Bridgerton Star Nicola Coughlan’s Weight Loss: How She Dropped 28 Pounds with Joy and Balance

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Imagine scrolling through X and seeing Nicola Coughlan—always radiant, her vibrant dress at a Bridgerton event practically stealing the spotlight. But it’s not just her Penelope Featherington charm everyone is buzzing about—it’s her 28-pound weight loss in 2024. As she told Pinkvilla that year, “I didn’t do this to fit some mold. I just wanted to feel stronger, happier.”

As a 37-year-old actress navigating fame, body scrutiny, and a packed schedule, Nicola’s transformation has become a source of inspiration for many. How did she do it? Could her story spark your own health goals? Let’s explore Nicola’s journey and draw some motivation from other inspiring figures, like Buccaneers’ weight loss stories, to find our own path to health.

Nicola’s weight loss story begins with struggles many of us can relate to—the emotional weight of body scrutiny. Throughout her rise to fame in Derry Girls and Bridgerton, she faced body-shaming comments. At her heaviest, Nicola weighed around 150 pounds and was often labeled “the big one” despite being a size 10, a painful experience she opened up about in The Guardian.

But unlike the typical Hollywood weight loss narrative, Nicola wasn’t chasing an ideal for anyone but herself. “I didn’t lose weight for anyone but myself,” she told Pinkvilla. Starting in 2023, Nicola committed to small, sustainable changes, ultimately dropping to 122 pounds by late 2024. “There were moments I doubted myself,” she confessed, “but I kept thinking, ‘This is for me.’” Her journey reflects empowerment, reclaiming her health without succumbing to external pressures—similar to Buccaneers’ weight loss stars like Desmond Watson, who lost 27 pounds in 2025.

So, how did Nicola achieve her 28-pound weight loss? No crash diets, no quick fixes—just a joyful, balanced approach to health that fit into her life. “I wanted to nourish my body, not punish it,” she shared with Rice University’s Discover Blog in 2024. Here’s how she did it, drawing parallels to other weight loss journeys for extra inspiration.

Buccaneers Weight Loss Parallel: Whole Foods, No Fads

Nicola avoided processed foods, opting for nutrient-dense meals instead. “I stopped seeing food as the enemy,” she reflected. Her go-to meals included grilled chicken, quinoa salads, roasted veggies, and healthy fats like avocado. “It’s about fueling my body,” she explained in a blog post. Nutritionist Dr. Rania Batayneh supports this approach, stating that such balanced meals are key to sustainable weight loss, helping control cravings.

This approach mirrors Buccaneers weight loss efforts, like Vita Vea’s slim-down in 2024. Though Vea didn’t reveal exact numbers, coach Todd Bowles mentioned that he was “faster than last year,” suggesting a similar focus on health and performance rather than a drastic weight loss regimen.

Nicola didn’t fall into the trap of grueling workouts. Instead, she focused on what she loved—dance classes, yoga, and long walks. Mixing HIIT, Pilates, and leisurely walks kept her workouts fun and manageable. “If I manage to exercise before work, I feel like I deserve a medal,” she joked in a post on X in 2024. Consistency and joy in movement were her secrets.

This mirrors Buccaneers weight loss star Desmond Watson’s gradual approach, where steady, manageable changes led to his 27-pound weight loss. Nicola’s journey proves that you don’t need to dread exercise to transform your body and mind.

The most significant change for Nicola? Her mindset. “It’s not about the scale—it’s about how I feel,” she revealed in First for Women in 2024. She leaned into self-love, using affirmations, gratitude, and therapy to stay grounded amidst public scrutiny. “I stopped comparing myself to others,” she confessed. Having the right support system, including her friends and Bridgerton co-stars like Jonathan Bailey, was crucial. “It’s about having people who believe in you,” she added.

This mental resilience mirrors Buccaneers weight loss stars like Desmond Watson, who found focus and support along his own weight loss journey.

Losing 28 pounds is impressive, but Nicola’s real win is her newfound confidence and joy. “I feel stronger, healthier, and more balanced than ever,” she shared. Fans have taken notice, commenting on her glowing transformation. Her story shows us that health isn’t about fitting into a mold but about feeling good in your skin. “I’m not here to be a body positivity activist,” she said, “I just want to do good work.”

1. How much weight did Desmond Watson lose? Desmond Watson lost 27 pounds, dropping from 464 pounds to 437 pounds, as reported by NBC Sports in 2025.

2. Did Vita Vea share his Buccaneers weight loss specifics? While Vita Vea slimmed down in 2024, he didn’t disclose exact numbers, though he did mention improvements in his speed and agility.

3. What motivated Desmond Watson’s weight loss? Watson focused on sustainable habits and weight loss as a way to enhance his NFL career, according to Fox Sports in 2025.

4. How does Buccaneers weight loss connect to Nicola’s story? Both Nicola and Watson adopted long-term, balanced habits—healthy eating, enjoyable exercise, and a positive mindset—rather than opting for quick fixes.