From loneliness to infectious diseases, respiratory problems and psychological disorders – medically speaking – these fairytale heroines are far from enviable.
Take Snow White, for example. Although she is considered “the fairest in the land,” her social isolation predisposes her to cardiovascular disease, anxiety and depression.
While her encounter with the Seven Dwarfs offers her a semblance of respite from the dangers of solitude, the famous poisoned apple offered by her stepmother may well cost her her life. Proof that the popular saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” doesn’t always ring true.
The loneliness of Jasmine, the heroine of “Aladdin,” is no less worrying. Recluse in her palace in Agrabah, the princess has only her tiger Rajah for company.
Loyal and protective the animal may be, but this four-legged companion is a potential carrier of zoonotic diseases, not to mention the risks associated with the tiger’s natural predatory instincts.
A similar situation is faced by Belle, who, by living with the Beast, also runs the risk of exposing herself to severe infectious diseases, such as brucellosis and rabies.
For Cinderella, the danger comes from… dust. Relegated to the role of servant by her stepmother, the young woman inhales clouds of dust every day, making her particularly vulnerable to chronic lung disease.
As if that weren’t enough, the fairy godmother’s magic wand, which generously scatters microplastic-like glitter, is only likely to make her respiratory health worse.
Risks of diabetes and alopecia
The study authors are also concerned about the fate of Aurora, Pocahontas and Mulan. Sleeping Beauty’s prolonged sleep after pricking her finger on a spindle increases her risk of diabetes, obesity and muscle atrophy.
As for Pocahontas, viewers see her jump off a cliff at the beginning of the Disney animated film, under the worried gaze of her friend Nakoma. A spectacular feat… but potentially fatal, as researchers estimate the height of the plunge at over 250 metres.
Mulan, meanwhile, is under intense family pressure to marry, which is likely taking its toll on her mental health.
And what about Rapunzel? By using her long golden hair as a rope, she runs the risk of seriously weakening it.
As a result, she could suffer from traction alopecia, a condition that causes scalp pain, headaches and, worst of all, permanent loss of her precious hair.
Not without a hint of irony, Sanne van Dijk and colleagues believe that Disney should pay more attention to the well-being of its princesses.
“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,” the researchers write in their paper.
“Only then can Disney princesses start living healthily ever after.”