Steve Jobs Explains His Weight Loss as 'Hormone Imbalance'

After Steve Jobs pulled out of giving the keynote at this year’s Macworld, there was rampant speculation once again about his health. The shares took a hit as investors began to worry about whether Jobs would be able to remain at the helm of the company. Despite an obvious distaste for talking publicly about his health, Apple (AAPL) released a letter Monday from Jobs designed to dispel the rumors that his cancer has returned, but which reveals that a mysterious “hormone imbalance” has caused him to lose weight. It also admits that this health problem indeed was one of the reasons why Jobs won’t be giving the Macworld keynote. (Apple’s chief marketing officer Phil Schiller will be filling in for him instead).

Here is an excerpt from Jobs’ healthnote:

Unfortunately, my decision to have Phil deliver the Macworld keynote set off another flurry of rumors about my health, with some even publishing stories of me on my deathbed.

. . . As many of you know, I have been losing weight throughout 2008. The reason has been a mystery to me and my doctors. A few weeks ago, I decided that getting to the root cause of this and reversing it needed to become my #1 priority.

Fortunately, after further testing, my doctors think they have found the cause—a hormone imbalance that has been “robbing” me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy. Sophisticated blood tests have confirmed this diagnosis.

The remedy for this nutritional problem is relatively simple and straightforward, and I’ve already begun treatment. But, just like I didn’t lose this much weight and body mass in a week or a month, my doctors expect it will take me until late this Spring to regain it. I will continue as Apple’s CEO during my recovery.

Jobs stresses that if at any time in the future he cannot perform the duties of the CEO for health reasons or otherwise, he will inform Apple’s board. Let’s wish him a speedy recovery.

Original post

Comments

[JW.PhD:]

Enjoy your class-action lawsuit soon to be brought by Apple shareholders, Gizmodo...you definitely earned it.

Jesus Diaz is a hack of the first-order.

Jan 05 12:35 PM

[costello:]

" It also admits that this health problem indeed was one of the reasons why Jobs won’t be giving the Macworld keynote. (Apple’s chief marketing officer Phil Schiller will be filling in for him instead)."
Where did you find this?

Jan 05 12:40 PM

[iNeal:]

This article tries to downplay Jobs' statement. He did not "admit" he is missing MacWorld because of his health. And the use of the word "mysterious" was meant to sound skeptical. Just give up on this, Erick. The shorts are toast.

Jan 05 12:58 PM

[WhatsTheSto...:]

With hormone imbalances you get man boobs. Jobs is an uber man and unfortunately as with the options backdating, his departure would be detrimental to the health of Apple.

Jan 05 02:01 PM

[Aapprehensive:]

As a physician, "hormonal imbalance" means nothing to me. This is incredibly vague. If it wasn't a serious problem, then he would have revealed the names of the diagnosis and the treatment. It sounds like he is being evasive.

Jan 05 03:02 PM

[2bitRick:]

Steve has a rock solid team behind him anyone of who could take over at a moments notice. So what is the problem?
To paraphrase "let he who has never had a medical problem cast the first comment", Steve is human just like you and me, let go of it already.
Apple Corp. is one of the best run and most profitable, innovative companies going and it is incredibly undervalued.

What usually passes for analyst's research and comment on this site is pure crap except for one or two notable exceptions.

Sorry Erick you are definitely NOT one of the notable exceptions and you just proved it again.

Jan 05 03:08 PM

[iNeal:]

" As a physician, "hormonal imbalance" means nothing to me. " --- Fair enough. But, as a shareholder, a written guarantee on the Apple website means a lot to me. Jobs is now on record saying he will be well by spring and will continue as CEO. To lie about this would do more long-term damage than to admit he is stepping down. It doesn't seem logical to doubt his statement.

Jan 05 03:34 PM

[reinharden:]

On Jan 05 03:02 PM Aapprehensive wrote:
> As a physician, "hormonal imbalance" means nothing to me. This is
> incredibly vague. If it wasn't a serious problem, then he would have
> revealed the names of the diagnosis and the treatment. It sounds
> like he is being evasive.

Which part of "private" don't you understand?

The only two people who should know the name of the diagnosis are Steve Jobs and his physician.

reinharden

Jan 05 08:51 PM

[mollytjm:]

for heaven sake! Wal-mart survived the demise of sam...disney survived the demise of Walt. personally, i thank Jobs for making Apple such a wonderful, value company!! I hope he remains on the planet for a long time. but no one lasts forever and i'd never invest in the stock of a company with bad business practices (and there A LOT), no matter how charismatic or 'cool' the CEO is. Apple has no debt, is cash rich, is technologically smart and determined and there are plenty of brilliant, savvy people who will take the company into the future.
Long APPL

Jan 06 11:55 AM

[John Mayer:]

This is very fantastic post. This article tries to downplay Jobs' statement. He did not "admit" he is missing MacWorld because of his health. its help to all..thanks

Feb 03 07:44 AM