Mikel Ruffinelli, a mother of four from California, became known for having some of the world’s widest hips. At 5 feet 4 inches tall, she weighs more than 420 pounds, while her hips measure about 8 feet in circumference and her waist roughly 40 inches.
Ruffinelli says her body changed significantly after the birth of her first child at age 22, with further changes after each pregnancy. Although some reports have suggested lipedema as a possible cause, no confirmed diagnosis has been made public.
Her size affects everyday life. She often needs reinforced furniture, wide beds, larger vehicles, extra airplane seating, and must sometimes turn sideways through doorways. Despite these challenges, Ruffinelli says she has learned to embrace her body.
She later worked as a plus-size model, fashion consultant, and body-positivity advocate, appearing in interviews and television programs, including The Doctors and TLC documentaries about people with unusually large hips.
