Has Jessica Simpson’s Weight Gain Helped Her Struggling Career?

Not only have fans and fellow stars have come to Jessica Simpson’s defense following Weight-Gate, but it also appears that her new curves are breathing new life into her career.

According to USA Today’s Heat Index, which measures celebrities’ media exposure, Jessica is No. 1 on the Web site’s list for the first time ever as a result of her fuller figure.

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Media expert Michael Levine told Access Hollywood that Jessica’s weight gain melee is helping the pop star-turned-country singer.

“Some of the Web sites have been extremely snarky with her and I think there is some sympathy,” Michael told Access. “Weight gain creates a story line for a celebrity and creates a relevance for many, many Americans who battle weight.”

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Jessica beat out Angelina Jolie, Vivienne Marcheline Pitt-Jolie, First Lady Michelle Obama and Sasha Obama, who rounded out the top five in this week’s Heat Index.