May 6 (Reuters) - WW International ( WW ), formerly

known as WeightWatchers, said it plans to file for Chapter 11

bankruptcy protection on Tuesday, as the surging popularity of

obesity drugs eroded demand for its traditional weight-loss

programs.

The company plans to file for prepackaged bankruptcy as part

of negotiations with its lenders to cut its debt, it said.

In a prepackaged bankruptcy, a company and its creditors

agree on a reorganization plan prior to the bankruptcy filing.

The filing is expected soon, which will likely cover both WW

International ( WW ) and its subsidiaries, the company said.