Abstract
The Department of Eating and Weight Disorders at Villa Garda Hospital holds the distinction of being the inaugural unit in Italy solely devoted to the intensive treatment of eating disorders. Established in 1984, the unit has been notable for its pioneering approach, seamlessly integrating clinical practice with research endeavours. This unique blend has significantly shaped the management protocols for eating disorders both within Italy and on a global scale. In commemorating the 40th anniversary of Villa Garda’s eating disorder clinical service, we have authored this article to reflect on the pivotal developments that have marked our journey. We delineate the progressive steps that have culminated in the implementation of the multistep enhanced cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT-E) model and describe the studies underpinning the effectiveness of Villa Garda’s multistep CBT-E approach. Finally, we address the prospective challenges that we must confront to advance our treatment methodologies in the years further to come.