Tackling obesity will be the top priority for Kansas’ top health official in the coming year.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Dr. Robert Moser says the number of overweight adolescents and adults has risen steadily over the last 15 years.

Moser told The Lawrence Journal-World he’s concerned about health conditions related to obesity, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, increased risk of diabetes and arthritis.

He says his office will encourage organizations, businesses and schools to offer more health-related activities in 2012.

Other priorities include working toward accreditation with the American Public Health Association, decreasing infant mortality, increasing immunizations and lowering tobacco use across the state.