Disney princesses were essential to my childhood, shaping my core memories and creating characters that have become some of my most significant role models. From enchanting princess-themed birthday parties adorned with sparkling tiaras and shimmering gowns to the countless hours spent immersed in front of the television watching Belle float across the screen with the beast hand-in-hand, these films hold a special place in my heart. This experience is true for most young children, especially young girls, who grow up with these classic characters as their first introduction to real-world experiences, life lessons, and even love. This paper will examine how children idolize Disney’s fairy tale character adaptations, particularly princesses, and the resulting body image issues that often arise from this admiration. The manifestation of these body image issues creates the desire for what some might call “quick fixes” for weight loss, including the use of type-2 diabetes pharmaceutical medications like Ozempic, which consequently is creating severe shortages for these types of drugs.
Major film companies such as Disney shape the perception of what children envision a princess to resemble. Consequently, when Disney portrays these characters with tiny waists and hourglass figures, young girls come to believe that conforming to this beauty standard is necessary to be considered attractive and desirable. Of course, this body figure is easy to manipulate and project onto an animated character, but on real people, it is simply unattainable. A Rutgers study focused on testing this notion by interviewing preadolescent girls who acknowledged the unrealistic and unattainable nature of many media images. However, despite this awareness, “they were still dissatisfied with their body image. Their dissatisfaction stems from their belief that others view the unrealistic images as favorable and attainable,” (Schmidt 2015). With the age of live-action sequels of classic animated movies, this body norm is applied to real actresses embodying these characters, including the classic Cinderella. Lily James, the actress cast to play Cinderella in Disney’s live-action remake of the film, can be seen with a waist that “appears to be about half the size of her hips” (Schmidt) in her iconic blue gown.
Upon speculation from the public, Disney denied any claims about the use of CGI to enhance James’ waist. However, it was stated numerous times in interviews that when filming Cinderella, James was on an all-liquid diet to fit and be comfortable in her corset. An all-liquid diet is just one of the countless weight loss “crazes” that have come to be glorified by celebrities and influencers, especially with the rise of social media. The necessity for the actress playing Cinderella to adhere to such a diet merely to fit into her costume sends a clear message to young girls: regardless of their appearance, weight remains a crucial determinant of attractiveness.
Given the continuous reinforcement of this message and the prevalent promotion of weight loss regimens within the media, young girls are overwhelmed by constant reminders of weight reduction. Of course, as young girls develop into teenagers and young women, their influences change from Disney princesses to the princesses of the media: influencers and celebrities. These celebrities don’t stop the perpetuation of these messages and body standards, instead they reinforce them by participating in and posting about viral weight loss trends. Throughout the last decade, social media has created a cult-like following of the weight loss trends of joining WeightWatchers, following a juice cleanse/detox, going on a gluten-free diet, and even participating in intermittent fasting. Each of these approaches is problematic within themselves. However, they are masked by the belief that they offer quick and effective solutions to achieving desired body goals, making them appealing over social media. These trends often overlook the importance of balanced nutrition, sustainable lifestyle changes, and individualized approaches to health. As a result, many individuals may experience short-term success but struggle to maintain long-term health and well-being.
Over the last three years, celebrities and influencers have begun turning to a different type of weight loss support: the type-2 diabetes medication, Ozempic. This pharmaceutical, with the generic name of semaglutide, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2017 as “a weekly injection that helps lower blood sugar by helping the pancreas make more insulin” for long-term use within adults experiencing type 2 diabetes (UC Davis Health, 2023). One of the common side effects that individuals experience while on this drug is weight loss, which is the primary reason that many celebrities not experiencing type 2 diabetes have started taking it. It is important to note that while some physicians prescribe it for weight loss in obese patients, Ozempic is not approved by the FDA as a weight loss drug. This is primarily due to the fact that if one were to start taking this drug for weight loss, their body may get used to it, establishing a new normal. This new normal from rapid weight loss caused by GLP-1 medications includes “a decrease in muscle mass, lessen bone density, and lower resting metabolic rate, leading to sarcopenia” (Cassata). If a person taking Ozempic primarily for weight loss were to stop taking the once-weekly injection, they would additionally quickly gain back the weight lost due to the drug.
