Stranded astronaut Sunita Williams has spoken out after there were concerns about her health following new images from the International Space Station (ISS).
Last week, images of Williams aboard the ISS were circulated on social media as people grew concerned about her seemingly smaller frame.
Williams, 59 - along with Barry 'Butch' Wilmore, 61 - have found themselves unexpectedly marooned aboard the ISS after being launched aboard Boeing's Starliner on June 5.
After their mission veered off course due to severe technical issues - including thruster failures and helium leaks - the two astronauts understandably opted to remain on the ISS and await SpaceX’s Dragon capsule early next year, rather than return on the compromised spacecraft.
However, after new images of the astronauts were released last week, people took to social media platforms like X to express their concerns. "Suni Williams' condition doesn't look good," one person tweeted, with a second adding: "It looks like those two American astronauts stuck in the ISS are not in good health, especially Suni Williams."
Experts also shared their thoughts, with Dr. Vinay Gupta telling the Daily Mail: "What you're seeing there in that picture is somebody that I think is experiencing the natural stresses of living at a very high altitude, even in a pressurized cabin, for extended periods."
As rumors of health woes for Williams swirled around faster than a satellite in orbit, now the astronaut herself has brushed them off.
During a recent broadcast on the New England Sports Network Clubhouse Kids Show, the spacefarer reassured everyone that she's more fit than ever.
Williams explained the bizarre but well-documented phenomenon known as "fluid shift," which causes astronauts' bodily fluids to move upwards, making their faces appear puffier and their legs thinner. "Folks in space, you know, their heads look a little bit bigger because the fluid evens out along the body," she stated, dispelling fears of ill health.
Contrary to the widespread concern, Williams claims to have gained muscle mass, especially in her thighs and glutes, thanks to a rigorous exercise regimen that includes a lot of squats. "My thighs are a little bit bigger, my butt is a little bit bigger," she quipped.
This muscle gain narrative comes amid reports from a NASA insider who suggested that Williams has experienced significant weight loss due to challenges in keeping up with the caloric demands of space travel.
The anonymous source expressed concerns to The New York Post last week, stating: "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."
According to this source, NASA doctors had been working with Williams for about a month to boost her caloric intake even before the latest images went viral.
However, NASA has been quick to alleviate any fears regarding Williams' health, stating that all astronauts undergo routine medical evaluations and have dedicated flight surgeons ensuring their well-being. “All NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station are in good health,” affirmed the space agency.
Williams, along with fellow astronaut Wilmore, are awaiting their new ticket back to Earth via a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule - which isn't scheduled until February 2025, turning what was supposed to be an eight-day mission into a marathon stay in microgravity.
As it stands, the pair have spent more than 150 days off-planet.
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