Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams, who has been on the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2023, has finally broken her silence on relentless speculation about her health. In an open interview published by NASA on its YouTube channel, Williams speaks of claims about her weight loss and proves reality about life in space.
Rumors and Speculation
Rumors about Williams’ health have been circulating for long months, especially following her visit with sunken cheeks and a slim look. It was noted by observers that the astronaut apparently lost considerable weight. These speculations were exacerbated by the fact that Williams’ longer mission aboard the ISS has already surpassed the duration planned initially for her stay.
The astronaut will complete over five months in space – more than the standard six-month stretches astronauts spend aboard the ISS. She has been out there for so long because of an unexpected delay in the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which failed to land on Earth as it was programmed to do, leaving Williams and her mission mate, astronaut Barry Wilmore, to stay on the ISS until at least February 2025.
Despite the harsh conditions in space, Williams has always kept a positive attitude and further emphasized that there is nothing to worry about her health.
Countering Health Anxiety
In a recent interview with New England Sports Network Clubhouse Kids Show, Williams tackled rumors regarding her health head-on. “Folks in space, you know, their heads look a little bit bigger because the fluid evens out along the body,” she explained, referencing one of the common happenings astronauts experience due to the microgravity of space.
One of the most well-known effects of space travel is the fluid shift that causes bodily fluids to collect at the upper parts of the body when astronauts are in weightlessness. As part of its research, NASA has indeed studied the increase in intracranial pressure and swelling in the retina, an important system often affected that may lead to loss of vision. This phenomenon refers to a study in 2020, when NASA astronaut Andrew Morgan was featured after he led research in how fluid shifts contribute to such problems.
Despite these changes, Williams clarified that she hasn’t lost weight as some had suggested. As a matter of fact, she said that, during her extended mission, she “bulked up.” Her thighs are a little bit bigger, her butt is a little bit bigger, she said, with a smile on her face while attributing these changes to the rigorous exercise regimen that astronauts do to mitigate bone density loss in microgravity. “We do a lot of squats,” she added.
Inconsistent Statements from NASA Sources
Williams claims about her health appear to exist in stark contrast to a quote recently obtained from a NASA insider saying that she returned from her visit in space having lost considerable weight. The anonymous was suggesting that she hadn’t been putting in enough calories at NASA and “melted off” the pounds, making her “skin and bones.” The insider went on to say that this was troubling enough that the condition of the astronaut had reached such a state that the focus needed to become stabilizing rather than attempting to recover her weight.
But official NASA Jimi Russell reacted quickly to deny such claims, stating that all the astronauts who are on board ISS are under periodic medical checkup and that Williams is being closely monitored by the flight surgeons. “All the astronauts of NASA who are on board the International Space Station are healthy,” confirmed Russell, reiterating that the statements about Williams’ health have no factual basis from the point of view of the space agency.
The future course for Williams and Wilmore
Despite statements and health rumors that seem to stir controversy, Williams is more than optimistic about her mission and her well-being. She continues her work on board the ISS, and contributes importantly to research, keeping fit through regular exercise routines, as well. It will not be before February 2025 that she and fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore return to Earth following the successful launch of a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. The return will finally end an extended and unexpected sojourn in space, which initially had surpassed the set plans.
Apart from being a passenger on the NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov within the Crew-9 mission, this capsule is expected back on Earth after completing a series of tasks aboard the ISS.
There have been reports and discussions about the health implications of keeping astronaut Sunita Williams on board the ISS for a long time. However, Astronaut Williams dismissed the rumors saying she was fit and in good health. This is attributable to NASA’s strict monitoring as well as the dedication of the astronaut towards her exercise routine, thus making her overcome the physical life aspects while in orbit and perform her role with ease. Her candor in the interview reminds us of the specific challenges astronauts face when on long-duration missions and why it is necessary to stay informed and grounded in scientific facts.
