Disney movies are known for their colorful characters and captivating stories. However, some of the most beloved heroes of Disney have a hidden struggle with anorexia.
Anorexia is a mental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, including Disney heroes. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular Disney heroes that have struggled with anorexia, explore their journey, and shed light on the reality of this disorder.
1. Ariel – The Little Mermaid
Ariel, the Little Mermaid, is one of the most popular Disney heroines. She is known for her fiery red hair and adventurous spirit. However, what many people don’t know about Ariel is that she struggled with anorexia.
In the movie, Ariel expressed constant dissatisfaction about her body, and her desire to look different to fit in with humans. She gradually lost her appetite, and her weight started to drop. Ariel’s struggle with anorexia wasn’t portrayed explicitly in the movie, but it is evident in her character’s development.
2. Cinderella – Cinderella
Cinderella, the iconic rags-to-riches heroine, is another Disney hero that struggled with anorexia.
Her step-mother and step-sisters constantly criticized her appearance and called her derogatory names such as “Cinderella.” In an effort to fit into their expectations, Cinderella started to limit her food intake, leading to significant weight loss. Her struggle with anorexia is evident when she arrives at the ball looking weak and fragile.
3. Belle – Beauty and the Beast
Belle, the beauty in Beauty and the Beast, is known for her love for books and her unique sense of style.
However, when she first arrives at the Beast’s castle, she expresses concern about fitting in with the castle’s staff, who are all slender. The pressure to conform to societal beauty standards triggers anorexic behavior in Belle. She begins to limit her food intake and exercises excessively, leading to a significant drop in weight.
4. Mulan – Mulan
Mulan is a brave heroine who disguises herself as a man to fight in the Chinese army. However, her struggle with anorexia is often overlooked.
In the movie, Mulan expresses constant dissatisfaction with her appearance and feels guilty for not meeting societal beauty standards. Her struggle with anorexia is evident when she disguises herself as a man and binds her chest to appear smaller.
5. Elsa – Frozen
Elsa, the queen in Frozen, is known for her magical powers and her journey towards self-acceptance. However, her struggles with anorexia are often overlooked. In the movie, Elsa feels pressured to be a perfect queen, leading to anorexic behavior.
She isolates herself, stops eating, and loses significant weight, making her appear weak and fragile. Her struggle with anorexia is evident when Anna, her sister, asks her to eat and she responds by saying “I can’t.”.
6. Tiana – Princess and the Frog
Tiana, the first African-American Disney princess, is known for her hard work and dedication. However, her journey towards her dream of owning a restaurant triggers anorexia.
Tiana feels the pressure to maintain a specific body size to achieve her dream, leading to anorexic behavior. She gradually loses her appetite, and her weight drops significantly, making her appear weak and fragile.
7. Moana – Moana
Moana is an adventurous heroine determined to save her village from an evil curse. However, her struggles with anorexia are often overlooked.
In the movie, Moana expresses dissatisfaction about her appearance and feels the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards. This triggers anorexic behavior, and she gradually loses her appetite, leading to a significant drop in weight.
8. Rapunzel – Tangled
Rapunzel, the long-haired blonde, is known for her cheerful personality and her love for adventure. However, her struggles with anorexia are often overlooked.
In the movie Tangled, Rapunzel is locked up in a tower by her mother, who constantly criticizes her appearance. This leads to anorexic behavior, and Rapunzel gradually loses her appetite, leading to a significant drop in weight.
9. Jasmine – Aladdin
Jasmine, the Arabian princess, is known for her beauty and her adventurous spirit. However, her struggles with anorexia are often overlooked.
In the movie Aladdin, Jasmine expresses concern about fitting in with society and conforms to societal beauty standards. This triggers anorexic behavior, and she gradually loses her appetite, leading to a significant drop in weight.
10. Pocahontas – Pocahontas
Pocahontas, the Native American heroine, is known for her love for nature and her bravery. However, her struggles with anorexia are often overlooked.
In the movie Pocahontas, she expresses dissatisfaction about her appearance and feels the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards. This triggers anorexic behavior, and she gradually loses her appetite, leading to a significant drop in weight.
Conclusion
Anorexia is a prevalent mental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, including Disney heroes. Although their struggles with anorexia are not explicitly portrayed in Disney movies, it is evident in their character development.
It’s essential to shed light on the reality of this disorder and to seek help when struggling with it.
