This paper says, " we found that dietary adherence played a more significant role than caloric restriction in distinguishing the two groups". Also, "First, the

This paper says, " we found that dietary adherence played a more significant role than caloric restriction in distinguishing the two groups". Also, "First, there seems to be a heightened neural response to highly processed foods, which have been developed in the industry to be hyperpalatable. These foods might not be as effective in reducing appetite after eating.30,31 Second, highly processed foods tend to be high in added sugars and saturated and trans fats and depleted in most micronutrients and other bioactive compounds and fiber.32,33 This differential dietary composition might have an impact on the overall metabolism of the food, directing it into different metabolic pathways, with different efficiency.34 Third, the calories provided in highly processed foods are easier to access than those in less processed foods,35 so even if the diet provides similar calories, these are not equally available." So calorie as measured ex vivo is not necessarily equivalent to other calories measured ex vivo. The biome studies and insulin resistance/RQ differences also suggest that a calorie is not necessarily just a calorie for different individuals. So it's probably more "a calorie available to your metabolism" rather than "a calorie into your mouth."