Welcome to ABBI Clinic, a specialist eating disorder clinic providing tailored treatment to support recovery and promote mental wellbeing for young people and adults aged 13 and over. We know that seeking help can feel like a big step, so no matter where you are on your recovery journey, our expert and compassionate multidisciplinary team is here to help you heal.
At ABBI, we understand the different forms that eating disorders can take and the different impacts they can have on physical, mental, and emotional health. Living with an eating disorder isn't easy, and that's why we offer personalised treatment programmes to treat a number of different conditions.
Anorexia nervosa typically involves a significant restriction of food intake, often driven by an intense fear of gaining weight or a distorted perception of the body.
About Anorexia NervosaLiving with bulimia nervosa is often described as a painful cycle: eating large amounts of food, frequently in secret, followed by attempts to compensate through induced vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise.
About Bulimia NervosaBinge eating disorder involves recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often very quickly and to the point of physical discomfort. Unlike bulimia nervosa, there is no form of purging afterwards, but the emotional distress that follows can be significant and long-lasting.
About Binge Eating DisorderAvoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterised by a highly restricted range of foods that you feel able to eat. Unlike many other eating disorders, it doesn’t usually have a connection to concerns about weight or body shape. Restriction is driven by sensory sensitivities, a fear of choking or vomiting, or a lack of interest in food itself.
About ARFIDOSFED stands for Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder. It is a clinical diagnosis for individuals who don't quite meet the criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, but still experience an eating disorder that causes significant distress.
About OSFEDOrthorexia nervosa develops when a focus on eating healthily becomes consuming. What begins as an interest in nutrition can gradually take over, leading to rigid rules around food, significant anxiety when those rules are broken, and a growing impact on everyday life and relationships.
About Orthorexia NervosaA clear diagnosis isn’t always possible, and disordered eating refers to a range of eating behaviours that can be described as irregular or harmful. Experiences may include restrictive eating, binge eating, self-induced vomiting, and other signs that require specialist support.
About Disordered EatingGLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that mimic a natural hormone to help regulate appetite and blood sugar. They reduce hunger and increase fullness, supporting significant weight loss. They're primarily prescribed to treat obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and certain other health conditions.
About Eating Disorders & GLP-1 MedicationAnorexia Athletica is an eating disorder which fixates on eating as little as possible in order to optimise athletic performance. It is unique in that it is driven by a desire to compete in sport, though it often leads to malnutrition and unhealthy weight loss.
About Anorexia AthleticaOCD is a mental health condition caused by persistent, distressing intrusive thoughts, obsessions or repetitive actions. While carrying out these compulsions offers temporary relief from the anxiety caused by the thoughts, it is often short-lived, which causes the cycle to continually repeat.
About OCD & Eating DisordersNeurodiversity is the natural variation in how human brains process, learn, and experience the world. This can encompass conditions like Autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Because these conditions can impact daily thinking, it can result in individuals becoming more vulnerable to developing an eating disorder.
About Neurodiversity & Eating DisordersTeenagers can undergo rapid emotional and physical growth changes, making identifying an eating disorder difficult. Metrics like BMI can become less reliable during these variable development years, making it essential to look closely at specific weight changes and eating behaviours.
About Eating Disorders in Teenagers
“I recently completed a treatment at the ABBI Clinic for B.E.D., and I cannot recommend it highly enough. From the start, the staff were incredibly compassionate, friendly, and supportive, making a daunting process feel safe and manageable. The time spent with the others going through similar experiences was invaluable – helpful, encouraging, and a real source of connection. I felt truly supported every step of the way, and I’m deeply grateful for the care I received.”
“ABBI Clinic have been nothing short of incredible in supporting me with my recovery journey. The staff at ABBI Clinic make every effort to ensure that your journey is personalised by getting to know each individual person, and it shows in their care and support. A special mention to Kate, whom I cannot thank enough for always giving her undivided attention and showing week in and week out that she genuinely cares to support you in recovery.”
“I never thought I’d ever beat my ED that’s been torturing me for 30 years. Thank you, ABBI Clinic, not only for giving me hope when I thought nobody could help but also for being the first place that’s helped me to actually get well. Not just physically but mentally as well. I’ve finally addressed the root cause of the issue, and that’s been imperative in helping me to see life without my ED and how good it can be.”
