The present invention features truncated MCH analogs active at the melanin concentrating hormone type 2 receptor (MCH-2R) and uses of such analogs. Truncated MCH analogs described herein include those active at MCH-2R and MCH-1R, and those selectively active at MCH-2R. MCH-2R analogs have a variety of different uses including being used as a research tool and being used therapeutically.