The present invention discloses methods of using antagonists for melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), to treat obesity, metabolic disorders, eating disorders such as hyperphagia, and diabetes, as well as novel compounds which are antagonists for melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH). In other aspects, the invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such MCH antagonists as well as methods for preparing such compounds. Compounds of the invention generally have the structure: ##STR00001## where the substituents are as defined herein.