Researchers satirize Disney princess health risks: Cinderella's lungs, Rapunzel's hair

Researchers from the University of Twente in the Netherlands highlighted the potential health hazards faced by iconic Disney princesses if their stories were set in the real world. The satiric review published in the Christmas issue of The BMJ examines how the habits and circumstances of the characters could lead to serious physical and mental health problems.

According to the researchers, Cinderella is at significant risk of lung health issues due to her constant exposure to dust and microplastics from magical glitter. "Instead of a prince, Cinderella needs 'constant respiratory therapy to live happily ever after' to maintain her health," as stated by lung specialist Bui, according to The Sun. The Good Fairy's use of magical glitter, comparable to aluminum-coated microplastics, exacerbates these risks, as these particles can penetrate human pulmonary tissue.

Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" might be exposed to potentially lethal infectious diseases such as brucellosis or rabies due to her close contact with the Beast, a chimeric creature composed of various animal parts. They also highlight that choosing the Beast's rival, Gaston—a narcissist with an inflated ego—"would probably have had a worse impact on her mental health."

Snow White's isolation imposed by her wicked stepmother raises concerns about her mental health. Research shows that loneliness is associated with dementia, mental health problems like depression and anxiety, and dysregulation of the immune system, according to El Periódico. Fortunately, Snow White's friendship with the seven dwarfs should help protect her from the dangers of loneliness, although she suffers from isolation before their arrival, according to the researchers. 

Rapunzel faces the risk of traction alopecia due to the weight and constant pulling of her 21-meter-long hair. Using her braid as an elevator cable likely damaged Rapunzel's hair follicles through repeated, excessive pulling, exposing her to traction alopecia, which can cause severe headaches and permanent hair loss. This condition can lead to scalp pain and headaches in the short term and permanent hair loss in the long term.

Pocahontas's habit of diving from cliffs poses significant physical dangers. The researchers calculated that her iconic cliff dive is from a height of approximately 252 meters. A fall from a height of 252 meters could cause severe fractures in collarbones and limbs, resulting in what researchers describe as “a symphony of fractures." Studies on jump impact dynamics suggest that dives from heights over 12 meters can lead to serious injuries, including clavicle compression and bone fractures.

Mulan faces honor-based violence and family pressure, which increases her risk of mental health issues. "Women facing honor-based violence may experience increased levels of mental illness from being forced into living a life they did not choose," stated the researchers, as reported by EL PAÍS. The constant pressure to bring honor to her family and the expectation of entering an arranged marriage contribute to her anxiety and poor mental health.

Jasmine from "Aladdin" struggles with loneliness due to growing up without friends within the walls of her palace. Jasmine's only human social contacts are royal staff, guards, and princes seeking her hand, which exposes her to similar risks of social isolation as Snow White. 

Aurora, known as Sleeping Beauty, is at risk of developing bedsores, muscle atrophy, and serious health issues due to prolonged bed rest induced by the curse. Excessive sleep is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, stroke, obesity, and diabetes .

The study emphasizes that Disney princesses, despite appearing to live "happily ever after," face significant health risks that are often overlooked. They urge Disney to consider these dangers and incorporate interventions to overcome these health challenges. They suggest Disney could adopt strategies that prompte well-being strategies, like mindfulness practices.

"While the health concerns we analyze are based on scientific literature, our interpretations of the princesses arise from exaggerated satirical analyses of the events depicted in their stories, rather than truly dangerous behaviors," explained Michael Bui, a researcher at the University of Twente, as reported by EL PAÍS. "Our work is purely satirical and should not be construed as criticism or a serious study raising genuine concerns about their influence on viewers,” he added. 

The Sun, Milenio, and Correio Braziliene covered the satiric research, among other websites. 

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq