A sexual health expert has discussed the ways body weight can influence intimacy, after Jelly Roll’s wife, Bunnie Xo, opened up about what changed between them following his major weight loss.
The rapper, singer, and songwriter — whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord — began focusing on weight loss in 2022 and says he has now shed 275 pounds.
Over the past few years, he has reworked his eating habits dramatically, previously sharing that he hasn’t eaten bread in two years. He has also spoken about working with a therapist to help address food addiction.
According to Bunnie Xo, the transformation hasn’t only affected his health and energy — it has also impacted their sex life. She said her husband’s penis became “severely bigger” after he lost weight.
Bunnie Xo has been promoting her memoir, Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic. Released Tuesday, February 17, the book covers aspects of the couple’s life together.
She also spoke about their relationship in an interview with Howard Stern, where she addressed how the changes have played out in the bedroom.
“It is very true that when a man loses weight, it grows a lot,” she said on The Howard Stern Show.
“He deserves to have a hot streak,” she added. “I’m ready for him to just feel his best.”
While Jelly Roll had been happy before, Bunnie Xo suggested the physical progress has helped him step into a new level of confidence.
“He’s getting his confidence back and he’s peacocking around,” she continued. “He’s got a little strut in his step, and I think it’s just the cutest thing.”
Jelly Roll has previously spoken about how his size once affected his ability to get aroused.
In response to the wider discussion, sexual health expert Sarah Mulindwa from Lovehoney explained that a person’s weight can shape sexual experiences in multiple ways — including physical comfort and mental wellbeing.
Sarah Mulindwa, sexual health expert from Lovehoney said: “Physically, higher body weight can sometimes impact stamina, flexibility, or comfort during certain sexual positions. At the same time, it can also make other forms of sexual exploration – like using toys, sensual massage, or oral intimacy – feel more enjoyable or accessible.
“Psychologically, a person’s confidence and body image play a huge role in sexual satisfaction. Feeling comfortable and accepting of your own body, regardless of size, can boost intimacy and make sexual experiences more enjoyable and relaxed. When someone feels confident, they’re often more willing to explore new positions, try different types of touch, and communicate openly with their partner about what feels good.”
She added that how someone feels about their body can be just as significant as any physical factor, because shame and self-consciousness can dampen desire even when there are no practical barriers.
Sarah explained that negative body image can lead to feelings of anxiety and shame, which can impact desire.
“Conversely, negative body image or societal stigma around weight can create anxiety, self-consciousness, and even shame, which may reduce desire or make sexual activity less pleasurable – even when there are no physical limitations,” she said.
“This is why emotional comfort and self-acceptance are just as important as physical considerations when it comes to sexual wellbeing.
“Ultimately, sexual pleasure isn’t limited or determined by weight. Open communication with partners, experimenting with different positions, toys, or accessories, and focusing on what feels pleasurable for your body can help everyone have more satisfying, confident, and enjoyable sexual experiences.”