Hayden Panettiere Opens Up About the Emotional Struggles Leading to Her Sudden Weight Gain

Hayden Panettiere, a prominent figure in Hollywood, has shared her struggles following the unexpected passing of her brother, Jansen, earlier in 2023. During a recent interview with People, she opened up about her challenges with agoraphobia, which resurfaced after photographers intruded on her and her family during Jansen’s funeral. Grievously affected by his death from a heart condition, Hayden noted that this emotional turmoil led to significant weight gain, stating, “I just ballooned out.” However, through determination and working with a trainer, she has managed to lose the weight and is on a path to emotional recovery. She expressed that the loss of her brother will always weigh heavily on her heart.

According to a statement from his family reported by NBC News, Jansen’s death was attributed to cardiomegaly, a condition characterized by an enlarged heart, alongside complications from an aortic valve issue. He was just 28 at the time. Although this interview marked the first time Hayden publicly addressed Jansen’s death, she had briefly mentioned her grief in a prior public appearance.

Following her brother’s untimely death, Hayden made a courageous appearance on “Good Morning America” for the promotion of “Scream VI.” During this segment, host Michael Strahan extended his condolences, to which Hayden responded emotionally, expressing her belief that Jansen was still with her.

On the first anniversary of Jansen’s passing, Hayden shared a heartfelt message on Instagram (which has since been removed). She honored her brother with a tribute, stating, “Today is the 1-year anniversary of my little brother’s passing. Know that I keep him in my heart, keep his things close,” while also showcasing some of his artworks. She concluded with a touching message: “His AMAZING paintings are what I see when I wake up and when I go to sleep. Rest in peace my brother. One day we’ll meet again.”