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