According to researchers, astronauts lose decades' worth of bone mass in space that they don't recover after a year on Earth.
The lack of gravity in space can cause astronauts to lose up to 2% of their bone density per month.
The study scanned the wrists and ankles of 17 astronauts before and after they spent time on the International Space Station.
The amount of bone density lost by astronauts was equivalent to how much they would lose if they returned to Earth.
The researchers found that the shinbone density of nine of the astronauts had not fully recovered after a year on Earth.
The astronauts who went on the longest missions were the least likely to recover.
The more time you spend in space, the less bone you lose.
It's a big concern for future missions to Mars, which could see astronauts spending years in space.
Is it going to get worse over time? He didn't know.
We can either hit a steady state after a while or we can lose bone. I don't think we'd keep losing it until there's nothing left.
33 percent of astronauts will be at risk of osteoporosis over the course of three years on Mars, according to a 2020 modelling study.
Some answers could come from the research currently being done on astronauts who spent at least a year on the space station.
Guillemette Gauquelin-Koch said that the weightlessness experienced in space is the most drastic physical activity there is.
The doctor, who was not part of the study, said that even with two hours of sport a day, it's like you're stuck in bed.
It will be difficult for the crew to set foot on Mars.
A new study shows how spaceflight alters the structure of bones themselves.
If you thought of the Eiffel Tower's bones, you would think that some of the connecting metal rods were lost.
We don't actually create new rods when we come back to Earth.
The study found that certain exercises are better for bone mass retention.
It said that dead lifting was more effective than running or cycling.
The astronauts, who are mostly fit and in their 40s, did not notice the drastic bone loss that occurs on Earth.
Robert Thirsk, who has spent the most time in space, said that bones and muscles take the longest to recover.
He said that he felt comfortable as an Earthling after landing.
Agence France- Presse.
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