A lot of speculation was circulating about Steve Jobs’ health recently.  He had been losing a lot of weight, and Apple had announced that this will be the last time they hold a Macworld conference – many people have suggested that the two are related.

In a letter delivered January 5, 2009 to Apple customers, Jobs explained the cause of his recent weight loss, along with his decision to not deliver the Macworld keynote address this year:

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’ explanation seems to be going over well with investors.  Apple is trading up about $4.20/share, a 4.6% boost on the day, a solid gain considering the otherwise tepid mood of the market today.

Steve Jobs had previously been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004, although he underwent a procedure to have it successfully removed without chemotherapy.  Apple had previously explained Jobs’ recent health problems as him having a bacterial infection, and that he was undergoing antibiotic treatment to remedy the problem.

Read Steve Jobs’ full letter at apple.com.

Filed under: Apple