The present invention relates to certain amide derivatives that have the ability to inhibit 11-�-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11�-HSD-1) and which are therefore useful in the treatment of certain disorders that can be prevented or treated by inhibition of this enzyme. In addition the invention relates to the compounds, methods for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and the uses of these compounds in the treatment of certain disorders. It is expected that the compounds of the invention will find application in the treatment of conditions such as non-insulin dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), insulin resistance, obesity, impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, lipid disorders such as dyslipidemia, hypertension and as well as other diseases and conditions.