Final answer:
The proportion of body fat maintained through hunger and eating is called energy homeostasis, which is a balance maintained by complex physiological mechanisms and brain regulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The proportion of body fat that tends to be maintained by changes in hunger and eating is known as energy homeostasis. Our bodies are equipped with complex mechanisms to regulate energy intake and energy expenditure. When we consume food, our body uses signals of hunger and satiety, primarily controlled by the hypothalamus region of the brain, to maintain a proper balance.
Foods rich in fatty acids can help to promote a feeling of fullness more effectively than those that are rich in carbohydrates alone, thus influencing our eating behaviors and the maintenance of energy balance. Energy homeostasis ensures that if we consume more energy than we burn, the excess is stored as fat, and if we consume less, our body will use stored fat for energy.