Compounds that promote growth hormone releasing activity are disclosed. These compounds have the formula: A1-A2-X; Al1′-X′; or A1″-Y These compounds can be present in a pharmaceutical composition. The compounds can be used with a second compound that acts as an agonist at the growth hormone releasing hormone receptor or which inhibits the effects of somatostatin. These compounds can be used for a variety of uses such as treating hypothalamic pituitary dwarfism, osteoporosis, burns, or promoting wound healing.