acknowledged the surreal timing of his natural transformation coinciding with the rise of medical weight-loss solutions:
“But I also kinda feel like a dude who bought the last horse and buggy the day before they started selling cars.”
From ‘Prisoner to My Own Body’ to Freedom
In his Men’s Health cover story earlier this year, DeFord detailed the severe physical and emotional toll of his former size. He described a life constrained by obesity:
“It was never-ending sadness,” he said. “And anger. I was a prisoner to my own body. Dude, wiping my ass was a problem. Washing myself properly was a problem. Getting in cars. “Every decision I made in life had to be based on my weight.”
He admitted he was “literally” killing himself and felt “ashamed of it.” After failed solo attempts, he enlisted a structured program that provided the accountability needed for sustainable change. DeFord emphasized that nutritional discipline was the cornerstone of his success:
“Just commit yourself to ‘I’m gonna count every calorie and macro that goes in my mouth’,”
he told the outlet.
A New Lease on Life
The artist expressed profound relief and joy at his current physical state, contrasting it with decades of struggle:
“I’m loving my body. This is a whole new thing for me, y’all. I’ve been imprisoned to a fat suit for 30-something years.”
Jelly Roll’s journey underscores a narrative of lifestyle overhaul rather than pharmaceutical shortcut, a distinction he remains keen to protect as his public profile continues to rise.
