yes i am fat. Not exactly in the fur stage, but my tummy is hanging down. Metal buckles cause excessive chafing and skin rashes. SO, I just had to have this belt without the buckle. I even passed the extreme man test by unzipping and unzipping my pants. Pants didn't fall off. This strap isn't annoying as it doesn't get in the way. Adjustment is easy, so it always fits perfectly.