Objective To explore the relationship between different diagnostic criteria (ATPIII2002, IDF2005 and CDS2007 criteria) for metabolic syndrome (MS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods A total of 666 elderly males admitted to West China Hospital for routine physical examination were involved in this study in May, 2010. The diagnostic agreement rates of different criteria were compared, along with the relationship between different diagnostic criteria for MS and NALFD. Results The diagnostic agreement of CDS2007 criteria with either IDF2005 or ATPIII2002 criteria was good. However, the agreement of ATPIII2002 with IDF2005 was compromised. The prevalence of NAFLD in MS group was significantly higher than that of non-MS group (Plt;0.01). On the basis of CDS2007 criteria, there was significant correlation between NAFLD and MS (Plt;0.000). Conclusion There is a close relation between NAFLD and all three diagnostic criteria of MS. NAFLD is one of the most important risk factors of MS. The diagnostic agreement of CDS2007 criteria with the other two is good, and there is significant correlation between NAFLD and criteria CDS2007 of MS. CDS2007 is found to be of high accuracy and applicability in the diagnosis of MS in Chinese population including the elderly.