You could argue that, but I wouldn't say so. IIRC (I'd need to go back and dig up the research I read) high-calorie drinks appear to lack the satiating effect that solid foods have, even the high-caloric foods. The point is that high-caloric drinks (sodas, beer, gatoraid, etc) may throw off the body's energy/weight equilibrium more than junk foods.
I will argue that. Coke is definitely, in my mind, part of the "food industry". I speculate the article's author was also including soda manufacturers, due to the use of Dr. Pepper as an example. I personally believe soda is a major contributor to rising negative health problems. This is why I agree completely with and upvoted your previous comment that sugary drinks are a factor.
