In fact, the latest federal data suggest that childhood obesity has hit a plateau, at least temporarily, after increasing for decades. Yet related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease remain a major concern.

Parents can't help noticing the headlines: More than 6 million American kids now have fatty liver disease ... childhood obesity expected to worsen the type 2 diabetes epidemic ... child care can make kids fat ... kids keep downing sugar and other junk food .... So what can you do? Plenty.

First of all, check with your children's pediatrician if you have concerns. Fully discuss the benefits and risks of any recommended medications -- but cholesterol drugs won't be the first line of treatment for most kids. There are many ways to tackle childhood obesity, high cholesterol and related conditions that don't involve side effects. For example:

• Set an example. Parents who exercise regularly and eat healthy foods create a powerful role model.
  
  
• Be active as a family. This may include walks, bicycling, skating, basketball, soccer, tennis, hide and seek, swimming, rock climbing, yoga, Wii Fit -- show that exercise is fun, not a chore.
  
  
• Promote good sleep habits. Keep regular bedtimes and allow for adequate rest -- recent studies indicate that inadequate sleep may promote obesity and diabetes.
  
  
• Serve a nutritious breakfast. Skipping the morning meal reduces your child's energy and attention span, and often leads to snacking and weight gain.
  
  
• Keep nutritious snacks on hand. Tasty examples: apple slices or celery sticks with peanut butter, carrot sticks and cucumber slices with hummus or tabouli, other fruits and vegetables, low-fat cheese and yogurt.
  
  
• Don't make kids finish every meal or eat when they aren't hungry.
  
  
• Don't reward or comfort your child with food.
  
  
• Limit fast food, soda and juices.
  
  
• Urge schools to serve better meals and restrict junk food and vending machines.
  
  
• Control TV and computer time. Try writing a contract that sets limits.
  
  
• Check out the benefits of breastfeeding. Some research has found that this helps babies avoid obesity.