High-protein diet helps Japanese artist lose over 30 kg postpartum

Japanese artist Shoko Nakagawa lost over 30 kg, dropping from 78 kg to 47 kg after giving birth to twins, without exercise, by maintaining a high-protein diet and never skipping meals after weaning her children.

Shoko Nakagawa, 41, is a leading multi-talented Japanese artist, active as a singer, actress, manga artist, and YouTuber.

After announcing the birth of her twin boys last September, Nakagawa garnered further attention by revealing her dramatic postpartum body transformation. In an Instagram post on 28/9, she shared: "It's been about one year since I gave birth. From 78 kg just before giving birth to twins, I now weigh only 47 kg, which means I have lost over 30 kg".

Alongside a photo comparing her pregnant belly with her current slender figure, and an image of a scale displaying 47,4 kg, the artist wrote: "Although I'm a bit shy, I was surprised by this change myself, so I decided to publicly share my weight for the first time. A person's weight can truly transform astonishingly. That is indeed the miracle of childbirth, even at the cost of one's life".

According to her health record, she weighed 75 kg on the day of hospital admission. On the day before giving birth, the number had reached 78 kg. "It was shocking," she said.

Shoko Nakagawa before (left) and after giving birth, having lost 30 kg. *Photo: Shoko55mmts Instagram*

The artist also recounted the difficulties of her twin pregnancy, as she struggled with severe edema. Her nose became abnormally swollen due to swelling, and her ankles were swollen, itchy, and painful. Having previously undergone infertility treatment, she continuously took medication and hormone supplements. She could not diet during her pregnancy preparation, leading to steady weight gain. "When my pregnancy began, water retention caused me to gain even more weight, and my body became heavy and tired. Nevertheless, I felt relieved when my two babies were born healthy," Nakagawa added.

She revealed she lost nearly 15 kg in about two weeks postpartum and shared her diet method. During the 8,5 months of breastfeeding, she ate adequately to provide nutrients for her children. Although she felt discouraged every time she looked in the mirror, she prioritized her babies' health. It was only when her children started teething, biting, and her milk supply decreased that she decided to wean them and begin her weight loss regimen.

The artist emphasized never skipping meals, as it negatively affects hair and skin, and always focused on protein intake. "Since I don't like exercising, I did almost none. I also dislike boiled chicken breast, so I created other menus. In my daily diet, I combine salmon with beauty-boosting foods, occasionally add suitable items from convenience stores, and persevere each day," she stated.

According to Nakagawa, unlike in her 20s, losing weight in her 40s is challenging. "The goal isn't just to lose weight at any cost; I want to no longer feel sad every time I look in the mirror, and I have put in this much effort," she said. The artist expressed a desire to lose another one or two kg but, being in the phase of raising young children, she will try to maintain her current weight without overexerting herself.

Shoko Nakagawa announced her marriage to a non-celebrity in 4/2023. She revealed her pregnancy in 5/2025, then confirmed she was expecting twins, who were born later that same year.