'Didn't recognise myself': Hayden Panettiere details physical toll her brother's death had on her

Hayden Panettiere has opened up about the physical toll her brother's death had on her.

The actress' brother Jansen, 28, died in 2023 due to an undiagnosed heart condition.

In a new interview with People, the star, 35, said she gained weight and suffered with agoraphobia after her younger brother died.

Watch the video above.

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After Jansen's shock death, Panettiere said her body did something she had "never really seen it do before" and within days had "ballooned out".

The Nashville star rapidly gained 40 pounds.

"I know stress and cortisol running through your body can do that," she continued.

The singer said she "tried everything" but it ultimately didn't matter what she ate or did.

"Now I think my body was protecting itself, shielding itself from the world."

After her rapid weight gain, Panettiere shared she suffered from agoraphobia.

According to the Victoria Government Better Health Channel, agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder where a person is afraid to leave a safe environment – typically their home.

The actress recalled seeing '"horrific" photos taken of her leaving her brother's funeral.

"I didn't recognise myself. My agoraphobia came out, which is something I've struggled with in the past," she told the outlet.

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Panettiere said she lived in trackpants and t-shirts and clothes that weren't flattering.

"It took me so long to pick out an outfit that I felt comfortable enough in to just leave the house, go meet up with my friends."

The actress explained it impacted her ability to work as she struggled with fittings.

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Panettiere's younger brother Jansen died on February 19, 2023.

His official cause of death was later revealed by the family in a statement obtained by US network ABCdue to an enlarged heart.

The actress and her parents remembered Jansen for his "charisma, warmth, compassion for others."

Panettiere rose to fame on the 2006 series Heroes. She is known for her roles in '00s films such as I Love You, Beth Cooper, Bring It On: All or Nothing and Scream 4.

From 2012 to 2018, she starred as Juliette Barnes on the TV series Nashville.

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