Due to lack of gravity, prolonged space travel affects the human body in numerous ways. One of the first changes astronauts notice is muscle atrophy. Muscles that are typically responsible for maintaining posture begin to weaken when they are no longer required to work in microgravity. Another critical issue is the loss of bone mass. In microgravity, astronauts can lose 1-2% of their bone mass each month, leading to weakened bones that are more prone to fractures. Over a six-month mission, bone mass could decrease by up to 10%, with recovery potentially taking several years after returning to Earth. Even with daily exercise and dietary supplements, astronauts are not fully able to counteract these effects. Being in Space for a long duration also impacts the cardiovascular system. Blood tends to accumulate in the upper body due to the absence of gravity, which can lead to changes in vision and facial appearance. Astronauts often experience a puffier face and thinner limbs, a phenomenon known as ‘fluid shift.’
With the unforeseen prolong stay of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams in the space such theories are making news raising concern about the health conditions of the two. But to the relief of many, in a recent video update, Sunita Williams addressed concerns about changes in her appearance, particularly the noticeable weight loss. She explained that the changes were not caused by weight loss but by ‘fluid shift,’ where bodily fluids shift upwards toward the face and upper body. “When you don’t have gravity pulling your fluids down, everything moves upwards. Your face puffs up, your limbs tend to get thinner,” Williams explained. Despite these changes, Williams noted that she has gained muscle mass, especially in her legs, thanks to regular exercise. Williams also shared some details about her meals in space, saying that she enjoys dishes like Turkish fish stew with olives and rice. Although she did not go into specifics about her diet plan, she reassured the public that she is getting proper nutrition during her extended stay. “I get plenty of food, and I’m in good shape,” she added.
When they departed in June, Wilmore, 61, and Williams, 59, were only expected to be in space for eight days. However, they were left stranded when the Boeing Starliner aircraft that was meant to return them to Earth experienced thruster problems and helium leaks, making a manned return journey too risky. Until February 2025, when a SpaceX Dragon craft is scheduled to rescue them, the astronauts will have to remain on the space station, which is 254 miles above Earth.
Certainly, food supplies have been strained by the unforeseen extended stay. They began by enjoying pizza, roast chicken, prawn cocktails and fresh fruit and vegetables. However, they are now mostly consuming dehydrated casseroles, freeze-dried soup made with water from the station’s 530-gallon tank, and breakfast cereal with powdered milk. To ensure there is as little waste as possible, the ISS recycles the astronauts’ sweat and urine into fresh water.
NASA physicians closely monitor the pair’s diet to make sure they get enough calories to maintain their health throughout the lengthy mission. Both astronauts appear to have visibly lost weight, with Sunita stating that her gaunt appearance is due to the impact of microgravity during a long space stay rather than her diet. The world prays for their safe return until 2025.
