] I was given the idea that, in the past, having some extra pounds on a person denoted that the person had enough wealth to eat well.

Also, I believe I remember reading somewhere that having some extra weight was an indication of better health. (Now that certainly is different from our modern ideals.) A person who was thin might not have the physical resources needed to withstand an illness. I think women with extra weight were supposed to be better able to give birth to a healthy child, as well.