Many informants believed that the same amount of rice could be taken as frequent small meals since it was imbalance, rather than total quantity, that mattered. In the structured vignette study, 16 of 18 informants agreed that Mr Ali's doctor had underestimated the amount of rice he needed when advising him to reduce his food intake, and all 18 agreed he should take biscuits or other snacks between meals to sustain his strength. Only five thought that such snacks could
cause any harm.
In Bangladeshi society, feasts, festivals, and social occasions are common, culturally important, and centre on eating sweet and rich food. A calculated compromise between dietary compliance and social duty was usually made.