'Mystery deepens': Sunita Williams denies health issues but doctor says 'this strikes me as low nutrition'
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Weighty Mystery
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams sparked concerns after a video address about her supposed weight loss. While Williams claims fluid shifts are behind the rumors, Dr. David Shaker, an internist at Holy Name Physicians in Hackensack, New Jersey sees signs of low-calorie intake.
Microgravity Effects
Weightlessness causes fluid to move upward, making astronauts’ heads appear puffy. Williams credits this shift for her changed appearance, though photos suggest a more “gaunt” look.
Muscle Gains?
Despite claiming muscle gains in her thighs and buttocks, Williams’ appearance tells a different story. Dr. Shaker notes that microgravity usually causes muscle groups to shrink, not expand.
Mission Extended
Originally set for 10 days, Williams' mission aboard the ISS now stretches to February 2025 due to technical issues. The extended isolation and high-caloric demands may contribute to her visible changes.
Nutritional Battle
Dr. Vinay Gupta, reviewing her images, noted a “sunken” look, adding to concerns. NASA, however, assures her health is monitored, with personalized diet and fitness routines onboard.
Calories Needed
Astronauts burn 3,500 calories daily on the ISS and rely on intense workout routines. Meeting these dietary needs is crucial, especially when symptoms like fluid shifts and motion sickness impact appetite.
Mental Toll
Dr. Shaker was quoted in a Daily Mail report that months of isolation can affect astronauts' mental and physical health, possibly leading to symptoms of anxiety or depression that can suppress appetite.
NASA’s Reassurance
NASA’s chief medical officer insists Williams is in good health, despite rumors. Still, sources report her weight loss as a priority concern, pushing her diet to possibly 5,000 calories daily.
Mind-Body Link
In extreme environments, mental resilience meets biochemical reality. Dr. Shaker highlights how serotonin and dopamine levels may drop, affecting both mood and weight—revealing space travel’s hidden strains.
