Are food companies, like tobacco companies, recruiting increasingly younger consumers in order to insure a steady customer base as their older constituents die from heart disease, diabetes, and other obesity-related disorders?

Definitely, media consistently works to attract young people by focusing media on young, beautiful people. Pay special attention to magazines and television commercials.... you're far more likely to see a group of young, well dressed, and good-looking people than any other age group.... psychologically.... everyone wants to be a part of the crowd.