Eating disorders in cross-country sports have been around for a long time, but last year a Norwegian professor sounded the alarm that the weight in sports is worse than ever.

"It's never been as bad as it is now," said Jorunn Sundgot-Borgen, professor at the Norwegian School of Sport, then SVT Sport.

Norway's national team manager Vidar Löfshus has seen the problem up close and engaged in the issue.

- Eating disorders have been a nightmare for me as a trainer and manager. I get involved in this, partly because of bad conscience because we can never do enough. But you can make a difference, he tells VG.

- I have had many shows with parents and club leaders about this. It hurts to see the struggle of the athletes and I want them to be more open and honest with themselves.

"Then we can save lives"

Löfshus, who has also worked as a ski coach in the United States, will now attend a digital conference this week which will discuss the importance of good role models in sports.

He also calls for even greater action from the Norwegian authorities.

- Eating disorders are a societal problem with the body ideals that exist today. I would like an even greater cooperation with the authorities to work preventively. Then we can save the lives and health of many people, says Löfshus.

ARCHIVE: Eating Disorder Costing Diggins Life (March 1, 2020)

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