Former EastEnders star Nina Wadia has spoken candidly about her significant weight loss, firmly dismissing the effectiveness of trendy 'fat jabs' and attributing her transformation to traditional methods. The actress, best known for playing Zainab Masood on the BBC soap for six years, insists that lasting change comes from sustained effort, not quick fixes.
The Real Secret Behind The Stunning Transformation
Now 57, Nina Wadia credits her incredible new look and boosted energy levels to a committed shift towards a healthier lifestyle. She explained that her approach has been gradual, focusing on consistent exercise, regular walking, and improved eating habits. "For me I have done it very, very slowly," she told The Sun. "I exercise. I walk. I eat healthier. I think it's better to do it that way."
Her regimen includes drinking natural juices and incorporating more vegetarian food into her diet. This philosophy aligns with her work promoting the NHS-backed 'This Girl Can' campaign, which encourages physical activity for women as they age. Wadia, who also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, emphasised that this sustainable change has been key to her success where shortcuts fail.
Why 'Quick Fixes' Like Fat Jabs Don't Work
In a direct critique of popular weight loss injections, Wadia was unequivocal. "Quick fixes never work," she stated. "It’s a change in lifestyle. I’ve just done work with the NHS on this." Her comments add to the ongoing debate about pharmaceutical solutions for weight management, with the actress championing diet and exercise as the only reliable path to long-term health and well-being.
Her stunning figure is a testament to her methods, but the conversation took a turn as she opened up about the realities of life after leaving a major soap opera.
Balancing Motherhood and a Scarce Acting Career
Despite her professional success and renewed personal health, Nina Wadia revealed she faces significant challenges in finding television work. The mother-of-two admitted that acting roles become "scarce" with age, and balancing career ambitions with family life is a constant struggle.
"It’s hard being a mother and having this career because you do have to prioritise being a mother, that is the most important," she said. Wadia disclosed experiencing moments of discrimination in her career for choosing motherhood, with opportunities drying up as a result. "Throughout my career there has been moments of discrimination for being a mother, and I’ve chosen motherhood over the work, and they’ve been like okay, well maybe we won’t see you for another couple of years. It’s tough."
Wadia first won the hearts of the nation in the nineties comedy Goodness Gracious Me before becoming a fan favourite on EastEnders from 2007 to 2013. She previously cited the soap's "ridiculous storylines" as a key reason for her departure, specifically referencing a planned affair for her on-screen husband. "When the storylines get so ridiculous and so difficult, you kind of think ‘I’m out,'" she explained during an appearance on Vanessa Feltz's Channel 5 show.
Today, Nina Wadia stands as an advocate for healthy living and a voice highlighting the ongoing difficulties faced by women and mothers in the entertainment industry, proving her resilience extends far beyond the Albert Square set.
