Discussion: How realistic should 'fat pirates' be in roleplay settings?

I've been thinking a lot about the depiction of pirates in various fantasy and historical roleplaying games, and the physical description often seems overlooked. Specifically, I'm curious about the portrayal of characters who aren't the stereotypical, lean swashbuckler. If a character is meant to be a 'fat pirate,' should that simply be a physical detail, or does it impact their backstory, fighting style, or social standing within the fictional world? Some groups treat it as a purely cosmetic choice, while others seem to build entire character arcs around it. I'd love to hear what experienced players think about integrating body type into the narrative depth of the character, rather than just treating it as a visual gag.