NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, currently spending an extended period on the International Space Station, has addressed rumors circulating about her weight loss in space. In a recent video, she dispelled these speculations, confirming that her weight remains the same since her mission began. However, Williams shared some fascinating insights into how her body has adapted to the unique environment of space.
Williams humorously explained that despite maintaining the same weight, there’s a noticeable shift in fluid distribution throughout her body. She attributed this to a phenomenon known as ‘fluid shift,’ which explains why the heads of astronauts appear larger in space, as fluids tend to even out across the body.
“There are a lot of changes that go on here, but… it’s funny I think there’s some rumors around outside that I am losing weight… I’m actually right at the same amount,” she said. “I’m the same weight that I was when I got up here. I think things shift around quite a bit…”
Further addressing the changes in her body, Williams highlighted the impact of her dedicated exercise routine on her physique. “Butch [Wilmore] and I have been up here for a number of months. We’ve been in the workout here. We’ve got a bike, we got a treadmill, and we got weightlifting equipment, and I could definitely tell that weightlifting, which is not something I do all the time, has definitely changed me,” she shared.
She specifically pointed out how weightlifting, particularly squats, has led to noticeable changes in her thighs and buttocks: “… my thighs are a little bit bigger, my butt is a little bit bigger. We do a lot of squats and just go back to the treadmill.”
The astronauts’ exercise regimen is crucial for maintaining bone density, especially in their hips and feet. This focus on bone health is essential for the long duration of their space mission.
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were initially scheduled to return to Earth a few weeks after their launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner on June 5. However, due to unexpected anomalies with their spacecraft, their return was delayed. They are now expected to return to Earth in February 2025, traveling on a SpaceX Dragon craft.
Williams’ candid revelation about her experience in space highlights the fascinating ways our bodies adapt to extreme environments. Her insights not only debunked weight loss rumors but also offer a glimpse into the unique challenges and adaptations astronauts face during their time beyond Earth.
