When Shakira sang "Hips Don't Lie," she may have been referring to bootylicious Californian Mikel Ruffinelli. Mikel Ruffinelli is a woman born 43 years ago, at first she was a normal woman like most women, has a height of 5 feet 4 inches and weighs 180 pounds. Mikel, who at five foot four is wider than she is tall, was born with lipedema- a disorder that causes an irregular excess of fatty tissue. After giving birth to her fourth child, the width of this woman’s waist reaches 8 feet and makes her name listed in Guinness World Records as the widest hip woman in the world. This article explores Mikel's unique journey, her perspective on body image, the challenges she faces, and how she maintains her health and lifestyle.
Mikel's Transformation and Diagnosis
Mikel Ruffinelli's body began to change drastically after she gave birth to her first child. Her weight increased by 56 pounds, and strangely, the weight gain happened primarily in her hips alone. This pattern continued with each subsequent pregnancy, leading to a significant enlargement of her hips.
Mikel was diagnosed with lipedema, a disorder that causes an irregular excess of fatty tissue, contributing to her unique body shape. She's gotten progressively wider after having each of her four children, but don't let her size fool you.
Body Image and Self-Acceptance
"I call them my 'diva hips' and I'm proud I am unique," she says. Mikel has a strong sense of self-acceptance and embraces her unique figure. 'I love my shape and I see no reason to diet because I don’t have health problems,' she says in a clip from the show. 'Men don’t fancy skinny girls, they like an hourglass figure,' she says. 'I think it's very feminine to have curves. It makes us womanly, it makes us beautiful. Her husband, Reggie, agrees.
As for the occasional cruel glare, Mikel doesn't let them break her stride. "Sure, I get stares, but these folks with their issues don't bother me.
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Diet and Exercise
Despite her size, Mikel says she stays fit. While specific details of her diet and exercise regimen are not explicitly provided, her statement suggests an active effort to maintain her overall health.
Challenges in Daily Life
Mikel also admits that she experiences obstacles in everyday life. She finds it challenging to use the shower, which she has to gingerly step into over the side of the tub while turning her body to fit through the glass door's opening. She regularly faces negative attention as well, noting that she often sees others whisper, point, and laugh when they see her.
One of her children, however, tells a different story of her mom's health. 'I don't mind following her footsteps, but I don't really want to because I see how her struggle is,' says Destynee. 'If she stands up for a certain amount of time, she starts to hurt.
Adapting to Her Unique Body
Despite the challenges, Mikel has adapted her life to accommodate her unique body shape. "Yes, there are challenges, but I drive a car with a bench, and I have fabulous clothes made.
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