Cupertino, Calif. - Hoping to deflect further questions about his health, Apple (NASD: AAPL) CEO Steve Jobs on Monday issued a statement addressing his continuing weight loss over the past several months. "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," wrote Jobs, adding that he has begun treating what he terms the "relatively simple" nutritional problem.

"My doctors expect it will take me until late this spring to regain [the weight]," he said.

Separately, Apple's board wrote, "Apple is very lucky to have Steve as its leader and CEO, and he deserves our complete and unwavering support during his recuperation."

The board added, "if there ever comes a day when Steve wants to retire or for other reasons cannot continue to fulfill his duties as Apple's CEO, you will know it."

Speculation of Jobs' deteriorating health was fueled last month when the company announced that he would not be delivering his traditional keynote address at the Macworld expo, which takes place this week in San Francisco.

Related Links:
http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2009/01/05sjletter.html

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2009/01/05bod.html