NASA has once again been in the spotlight due to speculation regarding the health of astronaut Sunita Williams, who is aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and recently took command of the orbiting outpost. Tabloids began spreading rumors about her significant weight loss, but the astronaut denied them during a press conference.
Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore were “stranded” in orbit after their return flight on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft was delayed due to technical problems. Of course, the astronauts didn’t know that their 8-day mission would stretch over 8 months. NASA assures that the astronauts’ health is carefully monitored, but the publication of the rumors has raised concerns about leaking sensitive information.
Refuting rumors
Sunita Williams stated that her weight had remained stable. She explained that microgravity changes the distribution of fluid in the body, which can create the visual effect of weight loss. She also noted that she exercises regularly and the result is already noticeable: “My thighs and buttocks have gotten bigger because of the exercise we do to keep fit in microgravity.”
J.D. Polk, NASA’s chief medical officer, said all astronauts on the ISS were in good condition. He stressed that the organization has years of experience in safely conducting long missions, during which astronauts follow a personalized diet and exercise regimen to stay healthy.
Gender issues
Rumors regarding Williams’ gaunt appearance have drawn criticism because of similarities to past cases of discrimination against female astronauts such as Sally Ride. Women have historically been subjected to an excessive focus on their appearance that their male counterparts have not experienced.
Recently, another NASA crew, which included astronaut Jeanette Epps, ended up in the hospital after returning to Earth due to unknown health problems of one of the crew members. However, the details of the case have not been disclosed, and even the name of the astronaut who ended up in intensive care after landing has not been released.
NASA continues to emphasize its dedication to astronaut safety while combating misinformation that harms the reputation of the organization and its missions.
Earlier we reported on how space affected human health.
Provided by The New York Post
