Provided are MC4-R binding compounds of the formula XVII: ##STR00001## wherein L.sub.2 is a linker group, and P.sup.1, P.sup.2, P.sup.3, P.sup.4, Z.sup.1, Z.sup.2, Z.sup.3, Z.sup.4, Z.sup.5, t, s, and R are as described in the specification. Methods of using the compounds to treat MC4-R associated disorders, such as disorders associated with weight loss, are also provided.