There is a common misconception that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice. Eating disorders are actually serious and often fatal illnesses that are associated with severe disturbances in people's behaviours and related thoughts and emotions. Preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape may also signal an eating disorder. Common eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia nervosa, and bings-eating disorder. Eating disorders can affect people of all ages, race, body type and gender.