In Model 2, weight gain ≥10 kg after age 20 (adjusted OR = 6.82, 95%CI: 4.81–9.65, P = 2.6×10−27), gender (adjusted OR = 3.12, 95%CI: 2.06–4.72, P = 6.9×10−8), dyslipidemia (adjusted OR = 2.14, 95%CI: 1.50–3.05, P = 2.1×10−5), PNPLA3 rs738409 (adjusted OR = 1.91, 95%CI: 1.26–2.88, P = 0.0019) and hypertension (adjusted OR = 1.71, 95%CI: 1.18–2.50, P = 0.0046) were independent predictors for NAFLD. Here, PNPLA3 is linked to metabolic syndrome.