Let me first make clear that I am merely speculating on what may have been contributing factors to Michael Jackson's death. As pretty much the whole world knows by now, the autopsy was inconclusive. The toxicology report is not back yet, and many believe that an overdose of prescription painkillers (and/or injection of Demerol) is to blame for the pop icon's demise.
That having been said, I couldn't help but think about three factors that could very easily contribute to the weakening of a person's heart:
1) Repeated plastic surgery. Every time a person undergoes anesthesia, there are certain risks. There are undoubtedly consequences to undergoing general anesthesia repeatedly over the years. Weakening of the heart could certainly be one of those consequences.
2) Body dysmorphic disorder. It has been revealed through Michael Jackson's autopsy that the singer was emaciated, weighing in at a mere 112 lbs. Could this be the result of some eating disorder that sprung from an inability to see himself as he truly was (the essence of body dysmorphia)? As the world learned years ago from the tragic death of Karen Carpenter, eating disorders carry with them great cardiovascular risks.
3) The reason most people seem to be assuming: addiction/drug overdose. What does this have to do with plastic surgery, you ask? With most surgical procedures comes a prescription for pain medication. Multiply the number of cosmetic procedures Michael appears to have had, and that's a lot of narcotics. The more you take, the more your body gets used to having these drugs in your system. The end result is that undergoing multiple elective procedures may make dependence more likely. Even if one doesn't become dependent, repeated use of these kinds of narcotics over an extended time period can have adverse effects on the heart.
Of course, until the toxicology report comes back, we are all just speculating. However, whatever may have been the fatal blow, perhaps Jackson's heart would have been better able to withstand it had it not been weakened over the years through multiple surgeries and (self-induced?) malnutrition. So I just have to ask: If Michael Jackson had been able to see and accept himself as he was, would he still be here today?
See plastic surgery before and after photos.
I think you hit the nail on the head and I’m surprised the media hasn’t talked about body dysmorphia more often when it comes to the poor late Michael Jackson. It’s terribly sad that he lived hating his appearance, addicted to changing it, even to the point of self-mutilation. I’m sure family members felt at a loss of how to deal with his denial because it’s the same with anoerexia nervosa – HUGE denial. Good article, thx.
I think the answer to that is an obvious yes. That was the root of all his problems, from what I know. I think his mental disorders were worsening over time and he was on a downward spiral. I can’t remember who said it, but I read somewhere today that MJ had confessed to this person that he didn’t want to do the London concerts, which doesn’t surprise me at all. He was too far gone and fragile, his self esteem completely eroded. He was probably very conflicted about it. Throwing himself full-on into the production, because of one part of him that wanted to live and needed to do this in order to do so; and yet another part, extremely afraid. And that part won out. It’s possible he outright committed suicide, and if not, he did so indirectly, trying to drug his pain away.
I agree with all the above. It was also stated at one time by his doctor that he had Lupus. wish can also weaken the heart.
I agree that he suffered from Body Dysmorphic Disorder. He seemes to have had a fixation with his nose & was one of the main reasons for the multiple, obsessive need for plastic surgeries. In my view, it bordered on self mutilation.
Also, Michael Jackson was diagnosed in 1986 with vitiligo and lupus, The reason for his skin color change.
With all of this going on, one has to wonder how all this affected him psychologically.
I would have to say Michael Jacksons favorite surgeon was Dr. Arturo of Plastikka. He was the most singularly personified case of dismorphia I’ve ever heard of.
Of course he suffered from body dysmorphia. Lord knows how the poor man must have suffered, to inflict such horrors upon himself. Truly, the media played a role in his demise as well. Instead of trying to understand, and sympathize with Michael, the media and general public turned against him, and thought of him as a freak. If people could just put aside their fear and hatred, and show some compassion, perhaps Michael would have gone in to get treatment, and perhaps he would still be here today. Let’s all pray that this poor, suffering soul is finally at peace with himself.
Yep –
I read up on BDD YEARS ago and said Michael Jackson had!
The difference between him and the general public though is $$$. I’m pretty sure that if you gave someone the money to “fix” the problem they’d practically make a beeline to a Plastic Surgeons office…
His Dr.s should have their licences revoked. What happened to “First Do No Harm”???