Time machine keeps repeating backup of entire iMac harddrive

Two issues with Time Machine:
ISSUE ONE: Time Machine is backing up my ENTIRE hard drive, which takes several hours, every time it automatically backs up which is often - not just the changes that are due to me working on the computer and editing existing files or creating new files. I want Time Machine to only update the changes as per the description of how this software is supposed to function as provided by Apple.
ISSUE TWO: I excluded some files from the backup to reduce the volume that was being frequently backed up, assuming I had the option to return them to the list of files to be backed up but it seems I cannot do so. You can only exclude files from the backup and not reverse this action which doesn't make sense at all.
I would like to resolve both issues.

Hi, and welcome to the forums.
Both problems may be caused by the preference file being corrupted. Try a "full reset" of Time Machine, per #A4 in Time Machine - Troubleshooting (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum).
If that doesn't stop the full backups, is your entire system being backed-up each time, or only your home folder? If in doubt, create another one via +System Preferences > Accounts+ and see if it's affected, too.

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