Disclosed are MC-3/MC-4 receptor ligands, the ligands having the following formula: ##STR00001## wherein A is a conformationally restricted ring system selected from the group consisting of: a) non-aromatic carbocyclic rings; b) aromatic carbocyclic rings; c) non-aromatic heterocyclic rings; d) aromatic heterocyclic rings; wherein said rings comprises from 5 to 8 atoms; and W is a unit which preferable comprises D-1-fluorophenyalanine, Y comprises a heteroatom, and Z comprises an aromatic carbocyclic ring. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the ligands of the invention as well as methods of treating diseases mediated through MC-3/MC-4 receptors.