It can stabilize muscles and has a certain protective effect. According to different fabrics and cutting methods, it has a certain protective effect on fragile parts. As for why the shorts are still outside, I personally think it is because of the tight figure, the outline of the runner's lower body is very easy to see, and the shorts have played a role in shielding.
Compression pants, I think, in addition to reducing the swing of thigh meat, provide the most stable state. In order to reduce energy consumption, the biggest role is to wear them backwards. Fat people will know when they run. If they wear ordinary underwear, their crotch will be cold after 5 kilometers, because ordinary underwear has many seams, and after constant friction, plus sweat with high salt content, it is sour and cool. Who knows who will run!