Astronaut Sunita Williams, who has been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS), addressed growing concerns about her health, dismissing them as mere “rumors.”
She explained that her altered appearance, seen in a recent NASA photo where she looked gaunt with sunken cheeks, was due to a phenomenon known as “fluid shift.”
The 59-year-old astronaut explained during an appearance on the New England Sports Network’s Clubhouse Kids Show that the fluid redistribution in space causes astronauts’ heads to appear larger and can lead to visible changes in their bodies. “Things shift around quite a bit,” Williams said, referring to the effects of fluid movement in space.
NASA has noted that fluid shifts affect about half of all astronauts aboard the ISS, leading to increased fluid volume and pressure in the head. Despite concerns about her weight, Williams defended her condition, saying that she had gained muscle mass, particularly in her thighs and buttocks, due to the physical exercise required in space.
However, a NASA source familiar with her mission reported that Williams had indeed lost significant weight, stating she had become “skin and bones.” This source emphasized the priority of stabilizing her weight loss. Williams, who initially planned for only an eight-day mission, has struggled to maintain the high-calorie diet required for astronauts.
NASA clarified that there are no serious health concerns regarding Williams.
The agency reassured the public that astronauts undergo regular medical assessments and are closely monitored by flight surgeons.
Williams and fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore have been stranded for over five months due to technical issues with their Boeing Starliner craft.
While a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule is scheduled to bring them home, it won’t be until February 2025.
