Mikel Ruffinelli, a mother of four, has such large hips that she has difficulty passing through doorways…and requires two seats when flying.
At 39, Mikel drives a truck because her 30st build cannot fit in a regular car and needs a specially reinforced chair at home.
Despite the challenges, this plus-size model, who was a slim 10st in her teenage years, takes pride in her figure and has no desire to shed any weight, even with the jeers she often receives. She mentioned: “I receive a lot of attention for my hips wherever I go — both positive and negative feedback.
“When I stroll down the street, I can hear cameras clicking and people laughing at me.
“I’ve overheard others remarking, ‘Look at her fat arse.’
“Some individuals think I’ve undergone surgery to enhance my hips and backside, but it’s all natural. I believe it’s a result of having four kids, though my family has a history of larger hips.”
Mikel, previously a typical-sized young girl, weighed a modest 85 kilos in her early 20s.
However, after giving birth to her first child Andrew at 22, she gained 28 kilos. Following the births of her daughters Destynee, 13, Autumn, eight, and Justyce, seven, her weight and hip size increased even more.
Despite her curves, Mikel stands at only 5ft 4ins and has a relatively small 40-inch waist. Living in Los Angeles, she acknowledges the daily challenges that her size presents.
She explained: “When I fly or take a train, I have to buy two seats because one is insufficient for me. It can get quite costly. I choose to drive a truck instead of using public transport whenever I can, as it accommodates my size.
“Navigating through tight spaces can sometimes be a challenge, and I often have to go through doorways sideways.
“Additionally, I can’t close the shower door since my hips obstruct it. There have even been times I’ve gotten stuck in the bath.”
Nonetheless, she relishes participating in family activities like workout sessions at home and outings to the park and beach, where she confidently flaunts her 42D breasts in a revealing two-piece swimsuit.
She remarked: “Finding clothing to suit my lower half is quite challenging. I have my lingerie custom-made by seamstresses.”
Mikel is also adamant about never dieting after unsuccessful attempts at various weight loss programs.
Each day, she consumes roughly 3,000 calories…which is 500 calories more than the average recommended intake for men…and she enjoys her favorite Mexican meals alongside chicken, seafood, and cheese.
On a typical day, her breakfast consists of two eggs, sausage, bacon, and half a dozen potatoes.
For lunch, she often indulges in fried fish and chips, whereas dinner may be barbecued chicken with rice or mashed potatoes.
Throughout the day, Mikel snacks on peanuts, granola bars, and crisps. Her husband Reggie Brooks, 40, is thrilled with her well-nourished figure.
The computer technician, who has been married to her for ten years, expressed: “I love her shape. She already had prominent hips when we first met, which was one of the features that attracted me.
Moreover, she is also a beautiful person on the inside. Her self-confidence and body positivity are incredibly appealing. “When we’re out and about, I notice men checking her out, and it makes me proud that she’s mine.
“If any man disrespects her in my presence, it doesn’t sit well with me. I have to establish my authority in such moments.”
Mikel, who has modeled for a Big Beautiful Women website for five years, aspires for her confidence to inspire other women to embrace their bodies.
She stated: “I love being able to look in the mirror and appreciate myself just the way I am.
“I want larger women to realize that you don’t have to be as thin as catwalk models to be considered beautiful.
“My hope is that I can motivate women to see me and think, ‘She’s happy in her skin…and she has the biggest hips in the world.’”
