NASA is facing a concerning issue as female astronaut Jasmin Williams has experienced significant weight loss during an unexpectedly extended stay on the International Space Station (ISS). Originally meant to last only ten days, the mission stretched to over five months, bringing new challenges as the human body contends with the rigors of long-term spaceflight. Williams’ weight loss, attributed largely to muscle depletion, has raised health concerns among NASA staff and medical experts, with photos showing her appearing notably thinner than at the mission’s outset.
When Williams and her fellow astronaut, Barry Wilmore, departed for the ISS on June 5, they expected a brief mission. However, circumstances have kept them aboard the station for over 150 days, and they are now scheduled to return to Earth in February 2025 on SpaceX’s Crew-9 Dragon capsule.
The prolonged exposure to microgravity, confined quarters, and space radiation has resulted in significant physiological changes for the crew, including muscle mass loss and an increased caloric burn as their bodies adapt to the harsh environment of space.
Space conditions cause the body to burn calories faster due to factors like microgravity and the need to maintain body temperature in a cold, oxygen-limited environment. The body’s response to reduced oxygen levels includes a temporary rise in metabolic rate, further straining its ability to retain weight.
According to a NASA source, the caloric intake required to maintain weight on the ISS is far higher than on Earth—around 3,500 to 4,000 calories daily—and falling behind can quickly lead to weight loss. In Williams’ case, the recommended intake to stabilize her weight might reach 5,000 calories per day. Back on Earth, the average woman typically requires 1,600 to 2,400 calories to maintain her weight, highlighting the unique challenges of space nutrition and health.
Photos from September and October have shown Williams’ visibly gaunt appearance, prompting concern from doctors like Dr. Vinay Gupta, a pulmonologist, who noted that her sunken cheeks and general thinness indicate total body weight loss.
Gupta pointed out that the human body, especially for women, faces particular challenges in microgravity; NASA’s 2014 study found that female astronauts experience greater loss of blood plasma volume and a different stress response compared to men, further complicating weight management in space.
NASA doctors have been working with Williams remotely to manage her condition, attempting to reverse her weight loss. Despite her appearance, they report that she remains “in good health.” The agency remains focused on supporting her and Wilmore’s health and nutrition needs as they adapt to the extended stay, working to stabilize her condition ahead of their February return.
Upon returning to Earth, astronauts typically undergo extensive medical evaluations to address any health concerns developed in space. Recent NASA missions have seen astronauts requiring hospitalization for precautionary checks post-mission.
Though NASA is not overly concerned about Williams’ condition affecting the mission timeline, the agency is watching closely, taking necessary precautions to ensure Williams and Wilmore remain healthy as they await the Crew Dragon journey home.
