From Cinderella to Snow White and Sleeping Beauty – the hidden health risks Disney Princesses face
IT’S not so ‘happy ever after’ for the Disney princesses.
Experts have warned of the serious health hazards they might experience in real life.
In the Christmas issue of The British Medical Journal, Dutch researchers suggested strategies for the princesses to live “healthily” – if not so happily – ever after.
They describe how Snow White and Princess Jasmine are at risk of the health complications linked to loneliness, such as heart disease, depression, anxiety, dementia and early death.
“While the Genie might sing “you ain’t never had a friend like me,” the truth is that Jasmine has no friends at all,” authors write of Jasmine.
Fortunately, Snow White escapes the dangers of solitude with the Seven Dwarfs – only to be poisoned by an apple.
The saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” certainly doesn’t apply to this unlucky princess.
Jasmine’s pet tiger Rajah, on the other hand, poses a risk of zoonotic infection – when disease is passed on from animals to humans.
Similarly, Belle’s close contact with the Beast exposes her to many potentially life-threatening infectious diseases, such as brucellosis or rabies.
“However, had Belle chosen the Beast’s rival in love, Gaston – a narcissist with an ego so inflated it is practically a third character – it would probably have had a worse impact on her mental
health,” the researchers note.
Cinderella’s continuous exposure to dust puts her at risk of developing occupational lung disease, the authors warn, which is made worse by the fairy godmother’s magical glitter – otherwise known as aluminium-coated microplastics – that can penetrate human lung tissue.
Rather than a prince, they suggest Cinderella needs ongoing respiratory therapy.
Pocahontas’ famous cliff dive would likely leave her with “a symphony of fractures rather than a harmonious tune with nature”.
In Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora’s “infinite sleep” carries risks of heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes, as well as pressure ulcers and muscle atrophy.
Luckily, Prince Philip breaks the sleeping spell by kissing Aurora – though by neglecting to obtain consent, it was noted.
Meanwhile, though Mulan is celebrated as a warrior who saves the empire of China, she repeatedly experiences pressure from her family to uphold their honour, a risk factor for mental ill health.
And finally, the authors warn that Rapunzel’s hair follicles are likely to be damaged from repetitive excessive pulling on her long braids, a condition known as traction alopecia, which can lead to scalp pain, headaches, and permanent hair loss.
The paper concluded: “Disney must consider interventions to overcome these health challenges, including mindfulness and psychotherapy, training on cohabitation with animals, and personal protection measures against infectious agents and toxic particles.
“Only then can Disney princesses start living healthily ever after.”
In other TV news, NHS GPs gave their verdict on the most accurate medical TV dramas – read more on their rankings here.