NASA astronaut Sunita Williams returned to Earth on March 18, 2025, alongside Nick Hague, Barry “Butch” Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. NASA celebrated their safe landing, sharing cheerful photos and writing, “Home sweet home” and “Welcome home, Butch, Suni, Nick, & Aleksandr!” However, some netizens expressed concern about Williams’ appearance.
In photos, Williams was seen being supported by NASA staff. One commenter noted, “She looks jaundiced, hope her liver is ok,” while another observed, “Second picture, Sunita have IV sticking out of the sleeve.” Similar concerns were raised about Wilmore, with people pointing out visible IVs and weight loss.
Doctors explained the physical toll of extended space travel. Dr. Olalekan Otulana mentioned Williams’ “visibly thin wrists could indicate muscular atrophy.” Dr. John Jaquish explained, “Without gravity, you don’t digest food as well,” leading to weight and bone loss. Pulmonologist Dr. Vinay Gupta added, “Women tend to be impacted by these things more than men” due to lighter bones and hormonal changes.
Plastic surgeon Dr. David Shafer noted, “Space-friendly food… is not going to provide your body with optimal nutrition.” NASA staff assisting the astronauts suggested they were experiencing balance issues common after long missions in zero gravity.
