ISS Update: Something unusual is happening with NASA astronauts stranded in space (photo).

Recently, some tabloids began spreading information that NASA astronaut Sunita Williams had significantly lost weight. Now, insiders claim that NASA doctors have started to closely monitor the health of astronaut Barry Wilmore, who has also reportedly lost a considerable amount of weight, according to Daily Mail.

Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore were crew members of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which transported them to the International Space Station (ISS) in early June. However, various malfunctions were identified with the spacecraft, leading NASA to conclude that it was unsafe to return Wilmore and Williams home on that vehicle.

As a result, instead of spending 10 days on the ISS, the two astronauts have now been there for 5 months and will return home only in February of next year aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon. As for the Starliner spacecraft, it returned to Earth autonomously without a crew in early September. Thus, Williams and Wilmore are stuck in orbit.

A NASA employee, speaking on the condition of anonymity, reported that Wilmore lost weight during his 160 days on the ISS. Although the weight loss, according to the insider, does not appear to be as significant as that of Williams, doctors are closely monitoring his health condition. It remains unclear how much weight he has lost throughout his time in space.

This statement from the insider emerged after Williams denied rumors that she had lost weight, which were circulated by tabloids, during her communication with mission control on November 12.

According to Williams, the rumors arose after photographs were published that seemed to show her having lost a lot of weight. Williams stated that, in reality, she has gained muscle mass, and her appearance is related to the fluid shifts in her body while in a microgravity environment. Williams mentioned that she weighs the same as she did at the launch to the ISS in June.

When a person is in microgravity for an extended period, blood and fluids in the body shift towards the upper part, which can sometimes lead to swelling and weight loss in the legs. However, astronauts engage in physical exercise, which ensures that the conditions of space do not significantly affect their health.

At the same time, it is not unusual for astronauts on the ISS to lose a small amount of weight. This primarily occurs due to a decrease in muscle mass and bone density.

Another source at NASA, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that the space agency is indeed concerned about the rumors regarding Williams' health.

The publication reached out for official comments from NASA but received a refusal to comment on the insider information. Instead, NASA stated that all their astronauts aboard the ISS undergo routine medical examinations and that their health is satisfactory.