Sunita Williams denies rumours of losing weight

SUNITA WILLIAMS, who is currently stranded in space due to a snag in spacecraft, on Tuesday dispelled reports that she was sick and assured the public that she was in good health aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Williams, 59, along with Barry Wilmore, 61, had gone on a eight-day test mission to the ISS on June 5.

However, their Boeing-built Starliner spacecraft developed a series of malfunctions and the landing was rocky.

Now they need an alternative mode of transport to return and it will be possible only by February next year when SpaceX’s Crew Dragon returns from ISS.

Last week, New York Post had reported that she has lost weight and looks “gaunt” with sunken cheeks in photos shared recently by NASA.

The daily also reported quoting NASA sources that she’s now just "skin and bones.”

Williams told New England Sports Network that she has not suffered any weight loss, and it remains the same.

She said a change in her appearance was due to fluid shifts. According to NASA, while in space the fluid in the body of astronauts moves upward and this increases volume and pressure in their heads.

NASA has stressed that Williams and other astronauts at the ISS have been undergoing the necessary medical assessments and regimens to remain healthy. They undergo routine medical evaluations, and have dedicated flight surgeons monitoring them.

Williams said she and other astronauts have stayed in good health by engaging in various physical exercises. She admits her thighs are a bit bigger and she does a lot of squats to be in shape.

One of the major risks astronauts face is loss of bone density. Due to absence of gravity astronauts tend to lose roughly 1 per cent of their bone density for if they spend a month in space.