Jessica Simpson's Trainer Defends Weight Gain

While high-waisted jeans might not be flattering on anyone, Jessica Simpson set the gossip world buzzing while performing onstage at WKIS's Chili Cookoff in Florida. The pop princess was flaunting a noticeably fuller figure that seemed to be squeezed into a black tanktop, double belts and the aforementioned disastrous denim pants.

But while the country singer, who has struggled with her weight before, might seem to have packed on the pounds, her one-time trainer is defending the blonde bombshell.

CLICK HERE to see photos of Jessica's weight rollercoaster!

"She has curves where a woman needs to have curves," Harley Pasternak tells Extra of his former client. "We all go a little bit up and a little bit down. But she's healthy. She's still sexy. She's still a beautiful woman. And I have no problem with the way she looks." He adds, "I think if more people looked the way she looks now, the country would be a lot healthier."

The fitness guru and author of The 5-Factor Diet, who worked with J-Simp on Major Movie Star, says, "Jessica was a fantastic client. I think Jessica has a really healthy perspective on her healthy body image and looks like a woman. I would take her body any day over somebody who's emaciated and looks unhealthy."

CLICK HERE for OK!'s Ultimate Jessica Simpson gallery!