NASA "Gasp" at Astronaut Sunita Williams' Dramatic Weight Loss in Space

NASA officials are growing increasingly concerned about the unexpected weight loss of astronaut Sunita Williams, who has been living on the International Space Station (ISS) since June. The 59-year-old astronaut's weight loss has become a priority for doctors, who are working to help her stabilize and gain weight.

According to a NASA source, Williams' weight loss is significant enough to warrant concern, with the astronaut now appearing "skin and bones" in recently released photos. The photos show Williams looking gaunt, with sunken cheeks and a noticeably thinner frame, raising alarms among those involved in the mission. Williams, who stands at 5-foot-8 and started her mission at 140 pounds, requires a daily caloric intake of approximately 5,000 calories to maintain her weight.

Despite this need, Williams has struggled to maintain the high-caloric diet, raising health concerns among NASA officials. A NASA employee involved in the mission stated that the photos of Williams' appearance "gasp[ed] out loud," highlighting the severity of the situation. Williams herself has addressed the health concerns, attributing her "gaunt" appearance to "fluid shift," a phenomenon that causes body fluids to redistribute in space, leading to a puffy face and thinner legs.

Adding to the concerns, NASA has a history of recognizing the unique challenges faced by female astronauts, as highlighted in a 2014 study. The study found that female astronauts are more prone to blood plasma loss in space, which can contribute to muscle depletion. While a pulmonologist notes that Williams' appearance is alarming, it is not an immediate danger, the situation remains a cause for concern.

As Williams prepares to spend nearly another year in space before returning to Earth in February 2025, her weight loss and related health concerns will continue to be closely monitored by NASA. With a rigorous exercise routine, including squats, helping her to gain muscle albeit not weight, the focus is now on supporting her in achieving a healthy and stable body composition while in space.