Why did Sunita Williams, trapped in the space station, start losing weight? You will also be stunned to know the reason
Science News Desk – The rapidly decreasing weight of Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams has posed a new challenge to NASA doctors. Since reaching the International Space Station (ISS) in June, his weight has been continuously decreasing, which has become a matter of concern for doctors. According to a report in the American newspaper New York Post, NASA experts are making every possible effort to bring his weight back to normal level. Seeing Sunita Williams looking thin in the recently released pictures, experts have become very alert about her health. According to the report, a NASA official said that Sunita’s weight has reduced significantly and now she looks very thin. The officer says that the priority in this situation is to normalize his weight.
That’s why the mission time increased
On June 5 this year, Sunita Williams and her partner Barry Wilmore were sent into space via Boeing Starliner. Initially his mission was only for eight days, but due to a technical fault in the Starliner, his space stay was extended. During this period, being stuck in space for a long time has had an adverse effect on his health. Now their space mission has been extended for eight months and their return to Earth will be possible only by February 2025. So now NASA is completely focusing on maintaining his health condition.
Reasons for weight loss in space
Weight loss in space is a common phenomenon, especially in long missions. According to the report, astronauts need more calories than those living on earth. At the beginning of the mission, Sunita Williams’ weight was 63.5 kg and her height was 5 feet 8 inches. But even the high-calorie diet they received was not meeting their needs. The metabolism of the human body speeds up in space, which requires more calories. NASA experts say that a typical astronaut should consume 3500 to 4000 calories per day to keep his weight stable. Apart from this, to keep the body fit in zero gravity, about two hours of exercise every day is also necessary, which burns calories and also reduces weight.
Special arrangement for Sunita Williams
NASA doctors started paying attention to Sunita’s health about a month ago, so that effective steps can be taken to improve her condition. Sunita has been suggested to eat up to 5000 calories per day, so that her body’s energy needs are met and her weight remains balanced. Many NASA studies have also revealed that space travel has a more negative impact on women. According to a 2023 study, women’s muscles are weaker than men’s while living in space. Because of this, female astronauts have to be even more careful.
