The clinical characteristics of 15 male and 15 female bulimics matched as to age, duration of bulimia, and frequency of self-induced vomiting are compared. All subjects were given an extensive interview and psychometric evaluations to measure depression, anxiety, assertiveness, and attitudes about food and eating. Male subjects had relatively higher current and past weights, greater weight fluctuations, and more realistic perceptions about desired ideal weight than the women. Males also used fewer weight controls, such as laxatives, diet pills, and restrictive eating, but reported more present and past problems with drugs and alcohol. A statistically significant difference was found between men and women on marriage and sexual preference, with more women being married and more men reporting a homosexual or bisexual preference. Men and women scored similarly on psychometric measures. The findings are discussed in terms of differing sociocultural demands for men and women.