Dialectic is a formal system of reasoning that arrives at the truth through the exchange of logical arguments. Dialectic is a process of examining an issue using very careful steps. A thesis, or argument, is offered, followed by the antithesis, or counterargument. The goal is to extract the best points from each of these to form a synthesis..
Other causes of unintentional weight loss include: 1  cancer. 2  hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland). 3  hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland). 4  abdominal infection. 5  gastroenteritis. 6  malnutrition. 7  dementia. 8  Celiac disease. 9  HIV/AIDS.
Cachexia causes weight loss and increased mortality. It affects more than 5 million persons in the United States. Other causes of weight loss include anorexia, sarcopenia, and dehydration. The pathophysiology of cachexia is reviewed in this article. The major cause appears to be cytokine excess. Other potential mediators include testosterone and insulin-like growth factor I deficiency, excess myostatin, and excess glucocorticoids.