(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

It sounds like every overweight American’s dream -- get paid to lose weight. Jessica Simpson might be doing just that. Here’s The Insider.

“A very pregnant Jessica Simpson has signed a deal with Weight Watchers worth a whopping $3 million. The report goes on to say that Jessica has a reason to slim down; she plans to wed her fiance after she gives birth. Jessica revealed her pregnancy diet to Brooke.”
JESSICA SIMPSON: “My favorite snack is peanut butter and banana. Mush it all up together. But then I don’t put down the Twix bar either.”

The deal would go into place after Simpson gives birth to help her lose baby weight. 31-year-old Simpson confirmed the pregnancy -- her first -- on Halloween of this year after photos of her looking very with-child drew speculation.

The New York Post was the first to report the story -- and reports there may even be a bidding war over Jess’ baby weight.

“Sources tell us the blond star has been fielding offers from a number of weight-loss programs.”

Entertainment site The Dose says this move fits in with Simpson’s longtime use of her weight as a business tool, and points out that Weight Watchers was a great branding move for stars like Jennifer Hudson.

“Over the years, Simpson has been publicly picked on for her changing shape, something she has shrewdly used to her benefit. As she told Lucky magazine earlier this year: ‘I got so much scrutiny for putting on extra pounds, but I think that the decision not to make myself anorexic was actually great for branding. Because when you're really, really skinny, not everybody can relate to you.’”

Indeed, Simpson’s fashion empire -- including cosmetics, shoes and fragrances -- is set to clear a staggering $1 billion in sales by the end of this year. That’s impressive for powder and pumps. The Huffington Post says Simpson is now adding the business of baby to the list.

“...Simpson seems determined to make as much money off this pregnancy as possible. From unsuccessfully trying to wrangle $500,000 out of the tabloids to announce Hollywood's worst kept secret, to the first photos of the child (which aren't thought to bring in much money), to dropping the post-baby weight, the singer is making it clear her body and this baby is a business.”

And Entertainment Weekly wonders if this baby business venture might be going too far. The mag agrees Simpson has used her weight to be relatable to women -- but asks -- now, is she sending an unhealthy message to new moms?

“All credit to Simpson for taking back control of her body, but couldn’t she have at least let the afterbirth dry? What message does this sprint back to her pre-baby body send to other new moms? …  I’m all for health, happiness, and the pursuit of bridal couture, but should the desire to fit into a wedding dress factor into the lifestyle of a new mother with an infant?”

Still -- Simpson has her fans, and the $1 billion in sales to prove it. On Today, entertainment reporter Rob Shuter supports the singer.

ROB SHUTER: “I think she’s lovely. I think they couldn’t have picked anybody better than Jess to do this.”