The practice of self-induced vomiting among high school females.

Thirty-eight high school females who were practicing self-induced vomiting to control their weight were studied. Of these students, 9% practiced self-induced vomiting every time any food was ingested while 40% vomited only after a binge. On standardized measures, 58% of the females had disturbed attitudes toward eating, and 55% met the criteria for being psychologically unhealthy. Of the vomiters identified, 63% indicated that they would stop the practice if another effective method of weight control was available.