I like a guy with a stocky build or even a little extra padding. It doesn't bother me. I'm about 10-15 lbs over my idea weight, so I would hope it wouldn't bother my partner.
Men are often ok with my little extra booty and full breasts.
Maybe a little extra wieght is a sign of health in either gender.

Hmmmm . . . Well, I guess there could be a sort of teddy bear-factor going on. Maybe with a little more meat on you, you appear more huggable or approachable - just a thought. Also, sometimes women can be kinda f'd in the head RE: our own weight and relative size; I know that I've felt strange when in relationship with a man who was my same size. I seem to be more attracted to men that are least a little bigger than me, so I can imagine this could be true for other people . . . I love to cook for my sweethearts (you know, food = love), and I could see thinking along the lines of, "now there's a man that looks like he can appreciate a good meal." ;o)

I'm a big bear-hugger. it's a true joy to give someone a yummy, warm body-hug, and not worry that I'm gonna squeeze the stuffing out of 'em, so I tend to like strong, substantial men to snuggle up with, myself. Just stay healthy - watch the blood pressure and all! :o)

I like bigger guys. I'm drawn to heavier guys.

maybe it is not so much the weight, it is how you feel about yourself. That affects how you carry yourself and then that affects the people that are attracted to you. At least I know when I am feeling good about myself I have a lot more male attention than when I am feeling like I am not so hot.

Maybe your attitude is better, and maybe just maybe you are a bit happier and that makes you more charming?

Just some thoughts :)

i'm going to go with the thought that when you're heavier, even though part of you thinks your body image isn't so good, you are actually enjoying life more, and that's what attracts women to you.

there may also be an element of freedom for the women in it -- men who are body obsessed often project that obsession onto the women around them and women who worry about their bodies have enough anxiety without having to have a picture-perfect partner who expects the same of them who is going to start moaning if they add a few pounds.

it's also possible that this is not a direct correlation at all, but just a coincidence... i think for most people, the difference of a few pounds up and down is pretty much a non-issue.

I'd look at 2 things:
how you act at the different weights.
what kind of women you're wooing at the different weights.

you may find a clue to the correlation there. Are you feeling more confident at a leaner weight and trying to connect with a different kind of woman, who maybe isn't a good match? Are you using a different approach when you're heavier? are you more or less outgoing when you're leaner? Are you engaging in different activities at either weight?

Possible reasons for attracting more women when your larger:
Some women may find a lean, in-shape guy to be intimidating, like they aren't going to be attractive enough for the guy. others may assume that he already has a gf or he won't be interested in someone who isn't equally buffed. Some women feel less comfortable around a smaller/leaner guy, particularly if the women have a larger build, because it's harder for them to feel feminine. Some women find larger, softer guys more comforting and less threatening, kind of the teddy bear thing. Others view being in-shape to be a sign of self-involvement or shallowness.

On the flip side, some women don't like larger men. It makes them feel loomed over or physically mismatched (like they'll be crushed or overpowered). Some women just aesthetically prefer leaner men, or feel it's a sign that the man takes care of himself and is healthy. Some see a larger man and think jolly, cuddly, or sweet-but-not-super-smart and that's not something they associate with hot sexy romantic partner.

given all that you really can't predict how someone is going to react. you might find a pattern that X type women in Y social circles prefer Z. but I would say just do what you feel comfortable with regarding your weight.