Apple Inc. founder Steve Jobs sought Monday to quell investor concerns about his health and ability to lead the company, saying his 2008 weight loss was due to a recently diagnosed hormone imbalance.
Jobs, who survived pancreatic cancer in 2004, posted a statement on Apple's Web site saying he is being treated for the problem and will continue as Apple's chief executive officer.
"The remedy for this nutritional problem is relatively simple and straightforward, and I've already begun treatment," Jobs said in a statement posted on Apple's Web site. "I will continue as Apple's CEO during my recovery."
Investors became concerned about Jobs' health last month when the company announced he would not give the keynote speech at a Macworld conference Tuesday in San Francisco. Speculation that Jobs was in poor health began in June when he appeared at an Apple event and had lost a significant amount of weight.
Jobs said the reason for his weight loss had been a mystery to him and his doctors until a few weeks ago. He said a battery of sophisticated tests revealed a hormone imbalance that had robbed his body of proteins and caused him to lose weight and muscle mass.
Jobs said his doctors expect it will be late spring before he regains weight, and he asked investors to bear with him.
"I will be the first one to step up and tell our board of directors if I can no longer continue to fulfill my duties as Apple's CEO," he said.
Apple's board released a statement expressing confidence in Jobs.
"Apple is very lucky to have Steve as its leader and CEO, and he deserves our complete and unwavering support during his recuperation. He most certainly has that from Apple and its board," the statement said.
Apple stock rose more than 4 percent after Jobs' statement was released.
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