I think her weight gain likely has to do with Boyhood. She's often talked about authenticity in her roles and between Boyhood (in which she probably wanted to convey the actual passage of time portrayed in the film in her appearance) and Medium (where she wanted to realistically portray the stresses of raising a family with an incredibly stressful and often dangerous gift), she just developed a less 'Hollywood' appearance. It's harder to keep weight off when you get older.
Sure, I wish she was in the same shape she was in for
Lost Highway
and
Goodbye Lover
(her peak in terms of her physical appearance and general sexiness, along with
True Romance
), but she's still a beautiful woman and a great talent.

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I thought she looks nice. Keep in mind she's 47 years old and she's short. On the other hand, Faith Hill could stand to gain a little weight. Her ribs are showing in dress with the plunging neckline. Not a good look.

I dunno, I like when women look like this sometimes. I say she looks pretty healthy and it's a good departure from some of these other Hollywood stick-figures. I prefer women like Hayley Atwell or Patricia Arquette. Healthy and properly filled out and don't seem like they purge themselves after a meal.
Logan, buddy. It's me, Deadpool! I shot youuuuuu.

I agree, all 4 points.

1. She can look however she chooses to look.
2. I personally think she looks normal and healthy.
3. She has lost and gained weight for parts in the past (gained for Beyond Rangoon, trained and lost for Goodbye Lover, kept baby weight on for Medium), so there is no doubt in my mind she will continue to do what she feels she needs to do to play each new part she chooses and have her body reflect her character.
4. It is refreshing to see an actress not be a Barbie Doll with blown up lips and skinny.

Patricia has her defenders. I like her as an actress, but point out the truth - that it is in her professional best interest to put down the fork and push away from the table, you are labeled a misogynist.
"Gold buys a mans silence for a time. A bolt to the heart buys it forever"

What incredible insight. Thanks for that.