Processed foods often contain high levels of sugar, fat, and salt, making them calorie-dense but nutritionally poor. This can lead to weight gain as they may not provide the satiety that whole foods do, prompting overeating. Furthermore, processed foods can disrupt normal metabolism and lead to health issues like insulin resistance. For efficient weight management, it is crucial to limit processed food consumption and focus on a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods that are lower in calories and higher in nutrients.