Plus-size model Mikel Ruffinelli boasts the world’s largest hips. Whether or not that’s a positive distinction or not depends on your point of view.
The mother of four’s all-natural 100-inch curves mean she struggles to get through doorways, needs two seats on planes and has to drive a truck.
Mikel, 39, weighs in at 400 pounds. She is proud of her figure and says she does not want to lose any weight, even though she often attracts jeers.
“Everywhere I go I get attention for my hips, both good and bad,” Mikel said.
“When I walk down the street, I can hear the shutters going on camera phones and people laughing at me. Some people assume I’ve had surgery, but it’s all natural."
"It’s the result of having four children, but large hips also run in my family.”
With apologies to Shakira, those hips – and their owner – do NOT LIE.
Mikel was a normal-sized kid and in her early 20s weighed a modest 180 pounds. But at 22, she put on 50 pounds after having first child Andrew, now 18.
After daughters Destynee, 13, Autumn, 8, and Justyce, 7, followed, her weight and hips ballooned, yet despite her curves, she stands just 5’4" with a 40-inch waist.
“When I travel by plane or train I have to buy two seats because I can’t fit… into one,” Mikel revealed. “It’s quite expensive. I drive a truck because it’s big enough to fit all of me."
Yet she still enjoys joining in family activities such as keep-fit routines at home and trips to the park and seaside, where she shows off her 42D breasts in a revealing two-piece.
“Finding clothes to fit my bottom half is a challenge,” she said.
“I have my lingerie custom-made by seamstresses.”