The present invention relates to methods for elevating high density lipoprotein (HDL) plasma levels, decreasing the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the intestine, decreasing the plasma level of low density lipoprotein (LDL), and increasing the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids, utilizing LXRβ selective agonists, usually without elevating the plasma levels of triglycerides. Also provided are methods of using such agonists to treat metabolic diseases alone or in combination with other active agents. Also provided are methods for decreasing hyperglycemia and insulin resistance methods for treating type II diabetes, and methods for treating type II diabetes and reducing the cardiovascular complications of type II diabetes, utilizing an LXR agonist. Further provided are methods for treating obesity and methods for treating the complications of obesity including type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, administering an LXRα-selective antagonist.