Steve Jobs’ Weight Loss Due to Hormone Imbalance

In this composite photo, Apple CEO Steve Jobs is seen delivering keynote addresses on June 9, 2008 in San Francisco, California (L) and January 11, 2005 in San Francisco, California (R). Jobs announced today that he is battling a hormone imbalance that is (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Steve Jobs, founder and CEO of Apple Inc. said on Monday that his weight loss in recent months has been due to a hormone imbalance. He said that he would undergo “simple” treatment.

Jobs, who is 53 years old, is a rare survivor of pancreatic cancer. He has survived the fatal disease because the form of cancer contracted is a rare type.

The updates on his health were made through a public letter released on Monday.

Speculation on the state of Jobs’ health was rife after his public appearances in 2008 revealed a gaunt and unhealthy look. It intensified after he announced that he would make his annual appearance at the Macworld conference, which is slated to be his last.

The MacWorld is reported to cost Apple upwards of $25 million a year to put together, and it is believed that Apple is not able to recover costs for the event.

Apple stock rose 4 percent in trading on Monday after the public letter, as investors appeared relieved after Jobs ended speculation on his health.

Jobs also made it clear and only he would make the decision on the state of his health and capability to work. Jobs said, “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.”