Washington: The health of Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams has raised the concern of NASA doctors. Sunita Williams has lost a lot of weight since arriving at the International Space Station in June. According to the report of American media outlet New York Post, NASA doctors are trying their best to help him gain weight. In the recently released pictures, Sunita Williams looks very thin. The New York Post quoted a NASA employee directly associated with the mission as saying that Sunita Williams’ weight has reduced significantly. She has lost weight and is now just a skeleton of skin and bones, the officer said. So now the priority is to stop his weight loss and hopefully help reverse it.
stuck in space for 8 months
Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore were sent into space on June 5 this year in a Boeing Starliner. Before the flight, both of them had passed their pre-mission physical tests and had to stay on the International Space Station (ISS) for only eight days. But due to technical fault in Starline, they are stuck there.
SpaceX Crew Dragon has been sent to bring back Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore from space, but it will not return to Earth before February 2025. This means that the 8-day journey on which Sunita Williams went to space has completed 8 months.
Why does weight decrease in space?
The New York Post quoted NASA sources as saying that at the beginning of the mission, 5 feet 8 inches tall Sunita Williams weighed 63.5 kg. But as the mission progressed, the high-calorie diet provided to astronauts was no longer enough for Williams. Due to changes in metabolism, astronauts have to consume twice as many calories as on Earth.
NASA employee told that astronauts have to consume 3500 to 4000 calories daily to maintain their weight. If this does not happen, your weight starts falling rapidly. To keep his body fit in zero gravity, he has to exercise for two hours every day, which also burns calories.
What will Sunita Williams have to do?
The source said that Sunita Williams may have to eat up to 5000 calories per day to gain weight. NASA doctors began working with Williams about a month ago to help her gain weight. Many NASA studies show that space travel has a worse impact on women. A 2023 study found that female astronauts lost muscle mass at a faster rate than men.
How does microgravity affect an astronaut’s muscle and bone health over time?
Interview: The Health of Astronaut Sunita Williams
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good day, and thank you for joining us. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emily Richards, a leading expert in astronaut health and nutrition. Dr. Richards, thank you for taking the time to discuss the concerning reports regarding astronaut Sunita Williams.
Dr. Emily Richards: Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, especially as space missions become longer and more frequent.
Interviewer: To dive right in, reports indicate that Sunita has lost a significant amount of weight since arriving at the International Space Station (ISS). Can you explain what might be causing this weight loss?
Dr. Emily Richards: Absolutely. When astronauts are in space, they undergo several physiological changes due to the microgravity environment. One major factor is muscle atrophy and bone density loss. Additionally, the stress of space travel, changes in diet, and potential gastrointestinal issues can lead to weight loss.
Interviewer: It’s concerning to hear that she is described as “a skeleton of skin and bones.” What are the immediate health implications of such weight loss for an astronaut?
Dr. Emily Richards: Weight loss of that severity can lead to a variety of health issues. It can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of injury, and affect overall physical fitness, which is crucial for performing daily tasks in space. In extreme cases, it can also impact cognitive function and mood, both of which are essential for long-duration missions.
Interviewer: NASA doctors are actively trying to help her gain weight. What specific strategies can be implemented in a situation like this?
Dr. Emily Richards: The approach would typically involve increasing caloric intake with a focus on nutrient-rich foods. They might also introduce high-calorie supplements and ensure that she is able to eat enough during meal times. Moreover, optimizing meal timing and incorporating resistance exercises can help counteract muscle loss.
Interviewer: You mentioned cognitive function and mood. How do these factors play a role in supporting an astronaut’s health on long missions?
Dr. Emily Richards: Psychological well-being is crucial in space. The isolated and confined environment can lead to stress and anxiety, which can further affect physical health. Maintaining social connections, providing mental health support, and engaging in recreational activities are essential to ensure a well-rounded approach to an astronaut’s well-being.
Interviewer: With Sunita Williams now approaching eight months in space, how does this length of time impact her health compared to shorter missions?
Dr. Emily Richards: Longer missions put more strain on the body. The longer an astronaut is exposed to microgravity, the greater the risk for muscular and skeletal changes, cardiovascular issues, and psychological stress. Researchers are still learning about the long-term effects, so it’s vital that NASA continues to monitor her closely and implement effective countermeasures.
Interviewer: What lessons do you think we can learn from this experience regarding future missions, especially as we look toward Mars and beyond?
Dr. Emily Richards: This situation underscores the importance of robust health monitoring and intervention strategies for long-duration space travel. As we prepare for missions to Mars, we’ll need to develop comprehensive health programs that account for nutrition, exercise, and mental health—considerations that are just as important as the technical and scientific objectives of these missions.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Richards, for shedding light on this critical issue. We hope for Sunita Williams’ swift recovery and continued success as we look forward to the future of space exploration.
Dr. Emily Richards: Thank you! I’m hopeful, too, that with the right support, she will regain her health and continue to inspire many.