Wed Nov 13 11:27:38 UTC 2024: ## Astronaut Sunita Williams Addresses Weight Concerns, Says Appearance Changes Due to “Fluid Shift”
Astronaut Sunita Williams, currently aboard the International Space Station, has addressed concerns about her appearance, which sparked widespread worries about her health.
Williams, 59, appeared gaunt and thinner in a recent NASA photo, prompting speculation about potential weight loss. However, she has assured the public that she is healthy and attributed the change in her appearance to “fluid shift,” a common phenomenon experienced by astronauts in space.
“Folks in space, you know, their heads look a little bit bigger because the fluid evens out along the body,” Williams explained. She added that she has actually gained muscle since her return trip home was delayed until February, citing her increased thigh and buttock size due to regular exercise.
While Williams has maintained her health, a NASA employee involved in her mission expressed concern about her weight loss. The source claims Williams has “lost a lot of weight” and is “skin and bones,” attributing it to difficulties maintaining a high-calorie diet during her extended stay on the ISS.
NASA has reassured the public that Williams is in good health and undergoes regular medical evaluations. The agency has also stated that doctors have been working with Williams for a month to help her gain weight, even before the recent media attention.
Williams and fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore have been stranded on the ISS for over five months after their Boeing Starliner craft malfunctioned. They are expected to return home aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule in February 2025.
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