[Scalestein]

I think they go hand in hand to a degree. There aren't many "non-processed" (picked off a tree, animal products, etc.) foods which are as calorie dense as processed foods. Having access to something like twinkies or a powerbar makes it way easier to consume lots of calories.

[CadmiumYellow]

Exactly. Ultra-processed foods are a supernormal stimulus that drives an exaggerated response in humans, e.g. overeating.