Jelly Roll has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in recent celebrity history, losing nearly 300 pounds — and, by his own account, saving his life.
“I felt like I was gonna die,” the country star has said of his health at his heaviest. When he reached 540 pounds, every decision was dictated by his weight, and he felt like he “was a prisoner of a fat suit.”
Now after his transformation, his perspective has dramatically shifted. “I wish I could bottle what I’m feeling right now and I could give it to everybody who’s struggling out there,” Jelly Roll has said of loving his new body. The singer said a big part of his journey was “wanting to know what’s happening within me.”
Unlike many high-profile weight-loss stories, Jelly Roll, 41, didn’t rely on GLP-1 medications. Instead, he worked closely with longevity and digital preventive health platform Ways2Well. To understand how he achieved such a monumental change, we spoke with Brigham Buhler, the health entrepreneur and founder of Ways2Well, who guided Jelly Roll through his 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. He began with Ways2Well’s deep analysis to determine what his system actually needed, then focused on natural methods tailored to his underlying health issues. That plan included optimizing his diet, refining nutritional habits, increasing physical activity and addressing root causes that had been working against him for years. Buhler notes that one major focus was correcting hormonal imbalances — something that can impact both men and women. Jelly Roll was low in testosterone. The team also worked to reduce overall body inflammation. 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 grounded in personalized medicine. By conducting comprehensive blood work and assessing Jelly Roll’s unique biological markers, the team created a customized plan designed to address the root causes of his weight gain, rather than simply treating symptoms. Just as important was the singer’s commitment to the process. He was determined to avoid shortcuts and fully engaged in the work, which helped foster a mindset built around sustainable change. Buhler explains that traditional medicine is often constrained by insurance guidelines, limiting both diagnostic tools and treatment options. Ways2Well, by contrast, tests for roughly 100 biomarkers, compared to about 15 typically covered by insurance. This deeper diagnostic approach gives patients actionable insights and focuses on improving “health span,” or the length of time someone lives in good health, rather than simply how long they live.
Why Jelly Roll Didn’t Use GLP-1 Medication to Lose Nearly 300 Lbs
What Was Jelly Roll Like to Work With?
According to Buhler, the Grammy winner was one of the easiest clients he’s ever worked with, thanks to his authenticity and drive. From their first meeting, Jelly Roll made it clear he wanted real change. He was engaged, proactive and willing to listen — qualities that made him an ideal partner throughout the process. Buhler says Jelly Roll’s transparency and dedication were instrumental in his success. As a deeply personal thank-you, Jelly Roll even gifted Buhler his prized guitar, inscribed with the words: “Ways2Well, love y’all. Thanks for saving my life.”
Have Other Celebrities Worked With Ways2Well?
Yes. The longevity platform operates a high-end, Austin, Texas–based Longevity Lab that 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 like Aaron Rodgers and many UFC fighters. Russell Crowe also lost 66 pounds after visiting the clinic. Initially skeptical, he became a believer after seeing the changes firsthand. “My favorite thing is to see the difference in demeanor from when a celebrity meets us the first time to when they come back the second time,” Buhler says. “Because when you help somebody achieve something monumental in their own personal life and their own health, their demeanor totally changes.”
How Much Do Services Cost?
While many high-profile clients have used Ways2Well, Buhler emphasizes that the vast majority of their patients are everyday people. Services can be accessed virtually, with blood drawn locally and health consultations conducted online with clinicians. Members also have access to an AI consultant named Allen through the Ways2Well app, available 24/7. A one-year membership, which includes two full blood draws, costs $599.
How to Live Longer — Jelly Roll–Style
1. MONITOR YOUR HEALTH REGULARLY
Get comprehensive blood work twice a year to track key biomarkers and catch issues early. Pay attention to changes in how your body feels and responds.
2. EAT REAL, WHOLE FOODS
Focus on whole foods over processed ones. Prioritize protein — roughly one gram per pound of lean muscle mass — while minimizing refined sugars and limiting alcohol, which contribute to inflammation
3. OPTIMIZE SLEEP
Aim for seven to nine hours of uninterrupted, quality sleep each night. Recovery is foundational to overall health.
4. STAY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
Incorporate weight training three to four days a week to maintain or build lean muscle mass. Add daily movement, like post-meal walks or outdoor activities, to keep your body engaged.
5. MANAGE STRESS
Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing or yoga. Nurture relationships — strong connections are vital for emotional well-being.
