Bicyclic heteroaromatic compounds of structural formula I are inhibitors of stearoyl-coenzyme A delta-9 desaturase (SCD). The compounds of the present invention are useful for the prevention and treatment of conditions related to abnormal lipid synthesis and metabolism, including cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis; obesity; Type 2 diabetes; insulin resistance; hyperglycemia; Metabolic Syndrome; neurological disease; cancer; and liver steatosis. Formula (I). ##STR00001##