Nicola Coughlan might be best known as Penelope Featherington in Netflix’s hit show Bridgerton, but these days she’s making headlines for another reason — her incredible weight loss journey. Over the past few years, Nicola has reportedly lost around 28 pounds (12 kilograms), and it’s her refreshing honesty and authenticity about the entire process that has people talking.
“It’s not about trying to be someone I’m not,” Nicola explains in an interview. “I think people expect weight loss to be this magical end goal, but honestly, for me, it was just a chapter in a much bigger story of self-care. It’s about feeling strong, healthy, and most importantly, being kind to myself.”
Nicola’s Weight Loss Story: More Than Just Numbers
Nicola Coughlan’s approach to weight loss has never been about achieving some preconceived ideal. Instead, she sees her journey as one about self-love, not simply the act of shedding pounds. Nicola explains that her decision to embark on a healthier lifestyle came after noticing the physical toll of a busy filming schedule. “Bridgerton was demanding,” she says, “long hours, heavy costumes—I needed to feel my best. But the point wasn’t to just drop weight; it was about creating balance.” She adds, “It wasn’t that I wanted to fit into a smaller dress, but that I wanted to keep up with my commitments without feeling burnt out.”
For Nicola, it was never about fitting into a Hollywood stereotype of what a successful actor should look like. In fact, Nicola has been very vocal about resisting such pressures: “I was really skinny growing up, and then due to some health issues, I gained weight. I felt people projected their expectations on my body. I’ve learned to shake that off.”
How Nicola Made the Changes: No Quick Fixes
So how did Nicola manage to drop 28 pounds? The answer lies in her consistency and simple changes. “There are no quick fixes,” Nicola insists. “I tried to focus on things I could do daily.”
The actress started incorporating more physical activity into her day-to-day life. She shares, “I really embraced morning walks. There’s something about getting outside early that clears my head.” Her routine also includes regular workouts with a mix of cardio and strength training. “I did add some weight training into the mix because I wanted to feel stronger, especially with all those corsets I had to wear on set!” Nicola laughs.
But what really kept Nicola motivated wasn’t just about losing weight. She made it clear that this was a lifestyle change: “I wanted to sleep better, have more energy, and just feel well.” She has also spoken about her dietary choices, pointing out that balance is her key. “I used to cut out carbs and really restrict myself, but it made me miserable. Instead, I now focus on getting enough nutrition—enough protein, enough greens—and yes, sometimes that means a piece of cake too!”
Dealing With The Critics: “It’s No One’s Business”
Even with her achievements, Nicola hasn’t been able to escape the scrutiny that comes with fame. She’s had her fair share of online criticism about her body. In response, Nicola has been refreshingly candid. “Bodies change. If I lose weight or gain weight, it’s no one’s business,” she says firmly. “All I care about is doing good acting, being part of meaningful projects, and feeling comfortable in my own skin.”
Nicola also opens up about the negative comments. “Sometimes it’s frustrating because I’m here to be an actress, not to be everyone’s body inspiration or target,” she points out. But she acknowledges that her visibility has also inspired a lot of people. “I hear from fans who say my honesty helped them feel better about themselves, and that means everything to me.”
Nicola even had to address rumors about using medical assistance for weight loss, like Ozempic. She denies all of it, stating simply, “No, I didn’t take any shortcuts. It’s just about healthier habits.” This directness has only increased her relatability and appeal to her fans.
Staying Grounded: Focusing on Health and Happiness
What sets Nicola apart is her determination to focus on her mental health and well-being above all. The actress says, “At the end of the day, it’s more than just a number on the scale. I learned to let go of that. I’m eating better, moving more, and I’m proud of that.”
She also spoke about how self-love played a crucial role in her journey. “I was tired of the self-criticism,” Nicola admits. “I wanted to treat myself the way I would treat a friend—with love and care, not harshness.” This positive outlook, Nicola reveals, is what has allowed her to find joy in the process of her journey.
The Real Takeaway: It’s Not About Weight, It’s About You
Nicola’s story shows us that weight loss isn’t an end-all-be-all. “Everyone has an opinion on how you should look,” Nicola says, “but at the end of the day, the only person who should dictate how you feel about your body is you.” She continues, “I’ve stopped looking at weight loss as something that would change my life. My life is what I make of it, whether I’m a size 2 or a size 20.”
Nicola Coughlan’s weight loss journey is inspiring not because of the numbers on the scale, but because of her candidness, her resilience, and her refusal to let the entertainment industry dictate her self-worth. Her focus on self-care, embracing healthy habits, and disregarding societal pressures offers a refreshing take for anyone who feels overwhelmed by traditional weight loss narratives.
So, what’s next for Nicola? “I’m going to keep working hard, doing what I love, and taking care of myself in the process,” she says. “There’s no finish line here—it’s a journey.” And that journey, it seems, is one we can all learn from.