“If I lose weight or gain weight, it’s nobody’s business. I care about acting, not approval.”
That statement from Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan wasn’t just a soundbite—it was a declaration of self-worth that reverberated through Hollywood.
But then something changed. Between late 2023 and mid-2025, Nicola reportedly lost 28 pounds, going from approximately 160 lbs to 132 lbs. The transformation was impossible to ignore—not because of the number on the scale, but because of the undeniable shift in energy, in confidence, and in how Nicola walked into every scene she owned.
What led to this transformation? What pushed the Irish actress—known for her unapologetic attitude and vibrant presence—to reassess her health?
From Galway to Global Fame: Who Is Nicola Coughlan?
Before the glitz and corsets of Bridgerton, Nicola Mary Coughlan was a self-proclaimed “small Irish acting person” from Galway. Standing at 5’1″, she never fit the stereotypical mold of a Hollywood leading lady—and that became both her power and her struggle.
She first gained recognition in Derry Girls, a role that celebrated her comedic timing more than her looks. But Bridgerton changed the game.
Playing Penelope Featherington, Nicola stepped into one of the most-watched period dramas of the decade. Her wit, vulnerability, and layered portrayal gained acclaim—but not without criticism.
Online trolls, weight comments, backhanded compliments. Fame came with a cost.
“Bodies Change”: The Moment That Shifted Everything
“I’m an actress. That’s the beginning and end of it,” Nicola said in an interview, visibly tired of the fixation on her body.
Yet by 2024, fans noticed something different.
Her face looked sharper. Her silhouette had changed. And when asked about it, she didn’t shy away—but she didn’t make it a marketing stunt either.
“I didn’t set out to impress anyone. I just started listening to myself—really listening.”
That was the turning point. Not a product, not a brand deal. A quiet rebellion against external noise.
The Real Reason Nicola Started Focusing on Her Health
Behind the scenes, Nicola was navigating fatigue, stress, and intense filming schedules. Friends close to the actress noted that she wasn’t chasing a number on the scale—she was chasing clarity.
She began incorporating gentle changes:
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Prioritizing sleep over late-night scripts.
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Walking daily, sometimes for hours to clear her mind.
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Cooking at home, favoring whole foods and intuitive eating.
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Therapy and meditation, to manage the pressures of being seen.
No crash diets. No Ozempic. Just a return to self.
The Weight Drop: From 160 to 132 Pounds—But That’s Not the Full Story
Nicola’s weight reportedly dropped by 28 pounds, but what transformed more was her posture, her voice, her confidence.
Friends noticed how she stopped apologizing for taking up space.
Producers noticed how she lit up the camera without shrinking herself.
Fans noticed how she finally felt like herself.
Her Instagram photos from mid-2025 stunned followers: radiant skin, sharper cheekbones, but most of all, an unmistakable ease in her body.
One fan commented:
“You didn’t get smaller. You just started shining louder.”
From Penelope to Powerhouse: How the Weight Loss Impacted Her Career
Nicola’s weight loss coincided with her elevation to leading lady status in Bridgerton Season 3. Coincidence? Some say no.
The shift allowed producers to explore a romantic storyline for Penelope—something audiences had been hoping for but that Hollywood sometimes delays for curvier stars.
Nicola herself responded candidly:
“Penelope’s story was always about transformation. I guess mine just mirrored hers more than I expected.”
What was once a role became a reflection. And that reflection resonated with millions.
A Quiet Clapback: Nicola’s Message to the Public
Even after her transformation, Nicola didn’t seek validation.
“It’s so boring, this obsession with people’s bodies. We’re in 2025 and still acting like weight loss is the most interesting thing about someone?”
Yet the irony remains—Nicola’s story is interesting. Not because she got smaller, but because she got stronger, emotionally and mentally.
Her journey became a mirror for others who have felt underestimated, sidelined, or judged for how they look.
She didn’t lose weight for fame. She reclaimed her space for freedom.
Nicola’s Subtle but Powerful Health Routine
Though Nicola hasn’t endorsed a diet, here’s what insiders say worked for her:
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Intuitive eating: No calorie counting, just learning to stop eating when satisfied.
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Low-intensity workouts: Long walks, occasional yoga, and dance rehearsals kept her active.
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Hydration and reduced sugar: Cutting back on processed snacks helped her energy levels.
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Consistent mindset coaching: Working with therapists and coaches helped her stay grounded.
Her success wasn’t built on a six-week challenge. It was slow, real, and sustainable.
A New Nicola? Or the Real One All Along?
Today, Nicola Coughlan at 37 is no longer just Penelope Featherington. She’s an emblem of quiet resistance, of choosing joy over perfection, and of stepping fully into the spotlight—on her own terms.
She didn’t try to silence the critics.
She simply turned their voices down.
FAQs About Nicola Coughlan’s Weight Loss
How much weight did Nicola Coughlan lose?
Nicola reportedly lost 28 pounds, dropping from around 160 lbs to 132 lbs between 2023 and 2025.
Did Nicola Coughlan follow a specific diet?
No specific diet has been confirmed. Her approach was more intuitive, emphasizing balance, mental health, and movement rather than strict dieting.
Did Nicola use Ozempic or other weight-loss injections?
No. Public sources and interviews confirm that Nicola did not use injections. Her transformation stemmed from holistic lifestyle changes.
Why did Nicola Coughlan lose weight?
While she hasn’t framed it as a weight loss journey, close sources suggest she prioritized her mental and physical well-being due to the pressures of fame and filming.
Has her career changed since the weight loss?
Yes. Nicola has taken on more central roles, particularly in Bridgerton Season 3, where her romantic arc finally takes the spotlight.
What has Nicola said about body criticism?
She’s been very clear:
“It’s nobody’s business. I’m here to act, not to be evaluated like a chart.”
Final Thoughts: More Than a Weight Story
Nicola Coughlan didn’t just shed pounds—she shed expectations.
Her 28-pound transformation may have made headlines, but it’s her emotional weight loss that deserves real applause.
From enduring scrutiny to owning the screen with quiet fire, Nicola has become an unexpected role model for anyone who’s ever been told they were “too much” or “not enough.”
She didn’t change to be loved. She changed because she already loved herself—and finally chose to show it.