Jelly roll has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in recent celebrity history, shedding nearly 300 pounds and, by her own account, saving her life.
“I felt like I was going to die,” the country star said of his health at its worst. By the time he reached 540 pounds, all decisions were dictated by his weight, and he felt like he was “a prisoner in a fat suit.”
Now, after his transformation, his perspective has changed dramatically. “I wish I could bottle up what I’m feeling right now and give it to everyone who’s struggling,” Jelly Roll said of loving her new body. The singer said a big part of his journey was “wanting to know what’s going on inside me.”
Unlike many high-profile weight loss stories, Jelly Roll, 41, didn’t rely on GLP-1 drugs. Instead, he worked closely with Longevity’s digital preventive health platform Legs2 Good. To understand how she achieved such a monumental change, we spoke with Brigham Buhler, the health entrepreneur and founder of Ways2Well, who guided Jelly Roll through her health journey, and says there are lessons anyone can apply to improve their own life.
What did Jelly Roll do to lose nearly 300 pounds?
The “Need a Favor” singer took a multifaceted approach that prioritized long-term health over quick fixes. She started with Ways2Well’s in-depth analysis to determine what her system really needed, then focused on natural methods tailored to her underlying health issues. This plan included optimizing his diet, refining nutritional habits, increasing physical activity, and addressing the root causes that had been working against him for years. Buhler notes that one of the main focuses was correcting hormonal imbalances, which can affect both men and women. Jelly Roll had low testosterone. The team also worked to reduce overall inflammation in the body. The result was weight loss that didn’t sacrifice muscle mass, a key factor in maintaining long-term health and avoiding rebound weight gain.
Why did it work?
Ways2Well’s approach is based on personalized medicine. By conducting a thorough blood work and evaluating Jelly Roll’s unique biomarkers, the team created a customized plan designed to address the root causes of her weight gain, rather than simply treating the symptoms. Just as important was the singer’s commitment to the process. He was determined to avoid shortcuts and was fully committed to the work, which helped foster a mindset built around sustainable change. Buhler explains that traditional medicine is often limited by insurance guidelines, limiting both diagnostic tools and treatment options. Ways2Well, on the other hand, tests for roughly 100 biomarkers, compared to about 15 typically covered by insurance. This deeper diagnostic approach provides patients with actionable insights and focuses on improving the “health span,” or how long someone lives in good health, rather than simply how long they live.
Jelly Roll explained why she didn’t use GLP-1 before she lost nearly 300 pounds on her weight loss journey. “I just remember everybody telling me GLP-1, or taking Ozempic or Mounjaro: ‘Listen, it’s going to hurt your stomach a little bit,'” Jelly Roll, 41, shared in a new Men’s Health profile published Friday (…)
What was it like working with Jelly Roll?
According to Buhler, the Grammy winner was one of the easiest clients she’s ever worked with, thanks to his authenticity and drive. From their first meeting, Jelly Roll made it clear that they wanted real change. He was committed, proactive and willing to listen, qualities that made him an ideal partner throughout the process. Buhler says Jelly Roll’s transparency and dedication were critical to its success. As a deeply personal thank you, Jelly Roll even gave Buhler his prized guitar, inscribed with the words, “Ways2Well, love you’all. Thanks for saving my life.”
Have other celebrities worked with Ways2Well?
yes The longevity platform operates a high-end Longevity Lab, based in Austin, Texas, which serves as a hub for innovative therapies including IV drips, red light beds, hyperbaric chambers, stem cell treatments and other regenerative services. Celebrities drawn to the clinic’s personalized approach include Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Joe Rogan, athletes such as Aaron Rodgers and many UFC fighters. Russell Crowe also lost 66 pounds after visiting the clinic. Initially a skeptic, he became a believer after seeing the changes first hand. “What I love most is seeing the difference in behavior from when a celebrity meets us for the first time to when they come back the second time,” says Buhler. “Because when you help someone achieve something monumental in their own personal life and their own health, their behavior totally changes.”
How much do the services cost?
While many high-profile clients have used Ways2Well, Buhler stresses that the vast majority of his patients are everyday people. Services can be accessed virtually, with blood drawn locally and health consultations conducted online with doctors. Members also have access to an AI consultant named Allen through the Ways2Well app, available 24 hours a day. A one-year subscription, which includes two full blood draws, costs $599.
How to Live Longer: Jelly Roll–Style
1. CHECK YOUR HEALTH PERIODICALLY
Get a complete blood count twice a year to track key biomarkers and catch problems early. Pay attention to changes in how your body feels and responds.
2. EAT REAL FOOD, GENTLEMEN
Focus on whole foods over processed foods. Prioritize protein, about one gram per pound of lean muscle mass, while minimizing refined sugars and limiting alcohol, which contribute to inflammation.
3. OPTIMIZE SLEEP
Aim for between seven and nine hours of uninterrupted, quality sleep each night. Recovery is critical to overall health.
4. KEEP PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
Incorporate weight training three to four days a week to maintain or increase lean muscle mass. Add daily movement, such as walks after meals or outdoor activities, to keep your body engaged.
5. STRESS MANAGEMENT
Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Nurture relationships: Strong connections are vital to emotional well-being.