Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Is Santa Claus Bad for Your Health? Here’s Why a Doctor Is Raising Concerns Ahead of Christmas

child on Santa's lap (iStock)

Fit Santa (iStock)

<span>Santa Claus is bad for your health</span>! This is a statement by Dr Nathan Grills, a Public Health Fellow in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Australia. Why is he saying this right ahead of <span>Christmas</span>?

Writing for an article in the British Medical Journal's Christmas issue (BMJ), he says, "Santa only needs to affect health by 0.1% to damage million of lives". He says it would be better if his popularity was rather used to promote healthy living. 

Santa Claus's portrayal is where the concerns lie. This was not the first time someone has talked about. In fact, The Conversation in December 2024, talked about this exactly. If you look at Santa, he stands anywhere between 5'6" to 6'6" and weighs between 80Kgs to 136Kgs. He also carries a lot of weight around his belly, which, some may say, keeps him insulated as he sleighs through the snowy lands, but is sure overweight and obese. These portrayal promotes an unhealthy living. 

Dr Grils also writes that Santa should rather share Rudolf's snack of carrots and celery sticks than brandy and mince pies, and swap his reindeer for a bike or a walk. 

After reviewing existing literature and online sources to understand Santa Claus’s possible impact on public health, the analysis found no peer-reviewed studies directly addressing the issue. What did stand out, however, was the exceptionally high level of awareness of Santa among children. In fact, surveys of American schoolchildren showed that Santa Claus was recognized more widely than almost any other fictional character, second only to Ronald McDonald.

The doctor says that Santa is also used for selling products, which are mostly harmful, and this happens on global scale, which means, people get inspired. "Santa sells, and sometimes he sells harmful products. Like Coca-Cola, Santa has become a major export item to the developing world."

While Santa has been banned from smoking, but his images of enjoying a pipe or cigar are easily found on Christmas cards. The depiction of Santa does form a public perception, argues the doctor. 

Dr Grill also notes that Santa may be promoting potential drink-driving, especially when someone follows the tradition to leave him a brandy to wish him well on his travels, while he has billion houses to visit. 

Dr Grill says that he can spread diseases. If Santa sneezes or coughs around 10 times a day, all the children who sit on his lap may also end up catching the flu along with their Christmas presents.

However, it is important to note that these are views expressed by the doctor and no actual studies have been conducted on the same, Though Dr Grill does indicate for more research before calling for authorities to regulate Santa's activities. For now, Dr Grill proposes a new image for Santa, a healthier one. A slim Santa on a treadmill.

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Santa Claus is bad for your health! This is a statement by Dr Nathan Grills, a Public Health Fellow in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Australia. Why is he saying this right ahead of Christmas?Writing for an article in the British Medical Journal's Christmas issue (BMJ), he says, "Santa only needs to affect health by 0.1% to damage million of lives". He says it would be better if his popularity was rather used to promote healthy living. Why Is Santa Claus Unhealthy?Santa Claus's portrayal is where the concerns lie. This was not the first time someone has talked about. In fact, The Conversation in December 2024, talked about this exactly. If you look at Santa, he stands anywhere between 5'6" to 6'6" and weighs between 80Kgs to 136Kgs. He also carries a lot of weight around his belly, which, some may say, keeps him insulated as he sleighs through the snowy lands, but is sure overweight and obese. These portrayal promotes an unhealthy living. Dr Grils also writes that Santa should rather share Rudolf's snack of carrots and celery sticks than brandy and mince pies, and swap his reindeer for a bike or a walk. After reviewing existing literature and online sources to understand Santa Claus’s possible impact on public health, the analysis found no peer-reviewed studies directly addressing the issue. What did stand out, however, was the exceptionally high level of awareness of Santa among children. In fact, surveys of American schoolchildren showed that Santa Claus was recognized more widely than almost any other fictional character, second only to Ronald McDonald.The doctor says that Santa is also used for selling products, which are mostly harmful, and this happens on global scale, which means, people get inspired. "Santa sells, and sometimes he sells harmful products. Like Coca-Cola, Santa has become a major export item to the developing world."While Santa has been banned from smoking, but his images of enjoying a pipe or cigar are easily found on Christmas cards. The depiction of Santa does form a public perception, argues the doctor. Dr Grill also notes that Santa may be promoting potential drink-driving, especially when someone follows the tradition to leave him a brandy to wish him well on his travels, while he has billion houses to visit. Can Santa Spread Diseases?Dr Grill says that he can spread diseases. If Santa sneezes or coughs around 10 times a day, all the children who sit on his lap may also end up catching the flu along with their Christmas presents. However, it is important to note that these are views expressed by the doctor and no actual studies have been conducted on the same, Though Dr Grill does indicate for more research before calling for authorities to regulate Santa's activities. For now, Dr Grill proposes a new image for Santa, a healthier one. A slim Santa on a treadmill.