Dear Glee Writers and Producers,
It has been brought to my attention that during a recent episode of your show you addressed the topic of eating disorders. In the episode, Marley, the character with the eating disorder, is ridiculed by her peers and then seems to miraculously recover after a couple of days. Personally, I have been battling an eating disorder for four months, and I still have a long way to go until I am completely recovered.
I am writing to inform you that your portrayal of eating disorders was inaccurate and made the disease seem less severe. I have lost so many privileges due to my eating disorder such as engaging in sports, attending a school sponsored winter leadership trip, and the ability to choose what and when I eat. A majority of my time is spent in therapy, behavioral treatment centers, and various hospitals. I miss spending time with my friends, talking with my parents about things other than food, being able to focus on schoolwork, exercising, eating what I want, having independence and privacy, and feeling happy and confident. I want to recover from my eating disorder more than anything, but it is an extremely difficult and exhausting process.
Most people don’t know a lot about eating disorders, and this particular episode of your show has sent the wrong message. I commend you in your effort to spread awareness of this disease, but I feel strongly that it should be done correctly.
Sincerely,
M. (female, age 17)
