Did Hugh Laurie gain weight on purpose?

hey - so, u kno how the 6th season of house md is coming out on the 21st? yeah, well, i noticed that he gained weight... i was wondering if this was on purpose or not. i mean, if i were in a asylum, then i would probably just, u kno, eat, cuz there's nothing else to do. and maybe the director or whoever wanted it that way. i was just wondering if anyone knew for sure. thanks! oh, and also, if any of u guys kno if there's a good website for fanfics, tell me please!