NASA astronaut Suni Williams has directly addressed recent health rumors, assuring everyone she is in good health aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In a video interview, Williams responded to speculation from media outlets like The Daily Mail and The New York Post, which suggested her health was in decline based on recent photos.

“I’m the same weight that I was when I got up here,” Williams clarified, refuting claims that she appeared “gaunt” in the images. She explained that her physique has changed as a result of the demanding exercise routine astronauts follow to counteract the muscle and bone loss that can occur in microgravity. “My thighs are a little bit bigger, my butt is a little bit bigger,” she joked, crediting her daily workouts of cycling, treadmill running, and weightlifting for the change.

Williams, who arrived at the ISS with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore on June 6 aboard Boeing’s Starliner, initially expected a 10-day stay. Due to technical issues with Starliner, however, her mission has been extended, with their return now planned for February 2025 alongside SpaceX’s Crew-9 astronauts. Currently, she commands Expedition 72, overseeing a team of American and Russian crew members.

NASA has supported Williams’ remarks, affirming that all astronauts on the ISS are in good health. This incident underscores the challenges of prolonged space missions and the need for accurate reporting on astronaut welfare as mission lengths and complexities increase.