HOUSTON (Diya TV) — Indian American astronaut Sunita Williams has been under the scanner lately thanks to a photo that depicted her undergoing a significant weight loss. The picture of Williams, who spent a considerable amount of time in space, describes how long trips to space transform the way astronauts look. Williams’ transformation brings to the fore the harsh conditions and long-term effects of space travel on the human body.
Astronauts like Williams end up losing much weight due to the microgravity where the body processes food and fluids differently. Lack of gravity can also bring about muscle atrophy, reduction in bone density, and even alter their appetite while in space. For Williams, a well-designed diet should help ensure that she remains healthy while on her missions. She consumes a combination of freeze-dried, vacuum-sealed products, which can be rehydrated on orbit. This allows her to get the nutrients she needs to keep up with her job’s continuous physical demands.
Such a case provides insight into scientific knowledge of the effects that involvement in space exploration might bring to the human body, nutrition, and fitness in particular. Current research goes further in this area since it is indispensable for astronauts’ preparation for their longer missions on the Moon and Mars soon.
