Krispy Kreme, a big doughnut maker, has blamed in part rising interest in low-carb diets for its recent profits warning.

ECONOMIST: Convenience food

"New Year's resolutions could lead to more people trying low-carb diets, " wrote Morgan Stanley's William Pecoriello in a research note today.

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Another persistent criticism is that low-carb diets increase the risk of heart disease, although defenders argue the science doesn't support this.

BBC: Atkins and the never-ending battle over carbs

Are low-carb diets like Atkins a passing fad?

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He says there is an enormous amount of scientific research that supports low-carb diets - particularly studies which find them superior to low-fat, calorie-restricted diets for weight loss - and the internet shows "first hand accounts from countless individuals who have transformed their health for the better using low-carbohydrate eating".

BBC: Atkins and the never-ending battle over carbs