With the trend of influential celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk admitting to taking Ozempic specifically for weight loss, it is evident that the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards is driving significant demand for weight loss solutions. An article analyzing this very attraction of celebrities to Ozempic found that “from the beginning of 2020 to the end of 2022, prescriptions for Ozempic shot up by 300%” and “only 53.8% of people who received a glucagon-like peptide 1, or GLP-1, prescription for weight loss in the past year had a history of diabetes, meaning the chances of the remaining 46.2% of prescriptions are likely abusing such drugs,” (Szczesniak). The significant rise in injection usage, coupled with insights into how individuals are using their prescriptions, underscores the influence of celebrities. It is evident that people feel compelled to emulate these celebrities, whom the public admires and closely observes for guidance. Additionally, these highly influential individuals are sending clear and powerful messages to those within this audience that come to believe this approach to altering their bodies is acceptable and even desirable.
Some may ask themselves why using Ozempic for weight loss matters and why it is an issue if people choose to engage in this trend. Is it not the same as simply participating in a juice cleanse? Well, the surge in demand for Ozempic as a weight loss solution not only raises concerns about its long-term effects on one’s body composition, which may not be entirely reliable and consistent, but it also increases the severity of shortages for individuals who require Ozempic to manage their type 2 diabetes. Injectable medications like Ozempic are already susceptible to shortages due to the decreased number of firms producing sterile injectable drugs, meaning that “there are a limited number of production lines that can make these drugs,” (NABP). Turning towards how companies are responding to this shortage, one might expect companies to prioritize those who need Ozempic to maintain their health, however, that is not the case. In September of 2023, Costco, a large wholesale corporation, entered into a partnership with Sesame, an online healthcare marketplace targeting consumers with no insurance or high deductible plans. This partnership focused on supplying Costco’s members with the ability to sign up for Sesame’s weight loss program for $179 for three months, which in most cases includes a prescription for Ozempic or the similar drug Wegovy. There is no mention within this partnership of supplying Ozempic to those supporting those with type-2 diabetes by making Ozempic more accessible. This exclusive distribution of this drug towards weight loss treatments shows a clear priority within large companies like Costco, taking the available stock of a drug that is already facing shortages and supplying the materials towards one’s aesthetic wishes over one’s own survival needs. Overall, this underscores the broader consequences of the societal pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.
However, these shortages also are creating concern from organizations like the FDA about potential off-brand versions of the pharmaceutical, potentially harming those who are desperate to obtain this prescription to treat their diabetes. The potential dangers of these non-FDA-approved versions of the drug with unknown side effects entering the market are alarming. This concern stems from the fact that there are historical examples of patients seeking weight loss solutions who received prescriptions for off-label, non-FDA-approved treatments, leading to lethal side effects. Between 1970 and 1997, the non-FDA-approved off-label combination of the individually FDA-approved appetite suppressants fenfluramine hydrochloride and phentermine, more commonly known as Fen-Phen, was prescribed to patients as a weight loss medication. Shortly after the number of prescriptions of this off-label combination exceeded 18 million, roughly ⅓ of patients began suffering life-threatening cardiovascular and respiratory damage, ending in severe disability and/or death for many. After filing over 20,000 personal injury lawsuits and about $21 billion in liability claims for the producing pharmaceutical company, the FDA requested the withdrawal of both drugs (Norman). This historical example is essential to consider when analyzing the effects of the glorification of the misuse of diabetes medications, causing shortages, since it potentially puts those who rely on these medications for diabetes treatment in harm’s way. Especially when those who are not able to get the drug due to shortages are willing to obtain and ingest non-approved versions of the drug that have unknown and unwanted side effects as a desperate measure. Heightening awareness of these consequences is crucial to mitigating the potential risks associated with shortages caused by the prioritization of cosmetic ideals over individual health.
