Rapunzel has likely gotten her hair follicles destroyed after lifting up both witches and princes with her long hair. A strong hair pull can indeed lead to the condition traction alopecia, conclude Dutch researchers who have scrutinized the Disney princesses' health.
Snow White is, after all, isolated by her evil stepmother since childhood, and runs an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease due to this. Moreover, ending up in a long-term coma after eating a poisoned apple does not exactly provide any health benefits, according to the researchers.
The analysis is published in the scientific journal BMJ's annual Christmas issue, which is known for containing research of a more lighthearted nature.
The Tiger Becomes a Death Trap
Even Princess Jasmine from Aladdin is a victim of growing up in social isolation. Her pet tiger Rajah does provide companionship, but also exposes her to zoonoses – infections that can spread from animals to humans. Not to mention the death trap a grown tiger can become.
Cinderella's constant exposure to dust and ash, plus the silver glitter that the good fairy sprinkles around her, makes it likely that she develops lung cancer or similar diseases.
Pocahontas Lives Dangerously
Pocahontas, in turn, is exposed to entirely different risks when she, in her struggle to achieve peace between indigenous people and settlers, jumps from a high cliff. The researchers estimate that the cliff is 252 meters high, that she weighs 62 kilos, is 1.62 meters tall, and falls for nine seconds. According to their calculations, she is lucky if she gets away with extensive fractures.
The researchers urge Disney to take a closer look at the characters' well-being and provide them with opportunities to start living healthier and safer lives.
