STARTING babies on the “Nordic Diet” holds the key to beating child obesity, according to new research.

Rich in low-protein foods such as berries, root vegetables and whole grains, as well as fish, experts say it instils healthier eating habits.

As part of the Swedish research, infants four to six months old were fed taster portions – as well as breast or formula milk.

A year later they were eating almost double the number of vegetables than those fed conventional baby foods.

Lead author Dr Ulrica Johansson, a paediatrician at Umea University, said there did not appear to be any side effects. She said: “A Nordic diet with reduced protein introduced to infants naive to this model of eating, increased the intake of fruit, berries, vegetables, and roots, establishing a preferable eating pattern lasting over a 12-month period.

“There were no negative effects on breastfeeding duration, iron status or growth.”

The World Health Organisation has said Britain could lower rates of cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease by embracing a Nordic-style diet.

More than 2.5 million children in England are considred too fat – with one in five obese by the time they leave primary school.

Parents of those on the Nordic diet found infants consumed 42 to 45 per cent more fruit and vegetables at 12-18 months of age, compared to those who were fed the conventional diet currently recommended by the Swedish Food Agency.