“The staff are amazing and supportive. They’ve helped me to see through a variety of techniques regarding wellbeing, nutrition, and dietary advice that being well is possible. I’m now armed with tools and techniques to use when things get tough, and life does throw curve balls, but I can cope with life, being a well me, just as I am.”
“ABBI Clinic were very helpful in my recovery from my eating disorder. They offered meal support as well as group therapy, a dietitian, and weekly individual sessions. They helped me create a meal plan that was suited to my dietary requirements as well as a maintenance plan for continuing recovery after my discharge.”
It’s completely normal to feel anxious about seeking help or uncertain about what eating disorder treatment looks like. Let us talk you through what you can expect throughout your recovery journey and how we will support you every step of the way.
You don’t need a professional referral to access treatment at ABBI Clinic. If you’re a private patient, you can contact us directly to arrange an initial consultation, whether you are self-funding or using private health insurance. We also accept referrals from GPs, other healthcare professionals, and NHS Community Eating Disorder teams. If you would like more information about any of these routes, please contact us.
Yes, ABBI Clinic is a private specialist provider of eating disorder support. Treatment can be self-funded or covered by private health insurance; we work with several major private medical insurance providers. We are also an NHS partner, and in some cases, we treat those who have been referred directly by NHS Community Eating Disorder teams.
No, you will not. At every stage of the recovery journey, our specialist team will tailor the pace and intensity of treatment to be as effective as possible, minimising stress and optimising effectiveness.
This is a very common misconception; less than 6% of people with an eating disorder are underweight. Regardless of weight, if you are concerned that you may be experiencing an eating disorder, please contact us, and we will be happy to provide support.
Learn more about eating disorders, treatment, and the recovery process with our expert blogs and guides.
When someone you care about is struggling with an eating disorder, it can feel heartbreaking and confusing. You want to help, but you might worry about saying the wrong thing or making it worse. The good news is this: your support really matters. Even small acts of kindness and understanding can help your friend feel […]
How Long Does Eating Disorder Recovery Take? “How long will this take?” is often the first question someone asks when they begin recovery. It is a fair, honest, and deeply human question. The truth is, eating disorder recovery does not follow a fixed timeline. No set number of weeks or months applies to everyone. What […]
From resolution to recovery, change does not happen overnight. Especially when eating disorders are involved, progress comes from small, consistent steps rather than dramatic promises. At ABBI Clinic, we support people across the UK to move away from pressure-filled resolutions and towards meaningful, sustainable recovery. Recovery is not about perfection. It is about progress, patience, […]
The New Year often arrives with a loud message: start again, do better, fix yourself. For someone living with an eating disorder, that message can feel overwhelming rather than motivating. While others talk about resolutions and fresh starts, January can quietly increase anxiety, guilt, and the urge to control food or weight. If you’re struggling, […]
Christmas is painted as the season of warmth, cheerful gatherings, full tables, and cosy moments spent with loved ones. But for many people living with an eating disorder, Christmas feels nothing like that. It can feel loud, crowded, food-obsessed and emotionally exhausting. If you’re struggling with an eating disorder at Christmas, you’re not failing or […]
Recovering from an eating disorder is one of the most personal journeys a person can take. No two paths look the same, and progress rarely follows a neat pattern. Some days feel lighter. Some feel heavy. And that’s why realistic, gentle, and well-structured recovery goals make such a difference. At ABBI Clinic, we work closely […]
Talking to your child about food and body image can feel like walking on eggshells. You want to protect them from pressure, judgment, and the noise they hear at school or see online. At the same time, you want to raise a child who feels confident in their body and safe around food. At ABBI […]
Meal support is one of the most powerful tools in eating-disorder recovery yet many people don’t realise how life-changing it can be. Eating disorders often turn food into fear, guilt, rules, and pressure. During recovery, eating may feel overwhelming or confusing, and facing meals alone becomes a battle you never asked for. At ABBI Clinic, […]
When your teen has an eating disorder, it can feel like your world has been turned upside down. Mealtimes become tense, communication feels fragile, and fear often overshadows hope. But you’re not alone; thousands of families across the UK face the same challenge every year. At ABBI Clinic, we help parents and young people navigate […]
Everyone feels stress and anxiety from time to time. A tough day, an argument, or a major life change can all trigger it. But when these emotions start to control how we eat, they can quickly lead to something deeper – disordered eating. At ABBI Clinic, we see how emotional struggles often link closely with […]