Steve Jobs discloses 'hormone imbalance'
The health of Apple CEO Steve Jobs has been a topic of concern for some months now. On Monday, with the company's Macworld show getting under way, Apple and Jobs issued statements on Jobs' health. We'll be following this breaking story throughout the day.
In October, Steve Jobs briefly addressed his state of health onstage at an Apple event.
(Credit: James Martin/CNET News)
CUPERTINO, Calif. -- It is widely recognized both inside and outside of Apple that Steve Jobs is one of the most talented and effective CEOs in the world.As we have said before, 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.
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.
Here is a separate letter from Steve Jobs:
Dear Apple Community,For the first time in a decade, I'm getting to spend the holiday season with my family, rather than intensely preparing for a Macworld keynote.
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.
I've decided to share something very personal with the Apple community so that we can all relax and enjoy the show tomorrow.
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.
I have given more than my all to Apple for the past 11 years now. 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. I hope the Apple community will support me in my recovery and know that I will always put what is best for Apple first.
So now I've said more than I wanted to say, and all that I am going to say, about this.
Steve
See also:
• On eve of Macworld, Jobs talks health
• Now Apple's credibility really is in the balance
• Apple's last Macworld beginning of new era
Charles Cooper has covered technology and business for more than 25 years. Before joining CNET News, he worked at the Associated Press, Computer & Software News, Computer Shopper, PC Week, and ZDNet. E-mail Charlie. 
Of course, most people that I have known with a weight loss problem soon after died of cancer. I hope this is not the case.
This summer I, for one, will be delighted to see Mr. Jobs once again take the stage to announce a new Apple product. He will be stronger, more fit and as healthy as possible. The ghoulish bemoaning and whining by those more interested in the 'bottom line' is more than pathetic.
I'm not gay but I love Steve. I love him for his steely determination, his vision, his passion to build something close to perfect and I would like him to live forever. Get well mate and thanks.
You have wonderful products, and you have changed the world in the way we think and use technology.
Get well...and you should not have to explain your health. We only care that you get better. You are an inspiration to all of us. I hope that most people know your story. It is one that hopefully will used in History classes, about what it takes to make it in America. Get well...and thanks for all that you have done!
- by make_or_break January 6, 2009 8:04 AM PST
- Hormone imbalance? Nothing that a few (or a bunch of) testosterone injections won't cure, perhaps? Heckuvalot better than cancer reoccurring, that's fer dang sure.
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