As the maker of KitKat bars, Hot Pockets microwaveable sandwiches and Haagen-Dazs ice-cream, Nestle SA has long sold products associated with obesity and diabetes. Now, the company is aiming to build a business on foods that might help treat those conditions.

Nestle’s offerings include Boost shakes designed to help diabetics manage blood glucose levels and Peptamen Bariatric Formula, a tube-fed concoction for critically ill obese patients. Nestle aims to convince governments that it’s cheaper to deal with chronic diseases by preventing or treating them with food rather than medications.