Aromatase: Full fat cells vs depleted fat cells

[Bonaparte]

Short answer: yes.
More fat = more aromatase activity.
Don't make this more complicated than it has to be.

[Swifto]

Does a fat cell have to be activated ( full) in order to take part in aromatase?

In human adipose tissue aromatase activity is principally expressed in mesenchymal cells of undifferentiated preadipocyte phenotype. P450arom, a heme protein product of the CYP l9 gene, converts androstenedione to estrone.

Not just being "fat" determines aromotase activity.

The distribution of adipose tissue will also determine the amount of aromotase expression. Aromatase activity varies significantly by region, with greater expression in adipose tissue from buttocks and thighs compared to that from abdomen and breasts.

Adipose tissue-derived estrogens partition fat to subcutaneous and breast tissues, while androgens promote central or visceral fat accumulation.

Short answer: yes.
More fat = more aromatase activity.
Don't make this more complicated than it has to be.

Simply, yes.

But as you can see above, there are more variables than obvious.