I stumbled upon this niche genre a while back when I was deep into romance web novels, and it’s fascinating how weight gain can be woven into character development. One of my favorites is 'Chubby Love,' where the protagonist’s girlfriend gradually gains weight due to stress eating during her PhD journey. The story doesn’t just focus on the physical change but delves into how her boyfriend’s unwavering affection helps her embrace self-love. The author nails the emotional beats—her insecurities, his gentle reassurances, and the slow burn of their relationship evolving.
Another gem is 'Sweet Indulgence,' a slice-of-life manga where the couple bonds over cooking together. The girlfriend’s weight gain is portrayed as a natural, almost joyful side effect of their shared passion for food. What stands out is the lack of fetishization; it’s just a wholesome exploration of love and comfort. If you’re into audiobooks, 'The Comfort of Us' is a great listen—the narrator’s voice adds so much warmth to the story of a long-distance couple reuniting and finding happiness in life’s simple pleasures, including homemade meals.