Astronaut Sunita Williams’ weight loss raises concerns, NASA responds

Initially set for 8 days, Sunita Williams' mission extends past 155 days due to Boeing Starliner issues.

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NASA has refuted media claims regarding astronaut Sunita Williams' health aboard the International Space Station (ISS), assuring the public that she is in good health and undergoing regular medical evaluations.

Recent tabloid reports, including articles from The Daily Mail and The New York Post, raised concerns about Williams’ well-being after an image surfaced on September 24.

NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Commander Suni Williams wears a pirate's eye patch in celebration of Halloween while orbiting Earth aboard the International Space Station. (Image credit: NASA)

“Williams is in good health,” NASA said in a statement on November 7. “We are not tracking any concerns with her or any other astronaut aboard the ISS.” The agency reassured that all NASA astronauts undergo routine health evaluations and are continuously monitored by dedicated flight surgeons.

Williams, who has been on the ISS since June, has experienced weight loss during her extended mission, prompting NASA to ramp up nutritional support efforts.

Initially scheduled for an eight-day mission, Williams, 59, and her fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore were stranded due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner.

Williams arrived at the International Space Station in June as new photos showed her looking jarringly gaunt, with sunken cheeks and a noticeably thinner frame. NASA

As a result, they’ve spent over 155 days on the station, awaiting a planned return aboard a SpaceX capsule in February 2025.

An unnamed NASA employee shared that maintaining weight in space requires substantial caloric intake and rigorous exercise, factors compounded by the weight loss risks specific to female astronauts.

'Williams’ metabolic needs may now require a diet of up to 5,000 calories daily, above the standard 3,500-4,000 calories needed in space.'

In response to media speculation, NASA clarified that Williams remains “in good health,” with routine medical evaluations conducted by NASA’s flight surgeons.

The agency stated that all ISS crew members are closely monitored to ensure they remain in stable condition. Supplies, including ample food, are available to support the astronauts through their prolonged stay.

NASA also pointed out that female astronauts may experience muscle and weight loss faster than their male counterparts, a factor under further study.

The agency maintains confidence in Williams’ resilience and her ability to complete the mission safely.