If you’re a fan of Bridgerton, you’re probably familiar with Nicola Coughlan as the witty and lovable Penelope Featherington. But lately, the Irish actress has been in the headlines not for her portrayal of the iconic character, but for something a little more personal: her impressive weight loss journey. In 2024, Nicola revealed that she had lost 28 pounds (about 12.7 kilograms), and while the number is certainly eye-catching, it’s the story behind the transformation that’s even more inspiring.
So, what led Nicola to this change? Was it for a role? A personal challenge? Or perhaps a mixture of both? Let’s dive into how Nicola Coughlan’s weight loss was more than just a physical change, but a shift in mindset, health, and self-love.
The Early Days: Finding Balance
Nicola, who had long been open about the pressures of living in the spotlight as a plus-size actress, made it clear that her weight loss was not about conforming to any societal expectations. In fact, it was the opposite. “This was not about losing weight to fit into a mold. It was about feeling better, physically and mentally,” she told U.OSU in an interview last year.
Her weight loss journey began not with drastic diet plans or extreme workout routines, but with the idea of balance. Like many of us, Nicola wanted to feel more energized and confident in her own skin. “I made small changes to my diet – more vegetables, less processed food, and focusing on eating more real, whole foods. It’s all about balance,” she said.
The goal wasn’t just to shrink her body, but to nurture it. Nicola didn’t jump on any fad diets. Instead, she became mindful of what she was eating, listening to her body’s cues, and focusing on long-term habits that would make her feel better from the inside out. Her approach was gentle, thoughtful, and filled with self-compassion – a lesson in and of itself.
The Role of Exercise: Moving with Purpose
It wasn’t just about food. Exercise also played a crucial role in Nicola’s transformation. But don’t get it twisted: she wasn’t spending hours in the gym or following extreme workout plans. “I do a lot of walking, yoga, and I started doing weight training,” she revealed. She emphasized that the most important thing was that the activities made her feel good, rather than pushing herself to exhaustion for the sake of weight loss.
Nicola also shared that she focused on setting realistic fitness goals. “I wanted to move my body in a way that made me feel strong and flexible, not just smaller,” she explained. The key was consistency, not perfection. Over time, she began to notice changes—not just in her body, but in her energy levels and mental clarity.
It was clear that this wasn’t just about aesthetics. “The real transformation has been how I feel. I’m not just physically stronger, but I have more mental clarity and confidence,” Nicola said, adding that this positive mental shift helped her embrace her journey more fully.
Emotional and Mental Well-being: A Holistic Approach
One of the most compelling aspects of Nicola’s weight loss journey is how much she focused on her emotional and mental well-being. “The thing that I’ve learned is that weight loss is just as much a mental journey as it is a physical one,” Nicola shared in a recent interview. For her, taking care of her mental health was just as important as changing her diet or fitness routine.
She began practicing mindfulness and self-compassion, using techniques like journaling and meditation to manage stress and stay connected to her body. “I’ve been really focused on treating myself with kindness. You can’t force yourself to love your body, but you can start by accepting it and making choices that support its well-being,” she explained.
Nicola also emphasized how important it was to stay connected with her support network. The support of friends, family, and even fans who celebrated her progress kept her grounded. It was a reminder that the journey was hers to define, free from outside judgment or expectations.
The 28-Pound Milestone: A New Perspective
In 2024, Nicola reached a milestone: she lost 28 pounds. But instead of celebrating the number on the scale, she focused on the feeling it gave her: a sense of accomplishment, strength, and inner peace. “It was never about fitting into a specific size or number. It was about feeling like myself again,” she confessed.
Her decision to reveal her transformation to the public was not about seeking validation, but rather about being honest with her fans. “I felt like it was important to share my journey, because I want people to know that weight loss doesn’t have to be a dramatic, overnight process. It’s okay to take it slow and be kind to yourself along the way,” she said.
And while some speculated that her weight loss was tied to her role as Penelope in Bridgerton, Nicola made it clear that her transformation was a personal decision. “The change in my body happened naturally. It wasn’t for a role. It was because I wanted to feel better about myself and my health,” she emphasized.
Dealing with Public Perception
As with any celebrity, public perception played a big part in Nicola’s journey. She’s been candid about how difficult it can be to navigate body image in the public eye, especially when it comes to her role on Bridgerton. Nicola’s portrayal of Penelope, a character often scrutinized for her body shape, sparked a lot of conversations around beauty standards.
Despite being subject to constant media attention, Nicola has always been a champion for self-love and acceptance. “I’m not here to fit into anyone’s mold. I’m here to be me,” she declared in one of her interviews. This self-assurance has earned her admiration from fans and fellow actors alike, who have praised her for being unapologetically herself.
What’s Next for Nicola?
Looking forward, Nicola continues to prioritize her health and wellness. She’s not focused on achieving a specific number on the scale, but rather on maintaining a lifestyle that keeps her feeling good both physically and mentally. As she moves through her weight loss journey, she remains a beacon of body positivity and a role model for anyone striving to live a healthier, more balanced life.
Her message is clear: “Your journey is your own. It’s not about fitting into anyone’s standards. It’s about feeling strong, healthy, and at peace with yourself.”
And with that, Nicola Coughlan continues to inspire countless fans with her authenticity, reminding us that true transformation starts from within.
FAQ
1. How did Nicola Coughlan lose weight?
Nicola lost weight by focusing on a balanced approach that combined mindful eating, regular exercise, and prioritizing mental well-being. She made small but significant changes, like incorporating more vegetables and whole foods into her diet, along with doing yoga, walking, and weight training.
2. How much weight did Penelope lose in Bridgerton?
Nicola Coughlan’s character, Penelope Featherington, undergoes a transformation in Season 3, mirroring Nicola’s own journey. Nicola lost around 28 pounds (12.7 kg) in real life, but her character’s physical changes are not the main focus of the story.
3. Why does Nicola Coughlan look bigger in Bridgerton?
Nicola’s appearance in Bridgerton is influenced by the Regency-era costumes, which include corsetry. She explained that wearing corsetry for long periods of time can make the body mold to the garment, which can accentuate certain features.
4. What’s Nicola Coughlan’s current weight and height?
Nicola is 5’1″ and is generally regarded as having a curvy build. While estimates put her weight around 125 pounds, it’s important to note that her journey is focused on health and happiness, not numbers.
5. What advice does Nicola Coughlan have for others on a weight loss journey?
Nicola encourages others to focus on balance and self-compassion. She stresses the importance of making sustainable changes to improve both physical and mental health, rather than chasing quick fixes.