Photos of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, 59, have revealed significant weight loss during her prolonged stay on the International Space Station (ISS). Williams and fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore, 61, have been aboard the ISS for five months due to Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft being deemed unsafe for their return to Earth.
A recent photo of Williams on September 24 showed her with noticeably sunken cheeks, sparking concerns over her health. Additional images have highlighted her thinner frame, with NASA publicly stating that she is “in good health” and undergoing regular medical evaluations. However, an unnamed NASA source indicated that the agency is working behind the scenes to “stabilize the weight loss and hopefully reverse it.”
Struggles to Meet High-Calorie Needs
According to the NASA insider, Williams has had difficulty keeping up with the high-caloric intake required to maintain weight in space. Long-duration missions pose health risks, especially for female astronauts, who can experience increased weight loss and muscle degradation. The source stated that Williams may need to consume up to 5,000 calories daily to regain her weight, well above the typical 1,600-2,400 calories for women on Earth.
Extended Mission Challenges
Initially scheduled for a 10-day mission, Williams and Wilmore have been on the ISS for over 150 days, now slated to return in February 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 Dragon capsule. By then, their mission will total eight to nine months, exposing them to microgravity, confined quarters, and elevated radiation levels.
Weight Loss Concerns and Medical Challenges in Space
The human body faces extreme challenges in microgravity, which can elevate calorie burn and lead to muscle and bone loss, a particular concern for female astronauts. NASA’s past research has shown that women often experience greater blood plasma loss and muscle degradation than men during spaceflight.
Williams and Wilmore’s extended mission on the ISS is not unprecedented; other astronauts have endured similar or longer stays. NASA, however, remains vigilant about Williams’ health, with continued focus on maintaining her nutritional intake and physical well-being.
