Astronaut Sunita WilliamsThe 59-year-old has lost a massive amount of weight during her 155-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Recently released photos on X (formerly Twitter) have caused global concern, where she can be seen with sunken cheeks and a thin appearance. This shows that long-term space travel has had a very bad effect on his body. His condition remains critical NASA‘s health monitoring efforts as they work towards her drastic weight loss and try to improve her overall well-being.

Williams, who began his mission in June, initially weighed about 140 pounds (63 kg), but lost much of his weight as he spent longer in space. According to NASA officials, the combination of high calorie requirements and a rigorous daily exercise routine has made it challenging for Williams to maintain her weight. A NASA employee described him as “skin and bones” and stressed that stabilizing his condition became the top priority.

What is the reason for Sunita Williams’ massive weight loss?

In space, astronauts have to consume about 3,500 to 4,000 calories per day to maintain their weight due to the calorie-burning effects of living in a zero-gravity environment. Williams reportedly struggled to meet this intake, leading to rapid weight loss. “When you start lagging behind, you lose weight faster,” the employee told the New York Post. This calorie deficit, combined with more than two hours of exercise daily to maintain muscle and bone density, has placed additional strain on Williams’ health.

NASA doctors have been closely monitoring Williams’ condition for more than a month, even before his recent photos raised public concern. Although exercise is essential to combat the muscle atrophy and bone density loss that occurs in microgravity, it also burns calories at a faster rate, which is difficult to accomplish with the limited resources on the ISS. For female astronauts, the challenges may be even greater: Studies indicate that women lose muscle mass more quickly than men during space missions, partly due to metabolic differences. A 2023 NASA study found that female astronauts are more susceptible to muscle atrophy than their male counterparts, underscoring the unique physical effects of space on women.

Williams and fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore faced an unexpected challenge that prolonged their stay aboard the ISS. Initially there was a plan to return within eight days, but it encountered a technical glitch. boeing starliner Their planned trip back to Earth was halted. Instead, they have had to extend their mission while waiting for the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, which is expected to bring them home in February. This extended period has placed increased stress on Williams’ body, as she struggles to consume the calories needed to meet her body’s needs in space.

To reverse her weight loss, NASA reportedly increased Williams’ calorie intake to approximately 5,000 calories per day—which is almost double the intake required by an average adult woman on Earth, who gets about 1,600 to 2,400 calories per day. Is required. However, achieving this goal has proven challenging, as reduced appetite and gastrointestinal changes in microgravity can make eating large amounts of food difficult. Despite these difficulties, the NASA team is working to provide the nutritional support needed to stabilize his condition.

Williams’ commitment to health and fitness has been well documented. In 2007, she became the first person to run a marathon in space by completing the Boston Marathon on a treadmill on the ISS. However, the expanded demands of this mission have also tested its flexible nature.

With recent photos of Williams being widely circulated, the public is asking NASA questions about his well-being. As his return to Earth approaches, the NASA medical team is closely monitoring his health and adjusting his diet and exercise regimen to minimize the risk of any long-term effects.

What can Sunita Williams eat in space?

Because of the unique conditions of zero gravity, the food astronauts eat is specially adapted. To ensure that astronauts get the nutrition they need during their missions, NASA categorizes space food into different types.

The most common type is dehydrated food, where the water is removed to make storage easier. These foods can be rehydrated with water if needed in space.

Another category is thermostabilized foods, which include canned fruits, fish, puddings, and other shelf-stable items that can be kept at room temperature. Additionally, astronauts can enjoy ready-to-eat snacks such as dried fruits (peaches, pears, apricots), nuts, granola bars and cookies, which require no preparation.

Frozen meals are also available, including dishes like quiches, casseroles, and chicken pot pie. The recent viral photo of Williams enjoying pizza likely features one of these frozen meals.

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