The 1997 World Weightlifting Championships were held in Chiang Mai, Thailand from December 6 to December 14, 1997.

In the men's tournament there were a total number of 189 athletes (51 nations) competing, while there were 143 women in action from 29 nations.

Ranking by Big (Total result) medals Ranking by all medals: Big (Total result) and Small (Snatch and Clean & Jerk)

332 competitors from 58 nations competed.