After her brother's sudden death, Hayden Panettiere developed agoraphobia and experienced rapid weight gain.

In February 2023, Hayden Panettiere's life took a tragic turn when her younger brother and fellow actor, Jansen Panettiere, was discovered dead in his New York apartment at the age of 28.

The aortic valve complications and enlarged heart led to his death, which the family later disclosed.

For the first time, "Bring It On: All or Nothing" actress is discussing the impact of Jansen's death on her, both mentally and physically.

"Panettiere stated in People magazine's cover story that he was her only sibling, younger than her, and it was her responsibility to safeguard him. After losing him, she felt as though she had lost half of her soul."

I recall telling someone that I would never get over the loss of him, even after just a year had passed, because he would always be with me.

Panettiere, now 35, stated that she will always be devastated about it and will never be able to move on from it.

She explained that while time can heal wounds, it can also change one's perspective and raise new questions, causing them to ponder and realize things they wish they hadn't.

"Recently, I've noticed that people often make a big fuss over small matters, and while it's admirable that they strive for perfection, it's understandable to become more selective about what we allow to upset us when we've experienced something as devastating as a catastrophic event in our lives."

Jansen's loss deeply affected her, and Panettiere admits that her grief was more intense than anything she had ever experienced.

"The actress shared how her body ballooned out after her little brother passed away. She explained that stress and cortisol running through her body caused the unexpected weight gain. Despite trying everything unhealthy and healthy, her body was like protecting itself and shielding itself from the world."

"I tried everything - everything unhealthy, everything healthy - didn't matter what I ate, didn't matter what I did. My body…it was like protecting itself, shielding itself from the world." — Hayden Panettiere

"I was shocked to see these horrific paparazzi pictures of me coming out of his funeral, which took place in a private place where we grew up. I didn't recognize myself in the photos, and it brought out my agoraphobia, something I haven't always struggled with."

Mayo Clinic defines agoraphobia as an anxiety disorder characterized by fear and avoidance of places or situations that may induce panic, feelings of being trapped, helpless or embarrassed.

"She remembered how she lived in sweatpants and t-shirts, feeling swallowed up and unflattering. It took her a long time to find an outfit that made her feel comfortable enough to leave the house and meet up with friends. This became a destructive hamster wheel of feeling unconfident and stuck in her appearance, unable to move away from it."

"I lived in sweatpants and t-shirts and things that swallowed me up and were not flattering on me." — Hayden Panettiere

"I was desperate because I wanted to continue working, but I didn't want to go to set and feel miserable. Additionally, I didn't want to attend fittings and see myself in the mirror, hating everything I saw," she stated.

With the assistance of her publicist, Panettiere has connected with a personal trainer and made a positive change in her fitness routine.

""Working out has not only helped me release stress and high expectations, but it has also allowed me to confront my agoraphobia. Looking in the mirror and feeling confident enough to leave the house is a great feeling," she said."