Doctors identified the health issues that fairy tale princesses would face in the real world.

Media products aimed at children occasionally attract the attention of researchers. For instance, the authors of a recent study identified harm in cartoon characters with strabismus. Another researcher examined children's literature from various periods and concluded that the topic of death is insufficiently addressed: in her view, it is important to more frequently depict how a character, with whom young readers identify, meets their end.

Experts from the University of Twente in the Netherlands investigated the living conditions of the fairy tale princesses from Disney's animated films. The study, which outlines the health risks these characters would face in the real world, was published in the Christmas edition of the scientific journal BMJ.

According to the authors of the publication, Snow White is socially isolated and hardly interacts with anyone. As previous studies have shown, this puts her at a high risk for cardiovascular diseases, depression, anxiety, and early death. The dwarfs attempt to remedy the lack of social interaction; however, Snow White engages in a conversation with a stranger, resulting in her consuming a poisoned apple. The researchers noted that for this character, the saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" works in an atypical manner.

Princess Jasmine from the movie "Aladdin" has the opportunity to communicate with people, but her surroundings consist of servants and princes who come to seek her hand. Before meeting Aladdin, she had no close relationships, such as friends. Loneliness, as the authors of the article pointed out, can lead to dementia, mental health issues (such as anxiety and depression), and disruptions in immune system regulation. The domestic tiger Rajah also poses a risk: he could become a source of zoonotic infections and cause craniofacial injuries and cervical spine injuries.

A similar risk was noted by scientists in the life of Belle from "Beauty and the Beast," as the enchanted prince is a beast composed of cells from various organisms, a chimera. Close contact with him could lead to infections such as brucellosis and rabies.

In real life, Cinderella would face a professional lung disease due to her constant cleaning of the house at the behest of her wicked stepmother. Additionally, the glitter in the fairy godmother's sprinkling over the cake likely contains microplastics and aluminum. Particles of these substances can penetrate human lungs and accelerate aging.

The lifestyle would also harm two other princesses. Rapunzel, who cannot cut her hair and must use it as a rope, is at high risk for traction alopecia—a condition that can lead to irreversible hair loss. Meanwhile, the "Sleeping Beauty" Aurora, due to her years of slumber, has a higher likelihood of encountering cardiovascular diseases, strokes, obesity, and diabetes. There is also a risk of developing bedsores and muscle atrophy.

Princess Mulan, as noted by the authors of the study, grew up under entrenched familial and societal pressures. She faced violence multiple times, and the dragon Mushu, who tried to support her, could only exacerbate the situation with phrases like, "Who knew you would ultimately disgrace him [your father], shame your ancestors, and lose all your friends?" All of this increases the likelihood of psychological disorders.

In the case of Pocahontas, researchers evaluated the height of the cliff from which the princess jumps in the animated film. Simulation results using differential equations indicated that a jump from a height of approximately 252 meters would "show Pocahontas shades of X-rays rather than colors of the Wind, and a symphony of cracks instead of harmony with nature."

In conclusion, the authors of the article advised the Disney team to consider measures that would allow the princesses to mitigate the risks of the aforementioned health problems. For example, implementing mindfulness practices and psychotherapy, and educating the heroines about hygiene rules when living with pets. "Only then can Disney princesses begin to lead a healthy lifestyle," the researchers summarized.