Nestle, the company behind Smarties, Chokito and Fantales, has announced it will soon engulf the weight-loss organisation Jenny Craig.

The chocolatier and multinational food company said it would acquire, at an undisclosed price, all shares of the group that controls the Jenny Craig franchise in Australia and New Zealand.

The acquisition next month will complete Nestle's takeover of Jenny Craig, a process which began in 2006 with the US$600 million buy-out of its international arm.

The weight-loss company was founded in Australia in 1983 and so it was fitting to reunite it with the growing international business, Jenny Craig chief executive Patti Larchet said.

"At Jenny Craig, we are committed to addressing the obesity epidemic and helping our clients lead healthier lives," Ms Larchet said in a statement.

"As we continue to evolve our program, the Australian market will benefit from our global program of innovation and scientific research."

Jenny Craig also operates in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, the UK and France.

Ms Larchet said the Australian and New Zealand Jenny Craig operations would report to the Jenny Craig global headquarters in California in the US and the new structure would not require redundancies.

When asked about its role in confectionery as well as the weight-loss industry, a Nestle spokesperson said chocolate could be part of a healthy diet.

"Chocolate in moderation can be a fun part of a balanced diet, as a treat," the spokesperson said.

"However, the rise of obesity is a major public health concern around the world and one which we share. The Jenny Craig acquisition allows us to help many of our consumers."

- AAP