The following editorial appeared in the Idaho Statesman.

We blame trans fat, soda drinks, carbohydrates, McDonald’s and Twinkies. We’ve even blamed our parents.

Now, we have resorted to blaming our best friends.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine said that people were most likely to become obese when a friend became obese. (Neighbors, by the way, are off the hook and apparently have no effect on weight gain.)

The greatest influence, the study said, was between close mutual friends. If one became obese, the other had a 171 percent increased chance of becoming obese, too.

Obesity can spread from person to person, much like a virus, researchers reported.

We don’t believe that friends cause us to be fat. What friends do is affirm our habits or our body image.

People with similar interests gravitate to each other. People who like to regularly drink beer and go to bars become friends and drink together. People who jog or join fitness clubs become friends and stay fit together.

The same can be said for those who like to eat. The problem is America is in the middle of a health care crisis and obesity is a major problem. Two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight and nearly one-third obese, which means they are more than 30 pounds over a doctor-recommended weight. Children also are becoming increasingly overweight and sedentary. Excessive weight and lack of exercise can cause serious health problems, including heart disease and diabetes.

Americans must stop the insanity. It is time to stop looking for something or someone to blame and start taking responsibility for our own health and fitness.

Weight gain may be difficult to avoid for some of us because of physical restrictions or other causes, such as prescription drugs. But for most of us, it’s a matter of moving more and eating better. It’s about being healthy and active and comfortable with our unique shape, not starving to become model thin.

So does this study imply that we get rid of overweight friends because they are not good for our health?

We say no. A friend can be your best influence to fighting obesity rather than causing it. Grab a friend – instead of a Twinkie – and inspire each other to be healthy.