NASA is currently facing an urgent situation with astronaut Sunita Williams, who has experienced significant weight loss during her extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Since her arrival in June, Williams, now 59 years old, has lost a considerable amount of weight, prompting medical teams to take immediate action to help her regain the lost pounds.

Recent photographs of Williams reveal a startling transformation, showcasing her noticeably thinner frame and sunken cheeks. A NASA employee closely involved with the mission expressed concern, stating, “She has lost a lot of weight. The pounds have melted off her and she’s now skin and bones. So it’s a priority to help her stabilize the weight loss and hopefully reverse it.” This alarming situation has raised questions about the challenges astronauts face in maintaining their health while in space.

Initially, Williams and fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore were scheduled for an eight-day mission aboard the ISS and had successfully passed their pre-mission physicals. However, complications arose when their Boeing Starliner spacecraft encountered technical issues, leaving them stranded in space. As a result, they have now been aboard the ISS for a total of 155 days.

Reports indicate that Williams began her mission at a weight of approximately 140 pounds. However, as the duration of her stay on the ISS extended beyond the original plan, she struggled to adhere to the high-caloric diet necessary for astronauts. Due to the unique environment of space, astronauts are required to consume between 3,500 to 4,000 calories daily to maintain their weight, which is significantly higher than the average caloric intake for individuals on Earth.

As the mission progressed, Williams found it increasingly challenging to meet these dietary requirements. The zero-gravity environment affects metabolism, making it essential for astronauts to consume more calories than they would typically need on Earth. The NASA employee noted, “When you start falling behind, your weight drops fast.” The combination of dietary challenges and the physical demands of space travel has created a pressing need for intervention.

In addition to their dietary needs, astronauts are also required to engage in over two hours of exercise each day to preserve muscle mass and bone density. This rigorous exercise routine further complicates weight maintenance, as it leads to increased calorie expenditure. Williams, who is known for her passion for running, previously made history in 2007 by becoming the first person to run a marathon in space, completing the Boston Marathon on a treadmill.

To address her weight loss, NASA doctors have been collaborating with Williams for about a month, working on strategies to increase her caloric intake. The goal is to help her regain the lost weight and stabilize her health before her eventual return to Earth. Reports suggest that to effectively put on weight, Williams may need to consume up to 5,000 calories daily, a stark contrast to the average caloric needs of women on Earth, which typically range from 1,600 to 2,400 calories.

The situation has garnered significant attention, with concerns about Williams’ health resonating globally. As NASA continues to monitor her condition closely, the agency remains committed to ensuring the well-being of its astronauts, especially in the face of unforeseen challenges during space missions.

As Williams and Wilmore await their return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, scheduled for February, the focus remains on her health and the necessary steps to help her regain strength and stability during this unprecedented situation. The ongoing challenges faced by astronauts in space highlight the importance of understanding the human body’s responses to extended periods in a microgravity environment, paving the way for future missions and the health of astronauts in the years to come.