Apple's Jobs acknowledges weight loss, remains CEO

New York: Steve Jobs, the chief executive of Apple Inc, said on Monday a hormone imbalance had caused him to lose weight but that he would continue as CEO during his recovery, sending its shares up 3.4 per cent.

The statement follows investor concern and rumours after Apple recently announced that Jobs, a cancer survivor, would not give the keynote speech at Macworld, which showcases Apple products, this week.

Jobs said in an open letter he had been losing weight throughout 2008 but his doctors have discovered the cause and he has begun treatment. His doctors expect it will take until late this spring to regain the weight, Jobs said.

Apple said in a separate statement that the CEO has its full support during his recuperation.

"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 said.

Shares are up 3.4 per cent to $93.80 in premarket trading.

Hormone imbalance

The letter from Steve Jobs on Monday explained he has a hormone imbalance and will continue as CEO during recovery.

Highlights:

-Steve Jobs says have been losing weight throughout 2008; reason has been a mystery to me and my doctors

- Says doctors think found reason for weight loss

- CEO Steve Jobs says doctors expect it will take him until late spring to regain weight and body mass

- Says doctors cite "hormone imbalance that has been 'robbing' me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy"

- Steve Jobs says remedy for nutritional problem is simple and straightforward, and he already begun treatment