Disney princesses face hidden health risks, experts warn

Although Disney princesses appear to live happily ever after, they face serious health risks in the real world, experts warn in the Christmas issue of The BMJ.

Sanne van Dijk and colleagues are calling on Disney to consider strategies such as mindfulness and personal protective measures to improve the well-being of princesses and help them live healthy lives for a long time.

Snow White is the “fairest princess of them all,” but as a kitchen maid for her wicked stepmother, opportunities for social interaction are extremely limited, putting her at risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety and premature death, the authors explain.

Fortunately, Snow White meets the Seven Dwarfs, who protect her from the dangers of loneliness, but then she eats a poisoned apple, highlighting that for Snow White the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” fails spectacularly.

Aladdin’s Princess Jasmine is also at risk for the health effects of loneliness as she grows up within the walls of her palace, without any friends, the authors note. Meanwhile, her pet tiger Rajah not only poses a risk of zoonotic infections, her natural instincts can lead to a dangerous and potentially fatal situation.

In Beauty and the Beast, close contact with the Beast also exposes Belle to many potentially life-threatening infectious diseases, such as brucellosis or rabies.

Cinderella’s constant exposure to dust puts her at risk of developing an occupational lung disease, which is made worse by the fairy godmother spreading huge amounts of magical glitter – known as aluminum-coated microplastics – that can penetrate human lung tissue, the authors explain . Instead of being a prince, they suggest that Cinderella needs ongoing breathing therapy to live happily ever after.

In her quest to bring peace between Native Americans and English settlers, Pocahontas’ first cliff dive has an impressive fall time of nine seconds. But with an estimated cliff height of 252 meters, the authors warn that such a jump would leave Pocahontas with “a symphony of fractures rather than a harmonious tune with nature.”

In Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora’s ‘infinite sleep’ carries risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity and diabetes, while prolonged bed rest is linked to an increased risk of pressure ulcers and muscle atrophy. Fortunately, Prince Philip breaks the sleeping spell almost immediately by kissing Aurora, although the authors note that he also breaks with current social norms by neglecting to obtain consent.

While Mulan is celebrated as a warrior who saves the Chinese empire, she repeatedly experiences pressure from her family to uphold their honor. Women who experience honor-related violence may experience increased levels of mental health problems as they are forced to live a life they did not choose, the authors note.

Finally, the authors warn that Rapunzel’s hair follicles are likely damaged by repetitive excessive pulling on her long braid, a condition known as traction alopecia that can lead to scalp pain, headaches and permanent hair loss.

“Disney should consider interventions to overcome these health challenges, including mindfulness and psychotherapy, animal coexistence training, and personal protective measures against infectious agents and toxic particles,” they write. “Only then can Disney princesses live long and healthy lives.”