NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has been in the spotlight for months after being “stranded” alongside her partner on the International Space Station (ISS) for longer than expected. But this time it’s not about that, but about the weight loss she has experienced during her mission on the station.
Along with crewmate Barry Wilmore, Williams has remained in orbit far longer than planned. What was supposed to be a 10-day mission has turned into an extended stay due to problems with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft , raising concerns about the impact of microgravity on their health.
The effects of microgravity on the human body
Sunita Williams’ weight loss has caught the attention of NASA doctors, who have been monitoring her health with regular assessments. Although the space agency claims that the astronaut is in good physical condition , recent images show a significant reduction in her body mass, which has raised concerns among experts and the public.
Microgravity in space takes a heavy toll on muscle and bone mass, especially in women, who tend to experience greater muscle loss than men on long flights. Williams, who began the mission weighing about 140 pounds, now faces challenges staying fit, despite following the strict dietary guidelines required of astronauts on the ISS.
Sunita Williams’ weight loss could intensify
What seemed like a short mission has stretched out to more than 150 days. Williams and Wilmore must now wait until February 2025 to return to Earth in SpaceX’s Crew-9 Dragon capsule. During this time, Sunita Williams has had to deal with weight loss, which has been intensified by the challenges of life in space.
Astronauts must consume between 3,500 and 4,000 calories a day just to maintain their weight and Williams has been struggling to keep up with this caloric diet.
Despite the challenges, NASA remains committed to the health of its crew. While agency staff say there are no immediate health risks to Williams, the medical team is working to stabilize and hopefully reverse the weight loss.
The goal is for the astronaut to regain her physical condition before returning home and an increase in her caloric intake is being considered, even up to 5,000 calories per day .
Although Williams’ condition has raised concerns, her mission is not expected to be extended beyond the established deadline. NASA is taking all possible measures to ensure the well-being of the crew, who continue to carry out daily exercises to counteract the negative effects of microgravity.
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Source and internal photo: Dailymail
Main photo: NASA
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