IMO, yes. I had a stick figure build my whole life but always wanted to try a big round belly. I was also scared to let anyone know that (family and friends are mostly health nuts), so it was quite exhilarating to be able to put it on and experience the part of being fat that I desired, but not have it affect my very active lifestyle.
I hurt my ankle recently which has slowed me down quite a bit, and my over eating is starting to show. I definitely like the real one better, but if you can't gain weight but would like to experience the feeling, want to occasionally be fatter but worry about the heath risks, or role playing, I definitely recommend it. They are very realistic.

But, don't let that stop you from eating 😉

I've been thinking about writing something, I may start on that soon. ☺

I do, and I have. I've had quite a large appetite the past few months and since it wraps around your stomach with a big velcro belt, it's harder to eat a lot.

I never realized this was a thing. I guess I would consider myself an ex-pro padder. Before I had a belly of my own, my fake "fat belly", that is realistic enough to wear in public, started with a silicone pregnant belly costume (check eBay, it was about $100 though). They weigh a lot, are jiggly like fat, perfect belly shape complete with belly button. The only thing is the straps blow- I had a shoulder strap break causing my belly to sag once. Lol
To solve that problem and hold the thing in place, I used a bra-less spandex slimming top thing.
I wanted to experience "fat humiliation" before I gained weight, and would go to a mall, usually the next town over so I wouldn't risk running into someone I know, and hit up all the places to get snacks and wander around stuffing myself.
Now I can just wear an old shirt

That's my first memory of being interested in becoming fat, just didn't understand as a kid.

Intrigued, could you elaborate?