Why do I keep snacking?

[Emmascout1774]

Hi everyone, any advice appreciated!
basically, for the last twenty years, I’ve had a compulsion to snack all the time. There have been times when I’ve been able to keep a lid on it but the urge is always there, even when not remotely hungry. I feel I am depriving myself if I don’t snack, and I know that intellectually that isn’t true but I can’t shake it.
i’m embarrassed to say it definitely is reducing my enjoyment of life and has done for a long time. I almost don’t want to fix it because that would involve accepting that I’ve not made the most of the last twenty years.
it started at university when I was really unhappy. I have lots to enjoy in my life now but can’t shake this snacking.
i’m heavier than I want to be and my teeth aren’t great because of all of this. Most importantly it’s this horrible stressful compulsion. Help.

Have you read up on UPF and sugar, and how they make us want to keep eating? I.e. it’s not you that has a problem. It’s not your fault.

Have you reflected on what is happening when you reach for a snack? Are you feeling certain emotions? Or do particular recurring situations lead to snacking?

@Peae is absolutely correct regarding UPFs. I've also linked below to an article that explains the mechanisms behind cravings, compulsive eating and 'supernormal stimuli' (which UPFs are) better than I ever could:

www.eatlikeanormalperson.com/overcoming-food-addiction/