One might ponder why they’re drawn to this specific weight loss trend or why they keep engaging in it despite knowing the repercussions. The simplest explanation? Gluttony. Gluttony traditionally refers to excessive indulgence in food or drink, but in this context, it extends to the relentless pursuit of an idealized body image at the expense of one’s health. It is no secret that the entire point of fairytales is to convey life lessons and warnings to children: don’t succumb to your own curiosity, don’t judge others by their appearances, always be wary of strangers, etc. The theme of warning against engaging in gluttony and overconsumption is one that is most commonly associated with the story of Hansel and Gretel. Just as Hansel and Gretel are lured by the promise of sweets in desperate times, individuals today may be pressured by societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards, leading them to make decisions they know are not right. These decisions can include the misuse of medications like Ozempic for weight loss purposes. However, individuals can’t really be blamed for engaging in gluttony and utilizing Ozempic for weight loss when societal messages, when companies like Disney with large influences are consistently promoting certain body ideals. Perhaps if these standards had never been created, this would never have been an issue, but unfortunately, these standards have found themselves to become deeply ingrained into societal norms.
Nevertheless, there are instances of resistance against these ideals, as seen with actress Emma Watson’s refusal to wear a corset for her role in the live-action recreation of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” In 2017, while filming “Beauty and the Beast,” shortly after Lily James’ portrayal of Cinderella, Emma Watson opted to avoid restrictive clothing features. The removal of these features included the removal of the corset from Belle’s iconic yellow ball gown. This decision allowed her the freedom to move comfortably in her costumes, enabling her to engage in various physical activities.
“Nothing she wears is inhibiting. She can do whatever she would want to do in any of her costumes. She rides a horse”
– Jacqueline Durran, costume designer for Emma Watson in Beauty and the Beast, on costume choices for Belle
Emma Watson’s decisions within this movie not only emphasize why she is considered a contemporary feminist icon but they also represent the first steps in the right direction towards changing the norms and rejecting harmful standards. Perhaps if more celebrities used their influence as Watson has, there would be no temptation towards overconsumption of medications such as Ozempic for weight loss purposes, allowing those struggling with the effects of type-2 diabetes to get their necessary medications without any obstacles.
With large companies sending these messages to some of the most vulnerable populations, including young children, the harmful effects are catastrophic. The messages that are being perceived by these populations include messages about what a body that is to be loved is to follow the blueprint of and that being a body that is simply unattainable through natural measures. In turn, the pursuit of these unattainable standards contributes to the demand for weight loss solutions like Ozempic. The scarcity of Ozempic, driven by increased demand fueled in part by societal pressures, creates shortages that disproportionately affect individuals who medically require the medication for conditions like type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the perpetuation of unrealistic beauty standards by influential companies not only harms individuals’ mental and physical health but also contributes to the systemic issues surrounding medications like Ozempic, highlighting the interconnectedness of societal influences and healthcare accessibility.
Although the influence of societal beauty standards may have deeply shaped our perceptions, it’s essential to recognize that change is possible. We have the opportunity to challenge these norms and redefine our understanding of beauty, embracing a new standard that celebrates diversity and authenticity. By promoting a “natural normal,” we can shift the focus away from unattainable ideals and towards genuine self-acceptance and appreciation. This involves rejecting the pressure to conform to narrow beauty standards and embracing the uniqueness of each individual. This new norm has the possibility of being implemented as more and more live action classic fairytale adaptations come to the big screen. In the end, it is up to not only the actors/actresses to change this perception of what a standard body should look like, but it is also up to the companies producing these films to end their long history of forcing actors to go on diets or wear tight corsets to play their role. Through the exposure of these issues, we can create a more inclusive and empowering society where everyone feels valued and accepted just as they are.
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