Eating Disorder Formulation (CBT-E)
A formulation based on Fairburn's enhanced cognitive-behavioural model — mapping over-evaluation of eating, shape, and weight alongside maintaining mechanisms.
Written by Tarun Vermani, Trainee Clinical Psychologist Last reviewed
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Eating Disorder Formulation (CBT-E)
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CBT-E Formulation
Eating Disorder Model (Fairburn, CBT-E)
Over-Evaluation of Eating, Shape & Weight
Core psychopathology
Strict Dietary Rules / Restraint
Binge Eating (if applicable)
Compensatory Behaviours
Low Self-Esteem / Negative Self-Evaluation
Additional Maintaining Mechanisms
Tick those that apply
Protective Factors & Strengths
What resources, strengths, and supports might help in recovery?
Reflection
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When to use the Eating Disorder Formulation (CBT-E)
The Eating Disorder Formulation (CBT-E) is an interactive cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) worksheet, most often used in CBT for eating disorders.
It is designed to be used within therapy rather than as a standalone self-help tool: a therapist introduces it, works through it collaboratively, and helps make sense of what it surfaces. You can preview the full worksheet above, then assign it digitally for clients to complete between sessions on any device — or download it as a print-ready PDF.
How it works
Most people work through it in around 25 minutes. It moves through three short steps:
- CBT-E Formulation
- Protective Factors & Strengths — What resources, strengths, and supports might help in recovery?
- Reflection
Completed on the Formulate platform, your client's answers are saved automatically and shared straight back to you, so you can review them before the next session rather than waiting for a paper copy to come back.
The CBT approach behind it
In common with other CBT methods, the Eating Disorder Formulation (CBT-E) works by mapping how the parts of a problem connect and keep it going (formulation). The aim is not positive thinking but a clearer, shared understanding of what keeps a difficulty going — and practical, testable ways to change it.
Because it is a CBT tool it stays focused on the here-and-now links between thoughts, feelings, the body and behaviour, and it works best as one part of a wider course of therapy rather than as advice or a diagnosis.
Evidence & sources
This worksheet is grounded in established cognitive behavioural therapy theory and practice. Key sources include:
- Fairburn, C.G. (2008). Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Eating Disorders. New York: Guilford Press.
- Fairburn, C.G., Cooper, Z., & Shafran, R. (2003). Cognitive behaviour therapy for eating disorders: A "transdiagnostic" theory and treatment. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 41(5), 509-528. doi:10.1016/S0005-7967(02)00088-8
For use alongside professional support
Formulate provides educational CBT resources for use with a qualified therapist. They are not a substitute for professional assessment, diagnosis, or crisis care.
If you need urgent help now:
- Emergency services: 999 — if you or someone else is in immediate danger
- Samaritans: 116 123 — free, day or night, 365 days a year
- SANEline: 0800 689 5555 — 4:30pm–10:30pm, every day
More Eating Disorders worksheets
View all Eating Disorders worksheets →Eating Disorders
Food, Mood & Context Diary
The core CBT-E self-monitoring tool — record what you eat, when, where, and how you felt, including any binge/purge episodes and triggers.
Eating Disorders
Regular Eating Schedule
Plan and track a pattern of regular eating — three meals and two to three snacks — to establish a predictable structure that reduces binge urges.
Eating Disorders
Self-Evaluation Pie Chart
Examine what determines your self-worth — and how much is dominated by eating, shape, and weight compared to other life domains.
Eating Disorders
Body Checking & Avoidance Diary
Track body checking and body avoidance behaviours, their triggers, and function.
Eating Disorders
Dietary Rule Testing Worksheet
Identify rigid dietary rules and design experiments to test what happens when you break them.
Eating Disorders
Weekly Weight Monitoring
Track weekly weight to observe natural fluctuation and reduce the power of daily weighing.
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